{"id":33680,"date":"2023-03-02T16:15:09","date_gmt":"2023-03-02T22:15:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=33680"},"modified":"2023-03-02T16:15:09","modified_gmt":"2023-03-02T22:15:09","slug":"chapter-24-the-conference-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2023\/03\/02\/chapter-24-the-conference-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 24: The Conference (Part 2)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The next morning, Tabby was in the cafeteria, puzzling over the unnatural sponge-like consistency of the scrambled eggs on her plate, when a yellow mare swooped in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou work with Dr. Fairfax,\u201d the mare chirped–entirely too perky for this early in the day, Tabby thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Tabby said guardedly, recognizing her as Thomas\u2019 companion last night at the reception.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Deidre,\u201d she introduced herself, setting her tray on the table and taking a seat. \u201cI went to school with him in New Pony. It\u2019s Tabby, right?\u201d She schooched closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Tabby again, not forthcoming with details.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Misty Hollow, huh?\u201d chatted Deidre, attacking her plate with gusto. \u201cWhat do they have out there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have the largest apple-themed town festival in the country,\u201d said Tabby without hesitation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Well, that\u2019s\u2026 something.\u201d Deidre was silent a moment before continuing. \u201cI was surprised he had gone so far afield,\u201d she went on. \u201cThere are plenty of opportunities in New Pony, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not the only place in the world,\u201d Tabby pointed out, twirling her fork in the fruit salad.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just, I always figured he\u2019d go on to a surgical fellowship like me,\u201d Deidre mused, \u201cand get a position at UNP or Blossomvale, rather than settling into general practice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong with that,\u201d Tabby said, bristling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I mean, it\u2019s fine; I just–\u201d Deidre\u2019s voice lowered conspiratorially. \u201c–well, talent like that shouldn\u2019t be wasted, know what I mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby had had some of these thoughts herself, but didn\u2019t appreciate this stranger pointing them out to her. \u201cHe\u2019s free to do what he wants,\u201d she said, even as she considered the subcurrent of meaning. \u201cWait–are we still talking about work, or–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a really good kisser,\u201d Deidre said, a bit wistfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby choked on a piece of melon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGood morning,\u201d Thomas said, approaching the table where the two mares sat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby glared at him, picked up her tray, and stalked off without a word.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas looked after her, bewildered. Had he offended her sensibilities last night? The memory was a bit fuzzy, and maybe he wouldn\u2019t ordinarily have dared to be so familiar, but he couldn\u2019t say he regretted the embrace\u2026 \u201cWhat did I do?\u201d he asked Deidre as he sat across from her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you know how it is, coffee hasn\u2019t kicked in yet,\u201d Deidre, who appeared none the worse for last night\u2019s excesses, said vaguely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe doesn\u2019t drink coffee,\u201d Thomas said, shaking his head. \u201cShe\u2019s addicted to caffeine pills. She won\u2019t admit it, but I\u2019ve found her secret stash, even though I\u2019ve told her\u2026\u201d He trailed off, realizing that this must be of little interest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know her pretty well,\u201d said Deidre in surprise. \u201cHey, I, uh, hope I didn\u2019t say anything untoward last night. About Dr. Cracker, and, um, well, it was the champagne talking.\u201d She had the grace to look abashed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Oh, no, it\u2019s fine,\u201d Thomas said distractedly, still wondering more about what bee Tabby had in <\/span>her<\/span><\/i> bonnet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd anything I might have said, uh, later.\u201d Deidre squirmed a little in her seat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t worry about it,\u201d Thomas assured her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeey,\u201d Deidre said, brightening, \u201cyou going to the party tonight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn’t think there was an event on the schedule tonight,\u201d Thomas said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it’s not an official conference event,\u201d Deidre explained, \u201cbut some of us are getting together at this Sempronio\u2019s place on the corner, and it’s going to be <\/span>lit<\/span><\/i>!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you should take it easy tonight,\u201d Thomas cautioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s nothing I can’t handle,\u201d Deidre assured him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, are you going to Dr. Conway\u2019s talk?