{"id":33678,"date":"2023-03-02T16:14:04","date_gmt":"2023-03-02T22:14:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=33678"},"modified":"2023-03-02T16:14:04","modified_gmt":"2023-03-02T22:14:04","slug":"chapter-23-the-conference-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2023\/03\/02\/chapter-23-the-conference-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 23: The Conference (Part 1)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cHurry up!\u201d Thomas called impatiently, as Tabby had once again fallen behind, having been distracted by some local flora in a planter on the side of the street. \u201cWe’ve already completely missed the technology workshop, and now we\u2019ll be lucky to even catch the opening ceremony!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOMG, just chill!\u201d said Tabby, exasperated, as she gave up studying the foliage and scurried to catch up. \u201cYou’ve been very mean to me this whole trip,\u201d she stated crossly, falling into step behind him. \u201cIf I’d known you were such a bad traveler, I <\/span>never<\/span><\/i> would have agreed to come to this conference.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>I’m<\/span><\/i> the bad traveler?\u201d Thomas echoed, looking back at her incredulously. \u201c<\/span>You’re<\/span><\/i> the one that got called out by security and detained at the immigration counter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I’m not dwelling on the past or anything,\u201d Tabby said in a self-righteous manner, \u201cbut at least <\/span>I’m<\/span><\/i> not the one who got us stuck talking to those travel agents <\/span>immediately<\/span><\/i> after the stewardess warned us to avoid them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe I could actually focus if I didn’t have to constantly listen to that squeaky wheel on your suitcase,\u201d Thomas snapped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow you\u2019re just being petty,\u201d Tabby said loftily.<\/span><\/p>\n

Little more was said between them, allowing tempers to cool; and the two unicorns arrived at the <\/span>Centro congressi di Vulcanopolis<\/span><\/i>, a modern building of flowing lines. They made their way inside and stopped at the registration table to claim their name badges. As they were finishing that task, a pale peach mare with curling red hair approached them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabitha? Is that you?\u201d the mare asked, smiling in a forced manner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh… hi, Gwen,\u201d Tabby greeted her mother\u2019s assistant without any great emotion. Gwen reached out her foreleg, and the two mares exchanged a somewhat awkward hug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Dr. Fairfax,\u201d Gwen said coolly, turning to Tabby\u2019s companion. They were having some sort of feud, Tabby recalled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Gwen,\u201d said Thomas, looking abashed. \u201cHow have you been?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ignoring the question, Gwen returned to Tabby. \u201cYour mother will be thrilled to see you,\u201d she said. \u201cShe didn\u2019t mention it\u2026 does she know you\u2019re here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Tabby admitted. \u201cIt\u2019s\u2026 a surprise.\u201d She was hoping to stay off her mother\u2019s radar for as long as possible; time spent with her tended to turn disastrous. \u201cSo\u2026\u201d She glanced around, distracted by all the flashy banners and signs taking up space in the hall. \u201cI guess with Macrohard sponsorship, there\u2019s no shortage of budget,\u201d she said disparagingly, speaking of the computer conglomerate. Tabby had actually once met the CEO, Guido Casale, at a party given by her mother, and did not recall being impressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuido has been very accommodating of supporting all the society\u2019s events,\u201d Gwen agreed. She glanced down at her phone. \u201cThose trainees,\u201d she muttered, shaking her head. \u201cI have to go. I\u2019ll see you at the reception, okay?\u201d She looked at Tabby expectantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, yep, sure. See ya,\u201d Tabby said, and Gwen hurried off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGwen\u2019s worked for your mother awhile, hasn\u2019t she?\u201d Thomas asked as they made their way into the auditorium.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince I was twelve,\u201d Tabby said flatly. \u201cI spent about as much time with her as I did with Mom.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA second mother?\u201d Thomas asked with a sideways glance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing so warm and fuzzy,\u201d Tabby said as they found seats in the crowded room. \u201cShe didn\u2019t know how to deal with me, either.\u201d She noted the Macrohard logo displayed on the screen at the front of the room, the Veterinary Medicine Society logo stuck inconspicuously in the corner. \u201cThis whole conference is just going to be one big sales pitch for this Macrohard clinic management software,\u201d she changed the subject. \u201cI don\u2019t know what professional development you\u2019re hoping to soak up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are a number of edifying talks,\u201d Thomas insisted as the lights dimmed, and talking diminished to a low hum.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease welcome, Fernando Genovesi, chief operations officer of Macrohard!\u201d boomed a disembodied voice, and the stage was cast in light. Out onto the stage jumped an energetic stallion, pumping his hooves and bouncing erratically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWHOOOO! Come on!