Page 66 of The Dreidl Disaster

Except this time it left a nasty taste at the roof of his mouth that not even sour cream could clear. It found its way to his stomach, toward town hall when he’d ended the call. He and Liv had made plans to meet after the day ended, ostensibly to try out some of the special knishes Jason had persuaded his brother to make.

Instead, she wanted to try out the new ice rink. Skates were easy to find, and after they’d taken a turn, they sat on one of the benches with a bunch of knishes in hand.

But he was too distracted to really taste anything, too in his head about how to explain his life and his choices. He could feel the tips of her fingers following the space of his cheekbones through her gloves, and when he turned toward her, the expression on her face meant there was something she was about to say. “What?”

“In moments when I let myself dream,” she said, “I think this may end up okay. You know?”

“What?” he asked. “What do you mean bythis?”

“The term, the celebration, the…legacy that this event’ll leave behind when I’m no longer involved in politics here in town.”

And if nothing else, this was the moment when he understood, when he realized why everything was so important. The event, the cycle, whatever they were calling this, was going to be the last gift she gave to her hometown before she went off to do greater things.

“I will do my best,” he said, his words a solemn vow. “No matter what it may seem like, to ensure this happens perfectly. You deserve more than this.”

“I have everything I want right now,” she said.

And when she kissed him, under the lights of the rink, not knowing or caring who was watching, he knew he was sunk.

He knew he was lost.

And he’d get her whatever information she needed, no matter the cost.

Chapter Twenty-One

After the phonecall from her new caucus leader at the county legislature, things really started to kick into high gear for Liv. But at the same time, she was absolutely and fully aware that she wasn’t alone. It was as if the moment under the lights at the rink had solidified…whatever was growing between her and Artur.

Instead of having a night in, Liv was supposed to meet Artur at the rather large residence that belonged to Jacob Horowitz-Margareten and his wife. It was a poker game, combined with a planning meeting for the mentorship party that would serve as a kickoff to the event cycle.

It was a good night; Judith was on her best behavior, in her perfect planner self, though there were a few looks in her direction. Samuel was in organizer mode, having taken to the dreidl auction as quickly and as easily as a duck to water. Even Jennifer Cohen was chatting along with Sarah, the Hanukkah planner, and everybody else who’d arrived.

“He’s nice,” Judith said with a grin before heading back to talk to her boss.

“You fit,” Leah said before heading back to consult with Asher, having let Samuel talk to the committee about the dreidls on his own.

Of course, Liv found herself flitting back and forth between conversations; planning and organizing which items would be put up for auction.

“You fit really well,” said a voice she hadn’t heard before.

Liv turned to meet the expression of Anna Horowitz-Margareten. “Anna Cohen,” she said with a smile, holding out her hand. “I use my maiden name professionally.”

Of course she did. But all the same, Liv smiled.

“I like the atmosphere you’ve created,” Anna continued. “Both in terms of the group and in terms of the event. I will tell you that some of Artur’s other friends are going to be jealous you’re here tonight.”

Which was not what she’d expected to hear, and so she let her surprise come through. “What?”

Anna smiled. “Your family is important to you, and I think your cousins are noticing the way you’re acting.”

Liv smiled back. “They are,” she replied.

“But anyway,” Anna continued, “with someone like Artur, who holds his cards close to the vest, his friends are family. And as you become a larger part of his life, your family and his friends will want to see more of you.”

“And so they’ll be asking to see me?”

“Exactly.” Anna continued, “But I will say that I’m kinda glad I got you here first.”

And at that point, Liv couldn’t help but laugh, before following her hostess back to the center of the party, where Artur stood waiting.

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