\u201d Thomas asked, changing the subject.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf that\u2019s where you\u2019re going,\u201d Deidre said with a coy smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas smiled back uneasily, still not entirely convinced that she had the right idea about their friendship.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tabby slunk into a meeting room where only a few attendees were congregated, and took a seat in the back. She didn\u2019t know what talk she was in for, but she needed somewhere to collect her thoughts. Deidre\u2019s words had only brought a secret fear to the forefront of her mind–did Thomas find her so unkissable? He had never made a move, unless she counted the friendly hug from last night. Was she too socially awkward, too combative, not enough makeup? What was it? Tabby just didn\u2019t know enough about these things! What was the big deal about kissing, anyway? When Toby kissed her, it was simply\u2026 not something to wax poetic about. But all the fuss had to be about <\/span>something<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coming out of her thoughts, Tabby realized that what had been a quiet retreat had turned into a rather packed session. An ecru stallion with brown hair sat next to her. Their eyes met, and they exchanged an awkward smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Tabby looked down, her glance landed on his name badge. \u201cHey, you’re that Cracker guy,\u201d she blurted out without thinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuilty as charged,\u201d the stallion said, looking vaguely amused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThomas told me about you,\u201d Tabby explained in a flustered manner. \u201cI work with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I didn\u2019t think I was that noteworthy,\u201d Dr. Cracker said with a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby looked at him with some scrutiny, searching for any physical similarities and debating how much she dared to say about the topic.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs something wrong?\u201d Dr. Cracker asked after her continued inspection.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no!\u201d Tabby said hastily, but continued darting furtive glances at him. His mane was a bit more red, and body more tan, than Thomas\u2019. Not to mention the shape of the chin was all wrong. But perhaps some comparison could be made between their eyes, or maybe that was just the lighting\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m getting the impression,\u201d the stallion in question observed, eyes twinkling, \u201cthat there is <\/span>something<\/span><\/i> you’d like to say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI really shouldn’t get involved,\u201d Tabby said, looking resolutely away and grinding her hoof into the floor. \u201cIt’s none of my business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see,\u201d said Dr. Cracker, looking bemused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut–\u201d Tabby turned back to him, biting her lip.<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked at her expectantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just\u2026 well, he was very unsettled about your relationship with his mother,\u201d Tabby said in a rush, and felt herself blushing to the tips of her ears.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Cracker looked taken aback. \u201cOh, I certainly didn\u2019t intend to imply\u2026. Caprice would never\u2026\u201d he floundered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019ve got to talk to him and convince him of that,\u201d Tabby said in earnest, \u201cor he\u2019s going to fret, and expect to talk to <\/span>me<\/span><\/i> about it, and I don\u2019t think I can deal with that long-term.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see to it,\u201d Dr. Cracker agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not, um, you know\u2026 are you? Because I told him\u2026 but I really don\u2019t know anything,\u201d Tabby said disjointedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything is as it should be,\u201d Dr. Cracker said sagely.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After what was actually a fairly insightful presentation on canine perimyocarditis, Tabby scurried off before getting caught up in more awkward conversation with Dr. Cracker. But as she exited the room, a blue unicorn swooped her up in an embrace. \u201cTabitha, why didn’t you tell me you were coming!\u201d Agatha said chidingly, stepping back and giving her daughter an assessing look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hey, Mom,\u201d said Tabby, instantly on guard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a bit of an AV crisis last night which required my attention, and by the time I made it to the reception you were gone,\u201d Agatha chattered excitedly, steering Tabby out of the flow of hoof traffic. \u201cI hear Guido was <\/span>very<\/span><\/i> taken with you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Guido, yeah. We talked,\u201d said Tabby noncommittally.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI knew you would make a striking couple, even though you brushed off my efforts last year!\u201d Agatha prattled on. \u201cTell me, did he make plans for today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe said something about a tour of the city this afternoon,\u201d Tabby reluctantly admitted, loath to give too much information to her mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, how lovely!