\u201d he shouted at the crowd. \u201cLet\u2019s get this conference started!\u201d He continued skipping around the stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs he supposed to be doing that?\u201d Tabby asked Thomas in a hushed voice. \u201cI think he\u2019s having a seizure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSsh!\u201d said Thomas, seemingly unfazed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019s losing it,\u201d Tabby said, but bit her tongue and sank back in her seat. As the businesspony\u2019s wild gesticulations and cheers continued, she realized her cell phone was buzzing. She pulled it out to check. It was a message from Strawberry–she was on vacation since Tabby and Thomas were both away; but apparently, a client had tracked down the receptionist, needing some files transferred urgently to Dr. Martingale; and Strawberry was at her parents\u2019 without access to the necessary program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby could do the task easily enough from her laptop, if she cut out from this show–with a glance at what\u2019s-his-name\u2019s antics, it didn\u2019t look like she would miss much. Citing secretarial concerns to Thomas, she climbed over ponies in the row and went out to the lobby where she could politely teleport–non-unicorns tended to look down on spontaneous teleporting in the midst of social situations. And she <\/span>was<\/span><\/i> actually trying not to draw negative attention to Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Magic may have gotten Tabby to her hotel room easily enough, but mystical energies were no fix for the WiFi connection, which refused to work; so, in exasperation, she ended up using the public network in a cluster of tables near the skywalk to the adjacent conference center.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some minutes later, though, Tabby was still thoroughly annoyed. \u201cIt\u2019s just a simple export,\u201d she grumbled to herself, clacking buttons angrily. \u201cUgh, it shouldn\u2019t be this hard! Sure, go ahead and freeze again\u2026 this is so stupid!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She must have been speaking louder than she thought, because a yellow stallion with lime green hair chuckled from a nearby chair. \u201cYou should tell that to the guys that make it,\u201d he observed, standing and coming closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah, I\u2019m sure they\u2019d listen,\u201d Tabby said sarcastically, brow furrowed and more focused on berating her computer experience than making small talk with a stranger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou might be surprised,\u201d the stallion said, standing next to her at the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby looked at him through narrowed eyes. \u201cDo I know you?\u201d she asked, tilting her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe met last year at your mother\u2019s Midsummer Ball,\u201d the stallion said with an annoyingly smug smirk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026 oh. You\u2019re Guido,\u201d Tabby said, that piece of information falling into place. \u201cWe talked for, like, thirty seconds.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, so you remember,\u201d Guido said with a significant look.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flustered, Tabby looked away. \u201cMy mom was in full match-making mode,\u201d she muttered, turning back to her laptop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo that\u2019s why you didn\u2019t give me the time of day,\u201d Guido said, letting nothing disturb his equilibrium. \u201cBut perhaps, if you look at me without the lens of prejudice for your mother\u2019s plans, you might find something you like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I\u2019d like is for this file to finish exporting!\u201d Tabby snapped, turning the conversation from personal matters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guido was not put off, and instead just looked amused. \u201cYour computer is five years old,\u201d he pointed out, noting the model number. \u201cThe processor alone is three generations behind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby looked at him in exasperation. \u201cSo your software doesn\u2019t work without the newest computer?\u201d she asked pointedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy expanding financial horizons tell me that the business model is working,\u201d Guido stated matter-of-factly, pulling out a phone and typing a message. He turned back to Tabby and grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing lurking out here, anyway?\u201d Tabby asked. \u201cDon\u2019t you have rival businesses to ruthlessly crush into dust, or whatever big name CEOs do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Guido laughed. \u201cI pay other ponies to do those sorts of things for me,\u201d he said glibly. \u201cSometimes, just watching ponies is the best market research.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you even going to the talk?\u201d Tabby looked at him inquisitively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd waste time listening to that old windbag, Fernando?\u201d Guido scoffed. \u201cI hear him enough at staff meetings. I\u2019ll make an appearance at the reception, and that will suffice.\u201d A purple mare with aqua hair approached them, carrying a sleek black case. \u201cAh, thank you, Mira,\u201d said Guido as he took it from her and in turn hoofed it to Tabby. \u201cI think you\u2019ll find the user experience greatly increased on our latest model,\u201d he stated with authority.