Page 87 of Smoke and Glitter

I put a hand on the edge of the desk behind me. "What did she do?"

"She gave me a contact before she left. I thought that was all she did."

"Thought?"

"When I emailed the woman, she already knew who I was. Autumn had sent her pictures of some of the costumes I've made here and explained what I do with the dancers."

I picture Autumn doing that. Not mentioning it. Not taking credit. Just finding the right person and putting Marisol in front of her.

"When was this?"

"Before she left. She gave me the card when Lucia and I had lunch with her."

That week. I glance through the open door toward the bar. Autumn was packing for London. Finishing whatever she needed to finish at work. Saying goodbye to people. Somewhere inside all of that, she'd found Marisol a job that could survive a cancelled sitter. Marisol is watching me now.

"She never told me."

"No." Her voice is gentle without being careful. "She wouldn't."

I look down at the floor, the answer landing harder than I expect.

"Did you get it because of her?"

Marisol shakes her head. "She opened the door. I still had to walk through it."

"Good."

"I thought you'd say that."

"You should've gotten something like this years ago."

"You're aware you could make congratulations sound slightly more celebratory."

I look back at her. "I'm serious. You're good at this."

Her smile comes back, fuller this time. "I think I am."

"There you go."

She gets up, pulling her bag onto her shoulder.

"Marisol."

She turns.

"Congratulations."

"Thank you."

She leaves me standing there with the office door open. My eyes go to the envelope. Autumn had already done this for Marisol before she left. She looked at what Marisol needed and found what fit. She did the same thing with Pilsen. Then she put the answer in my hand and asked me to let her help.

I told her she was interfering.

"Fuck."

Nobody hears me over the music. I go back to the desk, but I don't reopen the spreadsheet.

Later, when I come out to work the bar, I pick up the envelope.