Page 4 of Quick on the Claw

“Tiffany, darling.” Henry Whitlock’s voice was smooth as aged whiskey with just a hint of disapproval. “I hope you’re not planning to spend the entire evening with the children. There are some people I’d like you to meet.”

Tiffany’s smile dimmed slightly as she turned to face her father. Henry Whitlock cut an imposing figure in his perfectly tailored tuxedo, his salt-and-pepper hair artfully styled to project an air of distinguished authority. He held out a flute of champagne which Tiffany accepted with a small sigh.

“Of course, Father. Lead the way.”

As Henry steered her through the crowd, Tiffany found herself falling into the well-practiced routine of small talk and polite laughter. She shook hands with banking executives, nodded along to discussions of market trends, and tried to ignore the growing sense of disconnect that threatened to overwhelm her.

“You know, Tiffany,” Henry said during a rare lull in introductions, “Johnson over there was just telling me about an opening in their junior executive program. It would be an excellent opportunity for you to get your foot in the door.”

Tiffany took a sip of champagne to hide her grimace. “Dad, we’ve talked about this. I’m happy teaching. I don’t want to work in finance.”

Henry’s smile never wavered, but his eyes hardened. “Sweetheart, teaching is a noble profession, but it’s time to think about your future. The family business isn’t going to run itself, and you have so much potential. Why waste it in a classroom when you could be making real change in the world?”

The words stung as they always did. Tiffany opened her mouth to argue, to defend her choices, but the fight drained out of her as quickly as it had come. What was the point? They’d had this conversation a hundred times, and it always ended the same way.

“I’ll think about it,” she murmured, knowing it was easier than starting another argument.

Henry nodded, satisfied for the moment, and turned to greet another acquaintance. Tiffany used the opportunity to slip away, making her way to the edge of the ballroom. She found herself staring out one of the floor-to-ceiling windows, the twinkling lights of the New York skyline a poor substitute for the stars hidden by the city’s glow.

Is this all there is? she wondered, a wave of melancholy washing over her. Endless galas, forced smiles, and a constant battle to justify her choices? She loved teaching; she truly did, but lately even that joy had been overshadowed by a growing sense of... stagnation.

Tiffany’s gaze drifted to her reflection in the window. The woman staring back at her was beautiful, polished, every inch the society darling she’d been raised to be. But behind the perfectly applied makeup and designer dress, she saw something else – a spark of restlessness, a yearning for... more. Adventure. Passion. Something to make her heart race and her soul sing.

“Well, well. You look like a woman in need of a strong drink and some good gossip.”

The voice, rich with humor and a hint of mischief, startled Tiffany out of her melancholy introspection. She turned to find herself face-to-face with a striking woman in what she guessed was her early fifties. Despite her age, there was nothing matronly about her. She exuded an aura of vibrant energy, her silver-white hair styled in a chic bob that perfectly complemented her shimmering gown.

“I’m sorry,” Tiffany said, shaking her head slightly. “Do I know you?”

The woman’s blue eyes twinkled with amusement. “Not yet, but I have a feeling we’re going to be great friends. Geraldine Wilder, but please, call me Gerri. I’m the one responsible for this little shindig.”

Tiffany’s eyes widened in recognition. “Oh! Of course, I’m so sorry. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Wilder. I’m?—”

“Tiffany Whitlock,” Gerri finished for her, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “English, History, and sometimes Drama, teacher at St. Jude’s Preparatory Academy, known for your innovative teaching methods and dedication to your students. And, if I’m not mistaken, the young woman my dear friend Sia hasn’t stopped talking about since our chance meeting at a coffee shop last week.”

Tiffany blinked, momentarily thrown off balance. “You know Sia? My cousin Sia?”

Gerri laughed, a warm, rich sound that immediately put Tiffany at ease. “Oh yes, we had quite the lovely chat. She’s quite the firecracker, that one. Told me all about your skydiving adventure in New Zealand. Sounded absolutely thrilling.”

Despite herself, Tiffany found a genuine smile spreading across her face. “It was pretty amazing,” she admitted. “Terrifying, but in the best possible way. Like every nerve in your body is awake for the first time.”

“Mmm,” Gerri hummed, her gaze sharp and assessing. “And how long has it been since you felt that way, my dear? That spark of true excitement?”

The question caught Tiffany off guard. She opened her mouth to protest, to insist that her life was perfectly fulfilling, thank you very much. But the words died on her lips as she met Gerri’s knowing gaze. There was something about this woman that invited honesty and made Tiffany want to lower her carefully constructed defenses.

“I... I’m not sure,” she admitted quietly. “Don’t get me wrong, I love teaching. My students mean the world to me. But lately, it’s all felt so... routine. Like I’m going through the motions, you know?”

Gerri nodded sympathetically. “And I couldn’t help but notice a bit of tension between you and your father earlier. Family expectations weighing heavily, perhaps?”

Tiffany let out a rueful laugh. “Is it that obvious? My father... he means well. I know he does. But he’s got this vision of what my life should be, and it’s so far from what I actually want. Or at least, I think it is. To be honest, I’m not even sure what I want anymore.”

“Ah, my dear,” Gerri said, her voice soft with understanding. “That’s the most dangerous place to be – stuck between what others expect of you and what your heart truly desires. But tell me, if you could do anything, go anywhere, what would it be? What does your soul yearn for when you let yourself dream?”

Tiffany closed her eyes, allowing herself to imagine for just a moment. “Adventure,” she whispered. “Something new, something exciting. A chance to make a real difference, to feel alive again. To find...” she trailed off, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

“Love?” Gerri supplied gently.

Tiffany’s eyes flew open, a denial on the tip of her tongue. But once again, the knowing look in Gerri’s eyes stopped her short. “Is that crazy?” she asked instead. “To want a love like in the movies? Something passionate and all-consuming?”

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