\u201d Agatha enthused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure Toby would be pleased that this is how I\u2019m spending my time,\u201d Tabby said with a pointed look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t be silly. You\u2019re authorized to have friends,\u201d Agatha said with an unconcerned wave of her hoof.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou literally just said we make a striking <\/span>couple<\/span><\/i>!\u201d Tabby said in consternation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes, of course. I\u2019m just saying you need to keep your options open, Tabitha!\u201d Agatha said with great wisdom. \u201cThere is a whole world of experiences out there, so much more than you have access to in that charming little corner you still call home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby frowned. \u201cI thought you liked Toby,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he\u2019s lovely, naturally. Very fine family,\u201d Agatha assured her. \u201cBut–are you really happy with him, my dear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby paused to consider. \u201cHe fits into my life,\u201d she said at length.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you should consider someone who <\/span>doesn\u2019t<\/span><\/i> fit into your life,\u201d Agatha suggested. \u201cExpand your horizons! How will you know Toby is right if you don\u2019t have alternatives to hold him up against?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you saying I should cheat on him?\u201d Tabby demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t quite put it in those terms,\u201d said Agatha complacently. \u201cBut couples do break up all the time. I\u2019m just saying, it happens, and you shouldn\u2019t feel guilty if you go that direction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d said Tabby, not sure how she felt about maternally-sanctioned stepping out on her boyfriend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnder the aegis of the Casales, you would have access to unprecedented prestige and wealth,\u201d Agatha continued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOMG, Mom! You are impossible!\u201d Tabby wailed, rolling her eyes heavenward.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thomas kept his eye out for Tabby throughout the morning, hoping to touch base with her, but their paths did not cross, which made him further fear that she was avoiding him on purpose. Finally, at lunchtime, he caught sight of her on the way out of the building. \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d he asked, a bit more harshly than intended.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI, uh, well\u2026 Guido\u2019s taking me out to lunch, and then we\u2019re going to the ruins of Vulcania,\u201d Tabby admitted, putting her hoof on the door handle. \u201cYou know, it was a settlement just up the coast, but it was wiped out by a volcanic eruption in 48 PE, and was just rediscovered thirty years ago!\u201d she said, her voice rising with excitement.<\/span><\/p>\n

She was charming with the light flush of anticipation across her face, but was it more for the sights or for her escort? \u201cIt\u2019s not exactly how I saw you using your time when I paid your conference registration,\u201d Thomas said with a pointed look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, they post all the talks online. I\u2019ll catch up!\u201d Tabby said breezily, pushing open the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, have fun on your date,\u201d Thomas said with a frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a date!\u201d Tabby said, bristling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine, fine, enjoy your totally platonic outing,\u201d Thomas conceded facetiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby threw him an exasperated look before dashing off to a sleek black limo parked in front of the building.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAh, Dr. Fairfax! How are you enjoying the conference?\u201d Agatha asked, cornering the veterinarian during a coffee break.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything is great,\u201d Thomas said cautiously, not exactly sure where he stood in the regard of Tabby\u2019s mother. \u201cVery, um, organized.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood, good,\u201d said Agatha, nodding and looking at him inquisitively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMoving the plenary lecture to the afternoon, that\u2019s a bold move,\u201d Thomas remarked, after racking his brain for a suitably safe topic.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d said Agatha, narrowing her eyes thoughtfully. \u201cBut, let\u2019s not mince words. I need you to answer a few questions for me about Tabitha.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that a conversation you should be having with her?\u201d Thomas asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, she never tells me anything,\u201d Agatha scoffed, waving her hoof dismissively. \u201cJust give me an idea of how things are between her and Dr. Collins.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas groaned inwardly–discussing his employee\u2019s love life was certainly not what he wanted to focus on. \u201cThey\u2019re\u2026 good,\u201d he said guardedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I need more than that!