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Octavia had awakened feeling inexplicably good again today, even though there had been no wild and crazy sex last night and even though she still had the same set of problems she'd had before life had turned so adventurous here in Eclipse Bay

Gail also looked better today She seemed cheerful, even a bit enthusiastic

She was dressed in a dark, lightweight suit with a little scarf at her throat Her honey-colored hair was brushed sleekly back into a neat knot at the back of her neck Very forht But then, she had come here to apply for a job

"It's strictly a te to sell the gallery at the end of the summer and there's no way to knohoever buys it ant an assistant"

Across the street at the end of the block she could see Nick leaning against the side of his car, talking to Sandy Hickson at the town's only gas station Just the sight of his to her pulse There was soed, she thought; a sexy, subtle, hts

Evidently the conversation with Sandy was a riveting one She wondered if Nick was actively pursuing his investigation or just passing the tias in the tank and washed the windshield It was impossible to tell from this distance

"I understand that you can't pro beyond the su space to look around and try to line up so permanent up at Chamberlain or the institute I really appreciate this, Octavia"

"Not asto take the position," Octavia said

"I'ot the basics down As I told you, I've had some experience in retail and I've always loved art In a way, this is a perfect job forto enjoy it"

"You ht as well start this afternoon If you're free, that is?"

"Yes Moive her a call and tell her that I've started working She'll be very relieved"

"Good I've got a lot of things to do in the next feeeks I' to move, you know And then there's the Children's Art Show Also, I have to get started on ht Visions" The list of objectives had becoh it in her mind whenever she felt dispirited or depressed about her life at the end of the summer It kept her focused

Gail hesitated "I know it's none of my business, but do you alleries and leave the state?"

"I've been sort of drifting for a while," Octavia said "Trying to decide what I want to do with my future I don't have all the answers yet, but I've definitely come to the conclusion that I need to move on"

Gail nodded sympathetically "Believe it or not, I know exactly what yousensation for a while afterAnne to support emotionally and financially did a lot to make me pull up my socks and move forward"

"I'll bet it did" She watched Nick across the street and thought that, whatever else you could say about hi that he was an excellent father "Nothing like being responsible for a child to help you put your priorities in order"

"True Kids come first"