A Tale of Two Carnies

39 - An Invitation

One Year Later

Shelly and I fell into the comfortable routine typical of two young lovers who couldn't get enough of each other. In time, her family warmed toward me and didn't seem to mind when Shelly started staying overnight in my trailer. She rationalized to her parents how it made for a much shorter drive to classes in the morning.

She was doing well with classes, and I had moved up into a team leader position at work.

With my mind constantly on Shelly, I stopped being concerned about Cozbi. We had no further communication. I did think about her from time to time but felt confident she had finally found her way. My pain over her betrayal faded, and I was now able to remember her fondly from happier times when she had been my little carnie princess.

The world had moved on. It seemed nobody cared anymore who had killed Marlin Cleveland. If he had been important, maybe things would've been different. He was a carnie, so I figured in the eyes of society he didn't count for much. I hadn't forgotten. Somewhere, a murderer roamed free.

While at work one day, I was more than surprised when I received a call from Cozbi. When I answered she said, "Jacey, I have wonderful news."

It wasn't what I expected her to lead with after silence for a year. My imagination conjured up the possibility of wonderful news being a marriage proposal by Marcus Tolliver.

"Hello, Cozbi, it's really nice to hear from you."

"I need you to reserve a spot on your calendar for me. It's been a long time, and you never came to visit, so I won't take no for an answer this time."

She spoke with such familiarity, it felt like we were picking up exactly where we left off. I remained guarded. "What's up?"

"I saved a lot of sketches from our time with the carnival and afterwards when you and I were together."

I didn't know how to respond and wondered where she was going with her statement.

Cozbi continued, "Besides working on Urban Urchin stuff, I've also been sketching in my free time, city street scenes, carriages in the park, views from atop the Empire State Building, you know what I mean?"

I didn't. "I think so."

She went on. "Anyway, word has gotten around about how I was able to supercharge the Urban Urchin franchise with my work. A gallery owner friend of Markie's asked to see my sketches. Jacey, he went absolutely gaga over them. He's prominent in the New York art scene, you know one of those heavy influencers you hear about."

I had no idea what she meant but didn't interrupt.

"He already sold some of my sketches to his patrons." She took a breath. "Jacey, these people are crazy. They're spending insane amounts of money buying my sketches. The whole art scene is abuzz. Everyone is clamoring to own an original Miraslova sketch."

My heart went out to her. Cozbi's dream job had launched her into stardom. I was genuinely happy for her. "That's awesome. I knew you would succeed!"

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. That's why I want, no, I need you to come to my gallery exhibit. It's in three months, the first Saturday in June. Please, don't say no. Please."

I supposed I owed her. I hadn't visited her since she moved out, and the date was far enough away it wouldn't conflict with anything. I didn't think Shelly would mind, because I planned on bringing her along. "Okay, I'll come. I can tell how important this is to you."

She squealed and sounded manic when she spoke. "Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't wait to see you. Don't worry about a thing, Jacey. I'll take care of all the arrangements. There's a hotel a block from the gallery. I'll reserve a room for you. I'll even buy your train ticket and take you out to dinner."