\u201d Agatha complained. \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ve observed more than that. How often do they go out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, dinner, twice, maybe three times a week?\u201d Thomas said, hoping to appease the mare with as little information as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d Agatha said, frowning. \u201cThat\u2019s a shame. I thought she would be losing interest by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat stake do you have in it?\u201d Thomas asked with a sharp look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, come now, I\u2019m her mother; I want what\u2019s best for her!\u201d Agatha defended herself. \u201cAnd Guido Casale, well, he is the top of his class. Any fool can see that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe she wants to make those determinations for herself,\u201d Thomas pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabitha has no head for these matters. She needs a mother\u2019s guidance,\u201d Agatha protested, looking offended.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe has more understanding than you give her credit for,\u201d Thomas said shortly before walking away.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After a tour by car of Vulcanopolis proper, Tabby spent an enchanted afternoon marveling at Vulcania, the city lost to time. Guido had procured a docent to guide their private tour, and the knowledgeable historian gave insightful commentary on the aqueducts, market square, amphitheater, and various residences. As the sun grew low in the sky, Guido dismissed the docent and beckoned to Tabby to follow him through a set of pillars leading into a sweeping hall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is what remains of the villa of Senator Aulus Fulcinius, a most influential political figure in the ancient world,\u201d Guido said, gesturing grandly at the crumbling walls with tantalizing remains of colorful mosaics. \u201cHis son, Aulus Caecius, was away on business at the time of the fateful eruption. He returned to rebuild in Vulcanopolis, and out of his line grew the Casale family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s amazing,\u201d Tabby said, though her attention was held more by the ruins than Guido\u2019s words. She was silent as she reveled in the beauty of the mosaics, depicting colorful ponies, fanciful creatures, and abundant flora.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the designs you see here have been copied for my own abode,\u201d Guido boasted. \u201cAnd I have in my possession certain notable artifacts, such as the Scepter of Adauctus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Scepter of Adauctus? You own it?\u201d Tabby asked, suitably impressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed. Long drained of magic energies, but perhaps you would still find it of interest,\u201d Guido said, coming to stand beside her. \u201cBut there will be time for that after dinner.\u201d So saying, he led her back to the limo to return to the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGreat party, huh!\u201d shouted Deidre over the din in the sleazy bar, bobbing her head to the beat of the song that was playing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas smiled wanly in reply. With no sign of Tabby as evening drew on, he had agreed to go with Deidre to the gathering. With the noise of raucous conversation mixed with blaring music, there was limited understanding of any communication. Had he really enjoyed this sort of thing in the past? That life seemed far distant now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs Tabby coming?\u201d Deidre shouted. \u201cYou invited her, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s not available,\u201d Thomas responded, keeping talk to a minimum. He thought back with concern to her last text–<\/span>having dinner with G, don\u2019t wait up. <\/span><\/i>Just how were they passing the time? And what business was it of his, anyhow?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Too bad!\u201d Deidre said, taking Thomas by the foreleg. \u201cDance with me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Having nothing better to do, Thomas let her lead him to the dance floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI hope everything has met with your approval,\u201d Guido said, refilling Tabby\u2019s wine glass and settling back into his seat with a lazy smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby squirmed a little. \u201cYes, Vulcania was really something,\u201d she said, ignoring the personal innuendo. \u201cMy father was a hippologist, and–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh yes, the intrepid Hubert Fershund,\u201d Guido interjected. \u201cHe published some breakthrough work on Skuspiosla. A pity that he was\u2026 lost.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe is missed,\u201d Tabby said simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTabby looked pretty tight with Mr. Casale last night,\u201d Deidre observed as she and Thomas walked back to the hotel later that night. \u201cHad they met before?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe has business connections to her mother,\u201d Thomas said vaguely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNice,\u201d said Deidre emphatically. \u201cHe has his own private jet, you know,\u201d she prattled on, \u201cand they say he bought his own personal island in the Crystal Sea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s still just a pony like any of us, not a god.