Page 11 of Quick on the Claw

The world seemed to tilt on its axis. Tiffany sank back onto the couch, her mind reeling. “But... how? I have more experience, better evaluations. I’ve been leading the curriculum development team.”

“Yeah, well,” Jake’s voice was bitter. “Turns out sleeping with the principal’s son trumps actual qualifications. Everyone knows it’s complete bullshit, Tiff. You were the clear choice.”

Tiffany barely heard the rest of Jake’s sympathetic words. A roaring filled her ears, drowning out everything except the overwhelming sense of betrayal and injustice. She mumbled something about needing time to process and ended the call, letting the phone slip from her numb fingers.

It was too much. The argument with her father, and now this. Everything she had worked for, all the late nights and extra hours, the passion she poured into her lessons and her students – none of it mattered in the face of office politics and favoritism.

For a long time, Tiffany sat in stunned silence, staring unseeing at the wall across from her. The tears had dried up, replaced by a hollow ache in her chest. Was this all there was? An endless cycle of disappointment and compromise?

Tiffany stared at her phone, a hysterical laugh bubbling up in her throat. “Well, isn’t that just the cherry on top of this crap sundae of a day?” she muttered to herself. “Maybe I should have taken up pole dancing instead of getting that master’s degree. Apparently, it’s a more effective career strategy.”

She glanced at Fernie, her loyal plant companion. “What do you think, Fernie? Should I start practicing my moves on you? You’d make a great pole, all tall and... planty.”

Her gaze drifted to the business card sitting on her coffee table. Geraldine Wilder, Matchmaker Extraordinaire. Tiffany picked it up, running her thumb over the embossed lettering. Gerri’s words from the gala echoed in her mind:

“A whole new world to explore, filled with wonders you’ve never imagined. A chance to teach and learn in equal measure, to make a real difference in shaping the relationship between two worlds.”

It had seemed so fantastical then, like a dream or a fairy tale. But now, sitting in her small apartment with the remnants of her carefully constructed life crumbling around her, that dream beckoned like a lifeline.

Before she could second-guess herself, Tiffany grabbed her phone and dialed Gerri’s number. It rang once, twice, and then?—

“Tiffany, darling!” Gerri’s warm voice filled the line. “I was hoping you’d call. Have you given any more thought to our little chat?”

Tiffany took a deep breath. “I have, actually. I... I think I’d like to take you up on that offer. If it’s still open, that is.”

There was a pause, and Tiffany could almost hear the smile in Gerri’s voice when she replied. “Oh, my dear. It’s always been open. I had a feeling you might be ready for a grand adventure.”

A laugh bubbled up in Tiffany’s throat, half hysterical and half relieved. “I think I am. I need to get away, Gerri. Far away. And Nova Aurora... well, it certainly fits the bill.”

“That it does,” Gerri chuckled. “All right then, let’s get you sorted. First things first – what do you need to bring? Any loose ends to tie up here?”

Tiffany glanced around her apartment, her mind racing. “I... I’m not sure. What does one pack for an alien planet?”

Gerri’s laugh was warm and reassuring. “Don’t worry about that, dear. Nova Aurora has some of the most advanced technology in the galaxy. Most of what you’ll need will be provided. Just pack a few personal items, things that are important to you. As for your apartment, I can arrange for it to be looked after while you’re gone.”

“Really?” Tiffany blinked, surprised by Gerri’s efficiency. “That’s... thank you. What about my job? My family?”

“Ah, yes,” Gerri’s voice turned serious. “You’ll need to come up with a believable reason for your absence. Something that explains why you’ll be unreachable for a while. Perhaps a teaching exchange program in a remote area? Use your imagination, dear. And remember, this is your chance for a fresh start. Don’t let anyone hold you back.”

Tiffany nodded, even though Gerri couldn’t see her. “Okay. Okay, I can do that. When do we leave?”

“How does tomorrow evening sound? It’ll give you time to pack and say any necessary good-byes. I’ll send a car to pick you up.”

Tomorrow. The word sent a thrill of excitement and terror through Tiffany. “That’s... soon. But yes, I think that works. Oh! What about Sia? She wanted to come too, remember?”

“Already taken care of,” Gerri assured her. “I spoke with Sia earlier. She’s just as excited as you are. The car will pick her up after you.”

Tiffany let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “You really do think of everything, don’t you?”

“It’s my job, dear,” Gerri replied, a hint of pride in her voice. “Now, get some rest. You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow. And Tiffany?”

“Yes?”

“I have a feeling this is the start of something wonderful for you. Trust your instincts.”

As the call ended, Tiffany sat back, her head spinning with the suddenness of it all. In the span of a few hours, her entire life had been turned upside down. And yet, for the first time in years, she felt a surge of genuine excitement.

FIVE

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