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby unzipped the case. \u201cIt\u2019s purple,\u201d she marveled, pulling out a glossy plum-colored laptop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s pre-loaded with all the latest,\u201d Guido said with aplomb. \u201cJust log in and see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby got to work and tuned out Guido as she exported the file and sent it on to Dr. Martingale\u2019s clinic. \u201cWell, it worked,\u201d she admitted, closing the laptop and tucking it back in the case, \u201cbut it\u2019s still a bit putzy.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDefine \u2018putzy\u2019,\u201d Guido requested, holding out his hoof and inviting her to walk with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby, somewhat annoyed with herself for being intrigued by him, acquiesced.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Drinks flowed readily at the post-talk reception, and hors d’oeuvres were readily at hoof. A band was playing a gentle background song while ponies congregated in the atrium.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c…and after the surgical fellowship, I took a position at Cedar Springs,\u201d chattered Deidre, a yellow mare with pink hair, who had been a classmate of Thomas in veterinary school. She had spotted him as they were filing out of the auditorium, and had planted herself securely at his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s great,\u201d Thomas said automatically, as his mind was more on Tabby and her whereabouts since rushing off on some errand immediately after the talk had started.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deidre craned her neck for a better look of someone across the room. \u201cWow, that\u2019s Guido Casale himself!\u201d she said, looking impressed. \u201cI was hoping he\u2019d be here. I wonder if that\u2019s his girlfriend? What a life she must have!\u201d The mare sighed longingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas followed Deidre\u2019s gaze and frowned. \u201cNo, that\u2019s my assistant,\u201d he said, perturbed at the sight of the familiar pink unicorn, who looked very chummy with the yellow stallion at her side. \u201cWhat does she think she\u2019s doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019d say she\u2019s off to a good start,\u201d Deidre observed. \u201cWe\u2019d better up our game.\u201d She downed her drink, put the empty glass down on a waiter\u2019s tray, and whisked Thomas off for socializing.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want to waste all your time with me,\u201d Tabby pointed out to her escort as they circled the room. \u201cAren\u2019t you supposed to be schmoozing?\u201d Guido, surrounded by the protective bubble of his security detail, was totally in control of the situation and provided Tabby with a safe haven, a buffer against the hustle and bustle all around them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am at the top of the food chain, and I make my own obligations,\u201d Guido said smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure my mother didn\u2019t put you up to this?\u201d Tabby asked with a sly look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother is a charming pony, but she doesn\u2019t dictate who I spend my time with,\u201d Guido said. \u201cYou\u2019re not swooning over me, and I find that refreshing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how to swoon,\u201d Tabby said, \u201cbut I didn\u2019t realize that was a selling point.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou, my dear, have more charm than you give yourself credit for,\u201d Guido said with a suave smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

As Thomas and Deidre came near Guido\u2019s protective circle, Thomas excused himself from Deidre. \u201cI need to check with Tabby on something,\u201d he said briefly, striding in her direction. Initially he was muscled out by the security detail, but he caught Tabby\u2019s glance, and she whispered to her companion\u2026 and just like that, Thomas was allowed into the inner sanctum.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabby, did you take care of that, uh, thing for Strawberry?\u201d Thomas asked, all the while looking askance at Guido.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah, that\u2019s taken care of,\u201d Tabby said with a wave of her hoof. \u201cIt\u2019s cool. So, uh, this is Guido. You know, CEO of Macrohard. I\u2019ve been giving him product feedback,\u201d she hastily explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019ll find yourself looking for a new assistant soon,\u201d Guido said in a matter-of-fact way, shaking Thomas’ hoof. \u201cI have a position on our clinical liaison team in mind for her. She has a refreshingly direct mindset.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I\u2019ve noticed,\u201d said Thomas, looking inquisitively at her. This wasn\u2019t her style, latching on to a slick stallion like this. She wouldn\u2019t meet his gaze.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m sure you want to get back to your colleagues, Doctor,\u201d Guido said, dismissing Thomas and steering Tabby away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you later,\u201d she called, turning her head to look back at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, sure,\u201d said Thomas, feeling baffled by her uncharacteristic behavior. \u201cI\u2019ll be seeing you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was he like?