\u201d Thomas frowned, preferring not to think about the business mogul\u2019s assets\u2026 particularly his easy access to transportation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, thanks for watching out for me,\u201d Deidre turned the topic, grasping his foreleg and smiling softly. \u201cMy presentation is at eight, and I need a sharp mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem,\u201d Thomas said with a smile in return, though he parted ways with her at the elevator this time, to avoid a repeat of last night\u2019s antics.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell? Am I going to have to tell Toby that you ran off and eloped?\u201d Thomas asked Tabby when he caught her between sessions the following morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous,\u201d Tabby snapped, pouring a glass of orange juice at the refreshment table. \u201cWe\u2026 we have common interests, that\u2019s all. Did you know that Macrohard is funding a study on Sasquatch treatments for cancer?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, so he <\/span>is<\/span><\/i> a true paragon of society,\u201d Thomas said with a sidelong glance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust because you don\u2019t hold Sasquatch knowledge in high esteem, doesn\u2019t mean there\u2019s nothing to be learned,\u201d Tabby said stiffly, and sipped her juice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right. I\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t mean to make light.\u201d Thomas sighed. \u201cI just–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd anyway,\u201d Tabby said with a censorious look, \u201cthe clinic is getting a free license of the management software, so you have no reason to be in a tiff with Guido.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFree license, huh? What does he expect in return?\u201d Thomas asked cynically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re impossible!\u201d Tabby threw her hooves up in the air and walked away.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the wake of her leaving, Thomas felt a little bad for twitting her. In Guido, she had someone who met her at her level. What did Thomas have to offer, other than conventional experience? How could he compete with a billionaire who worked in support of her interests? Not that this was a competition that he had any part in, Thomas reminded himself. He was just watching out for her\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

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

At first, Guido\u2019s attention had intrigued Tabby. He could make the rest of the world disappear–not in the romantic sense, but rather, in that he literally made ponies disappear from the immediate vicinity. He held her apart from society, writing his own rules, and that was a novelty. But as the third day of the conference wore on, Tabby began to find the attention disconcerting\u2026 not to mention the feeling of disloyalty. Though Guido maintained boundaries, and behaved as a gentlestallion, Tabby felt sure that this way of spending her time was not <\/span>quite<\/span><\/i> in line with how a mare in a relationship should act.<\/span><\/p>\n

The conference drew to a close that evening with a gala reception at the convention center. Tortellini and tiramisu were available in plentiful supply, and wine flowed readily. Ordinarily, Tabby had an endless propensity for pasta and dessert, but the wolfish looks Guido kept casting her way seemed to have robbed her of any appetite.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what do you think?\u201d Guido asked, having ushered her off to a relatively secluded balcony. \u201cBe on our clinical liaison team. Join our partner clinic here in Vulcanopolis. Your mother would be thrilled to have you close, and as for myself–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not the direction I saw my career going,\u201d Tabby cut him off, though she wasn\u2019t really clear, herself, on what direction she wanted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have much more lenient strictures here around magic healing,\u201d Guido pointed out. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t need to partake of an oppressive college experience in order to practice, which I know you\u2019re adverse to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know so much about me?\u201d Tabby demanded, feeling a little unnerved.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI make it my business to know things,\u201d Guido said with a cheeky grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not so incredibly knowledgeable as to be this important to recruit,\u201d Tabby pointed out bluntly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have hidden depths even you are unaware of,\u201d Guido said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some memory surfaced from the back of her mind, something similar Tiny had said to her once\u2026 \u201cTo put it another way,\u201d Tabby observed, \u201cthis isn\u2019t purely a business decision, is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou intrigue me, Tabby,\u201d Guido murmured, taking her hoof. \u201cI\u2019d like to keep you close at hoof.