Page 50 of The Dreidl Disaster

Jacob nodded, looked at him; he’d known Jacob long enough to realize that this was an inspection. An ‘are you okay, is there something I can see that’s wrong?’ But a moment later, he smiled. “Good. Glad you’re settling back in.”

“I know…” Liv managed, trying to figure out what was going on.

“Excuse me,” Jacob interrupted, putting his hand out to Liv, clearly having decided to take control of the situation instead of letting small bits of information trickle out. “Jacob Horowitz-Margareten. New part-time Briarwood resident, boss of the best project manager ever and partner on the local mentorship program.”

“Nice to officially meet you,” she said, taking his hand.

He let the hand go before sitting down and looking up at Asher. “So what are we looking at here?”

Asher passed Jacob the event schedule. “I like this,” he said. “What were you thinking of; a pre-party of some sort? Fundraiser while everybody is paying attention to the joy of Hanukkah?”

“That sounds good,” Asher said.

“It’s a way to involve the community more,” Liv said. “I’m in favor of it.”

“Maybe using the model of the dreidl project, and with a few local artisans designing and auctioning off dreidls?” Jacob added. “Proceeds going to whoever we want?”

“Artisans? We don’t have that kind of time,” Liv said. “Designing dreidls could be time-consuming.”

Artur shook his head. “Your cousin’s boyfriend the sofer and his group of friends might be convinced to put their Pictionary pencils down.”

Liv snorted; thankfully she wasn’t the only one. “You’re right. And if we spin this as an event for the community, for the mentorship program, centered around local product Samuel Levine and his hand-picked creatives, it might be something.”

“As long as you don’t mention the fact that Isaac is responsible for the famous Hollowville Menorah,” Jacob said.

Now it was his turn to snicker. “Yep.”

“And that’s the event done. We can schedule either before or after the Multi Day Event Cycle or installation, or whatever you’re calling it, starts. Keep me posted on who says yes and who says no. Now the small party.” Jacob turned to Liv. “You’re going to come and talk to the mentees before this big event?”

Liv nodded. “That’s the plan.” And then she turned to Artur. “Do you want to come with?”

Artur nodded. “Sounds like a good idea.”

“Good answer.”

Of course it was. Because he couldn’t think of anything else. “Let me know the day you’re going, and I’ll go with you.”

“Good,” Jacob said. “Asher, we have business. Artur, I’ll text you poker details. Mayor, it was a pleasure.”

And as quickly as they came in, they headed out. Artur knew there were going to be questions, and all he had to do was prepare to answer them.

*

Liv left theoffice having gone through the most fascinating, and strange, meeting of her life. “I don’t know if that was a good thing or a bad one,” she said as she headed into the street.

Artur didn’t seem very perturbed by anything, whether it was his job or demeanor. Knowing him at this point, it could possibly mean both.

“I think it was productive,” Artur replied. “We got support from the JHPA, which is important, and the mentorship program has that event, which I’m thinking is the kickoff event for the…” he paused, and she watched his hands move, elegant fingers grabbing words out of the air “…whatever you’re calling this.”

“And you got dragged into two events that you neither knew were coming nor planned?”

He laughed, as if her insinuation was that predictable. “One I expected and of course I’m going to the mentorship program. And the other? The poker? If it comes to fruition, it’s just…” he paused again, and she wondered what he was going to say “…Jacob’s version of claiming me in front of Asher, and supporting you in the process.”

“And he’s…Judith’s boss,” Liv managed, “which is…wow.”

Artur’s eyes were twinkling now. “Man’s a hurricane if you’re not prepared.”

Liv wasn’t, but she wasn’t going to tell him that. “Is there anybody he doesn’t like?”

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