\u201d Deidre demanded as she drifted back to his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFull of himself,\u201d Thomas said, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s jealous,\u201d Guido said as they continued their walk around the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he is. I\u2019ve outranked him at schmoozing,\u201d Tabby said, feeling a bit smug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s more than that,\u201d Guido said with a knowing look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou <\/span>were<\/span><\/i> threatening to poach his assistant, and he doesn\u2019t want to train someone new,\u201d Tabby observed, refusing to acknowledge the personal innuendo.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou would be very difficult to replace,\u201d Guido agreed. As they navigated around a boisterous group, he asked. \u201cWould you like to go somewhere quieter?\u201d He must have seen some hesitation in her face, as he quickly added, \u201cMy intentions are honorable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m dating someone,\u201d Tabby blurted out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you can\u2019t associate with anyone else?\u201d said Guido, looking bemused. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk business, if that makes you feel less disloyal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026 I guess,\u201d said Tabby, allowing him to guide her out a side door.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

As the evening wore on, Thomas had the uncomfortable feeling that he was being watched. He caught an unfamiliar ecru stallion looking his way, and wondered about him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay?\u201d Deidre asked, looking at her companion curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat guy over there keeps looking at me,\u201d Thomas said, surreptitiously nodding in that direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deidre stole a peek. \u201cNo one I know,\u201d she said, shaking her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

The stallion in question appeared to notice their scrutiny, and made his way over to them. \u201cHello, I\u2019m Dr. Cracker,\u201d he introduced himself. \u201cI knew your mother,\u201d he added, looking at Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Really?\u201d Thomas brightened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve actually seen you before, but you wouldn\u2019t remember me,\u201d Dr. Cracker said with a smile. \u201cI was present at your delivery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re Graham,\u201d Thomas said, realization dawning. \u201cThe vet that delivered me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that was me,\u201d Dr. Cracker said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, do tell,\u201d Deidre broke-in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy mom was a volunteer at the animal shelter where Dr. Cracker worked,\u201d Thomas explained. \u201cShe was at work when she went into labor, and, well, Dr. Cracker was there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, how fun!\u201d said Deidre, clapping her hooves with foallike delight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was very sorry to hear about the cruise incident,\u201d Dr. Cracker said, a somber look on his face. \u201cMy condolences.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Thomas said, surprised. \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure if you knew.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was in the papers,\u201d Dr. Cracker acknowledged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever happened, they were in it together, and that\u2019s how they would have wanted it,\u201d Thomas reasoned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d Dr. Cracker agreed, lapsing into pensive silence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMom always spoke very highly of you,\u201d Thomas said, bridging the awkward silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe was a very special mare,\u201d Dr. Cracker murmured. \u201cWe\u2026 lost touch over time,\u201d he admitted. Clearing his throat, he asked, \u201cWhere do you live now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI opened my own clinic in Misty Hollow earlier this year,\u201d Thomas said, with no small amount of pride.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour own practice, at your age? Good for you,\u201d Dr. Cracker said, impressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMom said you\u2019d gone to Pinepetal,\u201d Thomas said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m still there,\u201d Dr. Cracker confirmed as two ponies joined them, a magenta mare and cyan stallion. \u201cMay I introduce you to my colleagues, Dr. Sugarplum and Dr. Clark.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hooves were shaken all around, and when Dr. Sugarplum pressed for details of Dr. Cracker and Thomas\u2019 connection, she was suitably impressed. \u201cOh, that\u2019s precious,\u201d she gushed upon hearing the story of the delivery.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe society newsletter would eat that up,\u201d Dr. Clark chimed-in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOoh, what a good idea,\u201d Dr. Sugarplum enthused. \u201cI just saw Becky. Becky!\u201d She waved across the room, and a green mare dashed over. \u201cBecky, here\u2019s a scoop for you\u2026\u201d She summarized the tale. \u201cIsn\u2019t that delightful?