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a piece of property to own,\u201d Tabby said, stiffening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not,\u201d Guido said placatingly. \u201cYou\u2019re an intelligent, passionate mare, worthy of every respect\u2026 which I intend to pay. We could do amazing things together,\u201d he added, pulling her closer\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thomas was at the reception, but not enjoying it very much as he fumed over Guido\u2019s continued monopolization on Tabby\u2019s time. Deidre, at least, had relaxed her dependence on Thomas, and was currently focused on a different group of friends. Thomas noticed Dr. Cracker approaching him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been hoping to have the chance to speak to you one-on-one,\u201d the older veterinarian said when he was close. Thomas looked at him inquisitively. \u201cI\u2019m afraid some things I said could have been misconstrued,\u201d he admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas gave him a shrewd look. \u201cYou were in love with my mother,\u201d he said levely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Dr. Cracker said without prevarication. \u201cBut nothing untoward happened. Your mother’s honor is intact.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m happy to hear that,\u201d said Thomas stiffly, unsure of a suitable response.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou remind me of your father–we met a hoofful of times. You have the same spirit,\u201d Dr. Cracker continued, his gaze softening. \u201cHe looked at Caprice the way you look at your\u2026 <\/span>assistant<\/span><\/i>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas flushed. \u201cIt\u2019s not practical for any number of reasons,\u201d he said, not denying the implication. \u201cFor a long time, I was accustomed to treating the mares I worked with as commodities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Cracker nodded thoughtfully. \u201cAnd now you think you’re irredeemable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I’m so inured to it that I expect them to fall for me,\u201d Thomas said in a rush, \u201cand it’s all I can anticipate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr maybe,\u201d Dr. Cracker pointed out gently, \u201cyou just care for her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t want to use her,\u201d Thomas said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t think that you would,\u201d Dr. Cracker argued. \u201cI wasn’t so different from you. When I left New Pony, I was angry at not having Caprice. I dated, thinking it would distract me. All it did was make me resent the mares for not being Caprice, and that was a disservice to them.\u201d He lapsed into contemplative silence. \u201cMy story never had a chance to go in my favor,\u201d he stated at length. \u201cThe only reason I met her was by her coming to New Pony as a young bride. But I am still happy to have known her,\u201d he said softly, as if to himself. \u201cMy point is,\u201d he continued, collecting himself, \u201c<\/span>your<\/span><\/i> story is still open to every possibility. Don’t lose the opportunity while it exists.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s been awhile since I’ve had good counsel,\u201d Thomas said ruefully, his mind going to Wexford and how that stallion had sent him down a self-centered path.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I heard about the cruise, I thought about looking you and your sister up\u2026 not that there was anything I could have done,\u201d Dr. Cracker admitted with a sigh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was tough,\u201d Thomas admitted, \u201cbut Elaine and I made it through.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you’re ever in Pinepetal, look me up,\u201d Dr. Cracker said with a grin, clapping Thomas on the shoulder. \u201cBut I\u2019ve taken enough of your time. I think there\u2019s someone else you want to be with, enjoying the festivities.\u201d With a knowing look, he excused himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas sighed to himself. Though Dr. Cracker\u2019s assessment may be accurate, it hardly made Tabby available to him. He wandered away from the crowd, lost in his thoughts. Should he confess his feelings to her? What would she think? What would she <\/span>say<\/span><\/i>? Would it spoil the working relationship they had?<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas thought he was alone in the hallway he had found himself, but then he heard the hushed noise of conversation, and realized that there were ponies on a nearby balcony. He drew himself off to the side, planning to withdraw. But then he heard a raised voice–<\/span>Tabby\u2019s<\/span><\/i> voice: \u201cI don’t think I should let you do that, regardless of what my mother might tell me!\u201d she said shrilly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas rushed forward, finding Tabby extricating herself from Guido\u2019s embrace. Guido set her free, holding up his hooves in surrender, but also laughing. \u201cForgive me, I forgot myself,\u201d he said, clearly amused. \u201cPromise me you’ll keep my offer in mind\u2026 oh, hello, Doctor.\u201d He nodded curtly at Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs everything okay here?\u201d Thomas asked with a stormy look.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tellingly, Tabby hurried in Thomas\u2019 direction. \u201cYes, yes, it\u2019s fine!\u201d she insisted, her color heightened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re missing the party,\u201d Thomas pointed out, taking her hoof and frowning at Guido.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was just getting some air,\u201d Tabby said, not meeting his gaze.