The Suite Adult Life

November (15.4)

Thanksgiving came and went. Unlike the previous year, Jackson reverted back to his grand gala style affair with people from all over his various social circles. The event space was high in one of the skyscrapers giving a panoramic view of Central Park where the red and orange leaves looked like burning embers with their warm glow. Bouquets of deep red roses, orange dahlias, and golden chrysanthemums burst from the centerpieces atop fine linen and crystal goblets.

Live music filtered over the guests, inviting the various couples and families to the open dance floor. The food was buffet style with a line of chefs to carve and present michelin star takes on traditional fare. Roasted turkey with cranberry compote, honey-glazed ham, truffle mashed potatoes and maple-glazed carrots, along with an assortment of artisanal bread and cheeses, and the most superb wine list.

Cody offered to be the photographer for the event but Jackson had let some of the press be in attendance. He knew the junior photog going around the event for their society page. "Welcome back!" The kid shook his hand vigorously. "You are so lucky. I'm so jealous."

"Don't be, they really aren't as fun as they seem. I'd rather be in your shoes." A waiter with amuse bouche size desserts walked by and he grabbed two off the plate handing one to his coworker. "Do you want a cocktail? I can flag someone down."

The young photog took the offered treat but waved off the drink. "Not this! I meant your new assignment. I would give anything to go to Tokyo."

Cody narrowed his eyes in confusion. He could easily play it off that the kid wasn't supposed to know. Tokyo would be his first assignment abroad after Palestine. But, there was a Times office in Tokyo so there wouldn't be a reason to send him there unless...

"Hey!" Bailey's voice broke through the din of the guests as she slid an arm around Cody's waist and he dropped a kiss to the top of her head. "I thought I'd find you over here. What are you two shutterbugs talking about?"

"We were just talking about-"

"How excited he is to be here. He's super jealous that we get to be guests." He threw the kid a warning look and thankfully he was quick on the uptake.

Bailey threw her thousand watt smile at him, "yeah! Jackson goes all out. Hey, your parents are looking for you. Can I steal you away?"

"Yes," Cody breathed a sigh of relief before giving the kid a wave as he let himself be whisked away.

~*~

The following Monday found Cody pacing his editor's office angrily. "You couldn't tell me yourself?" He demanded.

Carla followed him with her eyes. "You are so much like your brother," she mused as he shot her a murderous glare. "I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean for you to find out that way. I didn't know he could hear. I was going to tell you today."

He flopped back into one of the chairs in front of her desk like he'd done countless times before when they would just shoot the shit. "How long is the assignment?"

Her hands fidgeted against each other, trying to find the best way to break the news. Squaring her shoulders, she looked at him sympathetically. "It's permanent."

"No," Cody responded immediately. "No," he repeated when she didn't respond. "I'm not going. You can't make me go! Send Davidson!"

"Davidson. The just married, soon-to-be first time father, Davidson?" She raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

He shrugged, "okay... How about Jerome?" He was floundering.

Carla threw up her hands in exasperation. "Betsy Jerome? The fresh out of college photography assistant to the style editor?" She watched him sulk in response. "You love Japan. This isn't just a photojournalism assignment. You would be cultivating what the world sees coming out of all of Asia!" This was a major coup for him. All she had to do was say the word and she could have a line hundreds deep clamoring for this position.

"No!" He regained his pacing again. "You ground me for a year, I almost got blown up in Palestine, and now you want to send me to Japan... permanently?! What if I refuse?"

Carla dragged her tongue across her teeth, letting her face screw up in pain. "It's not really an offer you can refuse..."

He looked out at the bright late November sun. Missing its warmth, he crossed his arms over his body protectively. "How long do I have?" His voice came out small and timid like a child who had just been told that he was leaving all of his friends because his parents got a new job across the country.

Taking a deep breath, Carla said, "they wanted you before Christmas but I got them to agree to the middle of January."