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat is so flippin\u2019 adorable I forgot to breathe,\u201d said Becky in a level-headed fashion. \u201cVet delivers future vet, it could go viral\u2026 let\u2019s get a picture. Pot Roast, over here!\u201d she hollered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A lanky gravy-colored stallion with a camera slung around his neck came running. \u201cYes, yes, I\u2019m here,\u201d he said breathlessly. \u201cLet\u2019s make it quick, because the mime show is about to start.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMimes, that must be Lila\u2019s addition,\u201d said Dr. Sugarplum with a roll of her eyes. \u201cThe Program Committee has some funny ideas about their involvement these days. Back when I was Program Chair\u2026\u201d She fell back with Dr. Clark and delved into a lengthy discourse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is more important than mimes!\u201d barked Becky. \u201cOver there, by the plants.\u201d Pot Roast looked a bit mopey, but complied. Thomas and Dr. Cracker were poked and prodded into position, the camera flashed, and the photo was taken care of in short order.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHope you didn\u2019t mind getting pulled into the spotlight like that,\u201d said Dr. Cracker apologetically to Thomas as the crowd around them thinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine,\u201d Thomas said with a wry smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Cracker was then called away by a former resident, and Thomas was again left with Deidre.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA very special mare, huh?\u201d Deidre said with a smirk, another drink in her hoof as they meandered off. \u201cJust when were Dr. Cracker and your mom acquainted?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you getting at?\u201d Thomas asked, frowning, though it was obvious enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just, they knew each other before you were born, and you\u2019re both veterinarians\u2026\u201d Deidre trailed off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s impossible,\u201d said Thomas sharply. \u201cMy mom would never\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t know her then,\u201d Deidre pointed out. \u201cYou\u2019re similar in coloration.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not having this conversation,\u201d Thomas snapped. He would not stand for this besmirching of his mother\u2019s character. He knew his parents, and they loved each other, and would never stray\u2026 But then Thomas thought of how his father had never seemed to understand him, had never really appreciated his ambitions, wanting him to pursue equine medicine instead of animals\u2026 what if there was a genetic component\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Finding that his nerves were rattled, Thomas took another drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby found herself whisked off to a rooftop restaurant, magically cleared of other patrons at a word from Guido\u2019s assistant to the maitre d. A waiter poured their drinks and then made himself unobtrusive as they studied the menu.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is much better, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Guido remarked conversationally.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can hear myself think again,\u201d Tabby agreed, leaning forward. \u201cSo another thing, I think the log-in screen–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a confession to make,\u201d Guido interrupted her. \u201cI didn\u2019t bring you here to talk solely about <\/span>my<\/span><\/i> business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026 okay,\u201d said Tabby with a slight frown, leaning back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother told me about your work with Dr. Tini\u2019kili\u2019knit\u2019nik,\u201d Guido said nonchalantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re well-informed,\u201d Tabby said with reluctant admiration. \u201cNot many ponies can pronounce his proper name.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope that gives me some bonus points in your esteem,\u201d Guido said with an easy smile. \u201cYour mentor is a significant figure in Sasquatch medicine, and very elusive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Tabby agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere were rumors that he even dabbled in using the Tlawma jewel,\u201d Guido said, looking at her from over his glass, \u201cbut I don\u2019t suppose you would know about that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe uses a number of talismans and charms,\u201d Tabby said guardedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t forget the Tlawma,\u201d Guido said, chuckling. \u201cNo, I wouldn\u2019t expect you to give up your master\u2019s secrets. I admire your loyalty. Consider me an aficionado of Sasquatch medicine. It has such a primal beauty, wouldn\u2019t you agree?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you mean to imply its charm is in folklore and not reality, then you are off the mark,\u201d said Tabby a bit coolly, drawing back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing of the sort,\u201d said Guido, unoffended. \u201cI think that equine medicine would benefit from adopting more ideas from the Sasquatch\u2026 but you understand, better than most, the rampant prejudice present in medical circles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s preposterous that a doctor of Tiny\u2019s caliber isn\u2019t allowed to practice,\u201d Tabby said, her eyes flashing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with you,\u201d said Guido. \u201cIn fact, Macrohard is backing legislation in Mestruna that might change things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Tabby said, eyes shining. \u201cTell me more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDeidre, you\u2019ve had enough,\u201d Thomas admonished, taking the glass from her hoof. His own head felt fuzzy, and Deidre had far outpaced him in alcohol consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n