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI made her a generous offer,\u201d Guido interjected, \u201cbut she seems reluctant to leave her current employment. I can\u2019t say that I fully understand the draw.\u201d He looked sharply at Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 well, I\u2019m going to get some more tiramisu,\u201d a clearly flustered Tabby deftly changed the subject, scurrying off and leaving the two stallions glowering at each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what your game is,\u201d Thomas said, unconsciously clenching his hoof, \u201cbut leave her alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd who is there to stop me?\u201d Guido taunted. \u201cNot you, certainly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you do anything to her, I\u2019ll\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now, Doctor. No need to fret over conventions,\u201d Guido said lazily. \u201cI play for keeps, as the saying goes. But why don\u2019t you talk to her yourself, set your mind at ease. Everything is aboveboard.\u201d With a chuckle, he withdrew.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scowling, Thomas returned to the party in search of Tabby, but she was nowhere to be seen. This crowded, boisterous environment wasn\u2019t where she would be drawn, anyway. Thomas walked out onto the veranda that led to the beach, and sure enough, he found the pink unicorn perched on a rock overlooking the sea.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabby,\u201d he said simply, alerting her to his presence.<\/span><\/p>\n

She turned and sighed in resignation upon seeing him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is going on?\u201d Thomas asked quietly, picking his way across the rocks and sitting next to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just feel that everything has gotten out of control,\u201d Tabby admitted quietly, folding her forelegs tightly around herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

She was in over her head, and afraid. Thomas fought the overwhelming urge to embrace her, and kiss all her fears away. \u201cWell, we\u2019re flying back later tonight. Things will settle down,\u201d he said prosaically, managing to sound far more level-headed than he felt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if they don\u2019t?\u201d Tabby demanded. \u201cWhat if he doesn\u2019t let me go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t have any power over you,\u201d Thomas pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe knows things about me– what if–\u201d Tabby shook her head. \u201cI mean, he can make things happen\u2026\u201d she trailed off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Just what did the business mogul have on her? \u201cHe\u2019s not above the law,\u201d Thomas said staunchly. \u201cI–<\/span>we<\/span><\/i>–won\u2019t let anything happen to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby fell into pensive silence, but then seemed to rally her spirits. \u201cNot a word of this to Toby,\u201d she said, shaking her hoof sternly at Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs you wish,\u201d Thomas agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Guido was not in sight the rest of the evening, but Tabby didn\u2019t trust that he wasn\u2019t somehow watching her from afar. Still, she was with Thomas now, and that alone calmed her rattled nerves.<\/span><\/p>\n

So when she and Thomas arrived at the airport, Tabby was not entirely surprised to find Guido striding toward her. \u201cI hope you didn\u2019t think you would depart our fair city without a goodbye,\u201d he said with a wicked grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm,\u201d said Tabby, reluctant to have these words with him, but thinking that conversation in a public place would be safe enough. \u201cGo on, I\u2019ll catch up,\u201d she said, waving Thomas off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Thomas asked, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d Tabby insisted, feeling bolder as she stepped aside with Guido.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve dismissed your protector,\u201d Guido said, raising his brow. \u201cBut surely you know you have nothing to fear from me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have enjoyed your hospitality,\u201d Tabby said levely. \u201cBut my life is in Misty Hollow, and I don\u2019t want to unroot from there.\u201d She wished he would show some negative emotion, as she thought that would be easier to handle than the perpetual unflappable nonchalance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t wish to now\u2026\u201d Guido said, tapping his chin contemplatively. \u201cWell, you have your life ahead of you. I think our paths will cross again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want you to count on that,\u201d Tabby warned. \u201cI will value your friendship, but if I ever gave you cause to hope for more than that, that was not my intent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave it your way for now,\u201d Guido said, caressing her cheek. \u201cBut make no mistake, I am in the habit of getting what I want, regardless of the cost.\u201d Without another word, he stalked off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby, feeling extremely disconcerted, dashed off in search of Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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