The mare pouted. \u201cThat\u2019s no fun,\u201d she said, her words slurred.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s time to leave the party,\u201d Thomas said firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d\u00a0 Deidre asked, batting her lashes coquettishly. \u201cWhat do you have in mind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I just mean\u2026\u201d Thomas sighed. \u201cYou need to sleep this off. Where are you staying? I\u2019ll make sure you get there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo chivalrous,\u201d she said, stumbling on the word.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas walked her to the door of her room, not trusting her to navigate the elevator and hallway under her own power. He hoped she didn\u2019t misunderstand his intentions. With Thomas\u2019 help, she found her key card and opened the door. She stepped inside, and looked back at him flirtatiously. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to leave,\u201d she said, holding the door open.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Deidre,\u201d Thomas protested, backing up. \u201cIt\u2019s not appropriate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA leopard doesn\u2019t change his spots,\u201d Deidre scoffed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not like that any more,\u201d Thomas said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo one changes that much,\u201d Deidre said dismissively. \u201cWhat does a kiss matter, anyway?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up, Dee. I realized there was more to life than chasing the latest pretty face.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGrown up, huh? I know plenty older than us that don\u2019t subscribe to that belief,\u201d Deidre said, flipping her mane. \u201cIt\u2019s not like I\u2019m some random filly. We go way back. Come on, just a kiss, for old time\u2019s sake?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight, Deidre,\u201d Thomas said firmly, walking away.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI… I should really find my boss,\u201d Tabby said, some time later, after hearing her phone buzz again. \u201cHe\u2019s wondering where I am.\u201d She had glanced at some messages from Thomas, but had put off replying.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have any professional obligations at this time,\u201d Guido pointed out, refilling her champagne glass. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t own you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is getting late, though,\u201d Tabby said, pushing the glass away, \u201cand sessions start at eight in the morning, so\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo conscientious,\u201d said Guido, merely looking amused. \u201cVery well. At least let me see you to your lodging.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby neglected to remind him that she could teleport–perhaps stemming from a reluctance to part ways. He <\/span>was<\/span><\/i> remarkably well-informed. She would let him appease his sense of chivalry, she told herself, accepting his escort.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guido chatted easily about historical trivia and noteworthy sites in town, and the walk to the nearby hotel went quickly. \u201cClear your schedule for tomorrow afternoon,\u201d he instructed as they stepped off the elevator.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Tabby asked bluntly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor a tour of Vulcanopolis, of course!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean one of those busloads of tourists? Not really my thing,\u201d Tabby said with a cheeky grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing so gauche. You will be with me, naturally, and will see the city in a way only I can accommodate,\u201d Guido said, pompously to be sure, but Tabby was willing to humor him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rounding a corner in the hall, they were faced by an irate Thomas. \u201cWhere have you been?\u201d he demanded angrily, waiting in the hallway outside her door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor, I assure you, she has been in very good hooves,\u201d said Guido, as always, with a gleam of superiority in his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou weren\u2019t answering your phone,\u201d Thomas said with a sharp look at Tabby.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t aware that my role here was to shadow you every moment,\u201d Tabby said, drawing herself up imperiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not,\u201d Thomas said, softening. \u201cI just wanted to make sure you were okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs you can see, she\u2019s fine, so\u2026\u201d Guido nodded his head to the side, indicating that Thomas should go.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But Thomas stubbornly stood his ground. \u201cI do have some business to discuss with my assistant, so\u2026\u201d He looked at Tabby beseechingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine, Guido,\u201d Tabby said, positioning herself between them. \u201cI\u2019ll see you tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to it,\u201d Guido said, leaving her with a lingering kiss on her hoof.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Guido was out of sight, Tabby looked at Thomas expectantly. \u201cWell? What pressing business is there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh–Strawberry\u2019s good with that file?\u201d Thomas asked, shifting awkwardly on his hooves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I told you that was taken care of,\u201d Tabby said, looking perturbed. \u201cYou just wanted to get rid of Guido!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I wasn\u2019t going to leave you alone with him at your room!\u201d Thomas said indignantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow is that any different from you being here?\u201d Tabby snapped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s different, and you know it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think a mare and a stallion can\u2019t just talk?\u201d Tabby challenged. \u201cNot everything has to turn into a flirtation, despite what you think!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat–I don\u2019t–\u201d Thomas looked taken aback. He wasn\u2019t as sharp as he usually was, Tabby thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t go five minutes in public without a mare clinging to you. Don\u2019t deny it.\u201d Tabby opened her room door. \u201cSo, if that\u2019s all\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 actually\u2026\u201d Thomas hesitated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Tabby sighed, pausing in the doorway. \u201cYou obviously have a bee in your bonnet. That\u2019s an old Sasquatch expression; it means–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I get it,\u201d Thomas cut her off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then,\u201d Tabby said, leaning into the doorframe. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI met someone who knew my mom,\u201d Thomas said in a rush. \u201cWas <\/span>close<\/span><\/i> to her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby looked at him strangely. \u201cOkay\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t have thought anything of it. But then Deidre said–oh, it\u2019s not Deidre\u2019s fault; I would have gotten there myself,\u201d Thomas admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDeidre? Who\u2019s Deidre?\u201d Tabby asked, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone I, uh, went to school with.\u201d Thomas looked down; Tabby assumed there was more to the connection than that. An old flame, no doubt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Tabby said coolly, waiting for him to continue. Though, to his credit, that mare was no longer accompanying him; but he had<\/span> just<\/span><\/i> berated her for cavorting with a member of the opposite sex.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if he and my mom were more than friends?\u201d Thomas burst out, looking mortified.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, good grief. I’m really not a qualified pony to be having this conversation with,\u201d Tabby protested, putting a hoof out in front of her. \u201cTrust me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if I’m not really a Fairfax, but… but\u2026\u201d Thomas swallowed heavily. \u201cA Cracker?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don’t really strike me as a Cracker,\u201d Tabby said, eying him critically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut look at the facts,\u201d Thomas insisted. \u201cFairfax, it even means fair-haired, and my hair is brown.\u201d He looked horrified as the implications sank in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that doesn’t mean anything,\u201d said Tabby, brow creased in consternation. \u201cWhat color hair did your dad have?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBrown,\u201d Thomas admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen, there you go,\u201d Tabby said with some relief, thinking that would settle his uncertainties. She almost thought this had appeased him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Dr. Cracker has brown hair, too,\u201d Thomas argued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Tabby sighed. \u201cOf course he does.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe more of a burnt sienna,\u201d Thomas said, frowning thoughtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t prove anything!\u201d Tabby insisted. \u201cNo, I think you’ve had too much to drink and aren’t thinking straight. Go get some sleep!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Tabby,\u201d Thomas said, impulsively hugging her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cErrrmmm,\u201d said Tabby awkwardly, jarred by the sudden whirling emotions that his touch brought on. \u201cI don\u2019t think I did anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you at breakfast?\u201d Thomas asked, drawing back and looking a trifle embarrassed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Now go!\u201d She waved him off.<\/span><\/p>\n

She was the confidante he came running to when he needed someone to talk to, Tabby mused as she went about her preparations for bed. Any secret dream of more than that would just leave her open for disappointment. And what of this new player on the field, this dashing Italian stallion?<\/span><\/p>\n

But her last thoughts before drifting off to sleep were of Thomas, not Guido.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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