October 24th, 1903

         The very next day, I headed straight to the theater. I came to a set of steps that led to a tall wooden door. I slowly opened it, walking in looking around to see if anyone was there. The dressing room was empty, so I called out, “Houdini?” The door on the opposite side then flings open and I see Harry and a man with round spectacles walking beside him. “I booked you for the Orpheum Theatre in New York next week! Why stay here longer?” Harry took his eyes off his manager and found me standing in front of the window. “Ah good morning, Miss Martin,” he said. Harry walks towards me then turns towards his manager. The man toyed with his spectacles and looked skeptically at me. “Houdini. What did I say about having ladies over?” I was shaken by the little man’s comment, but I did my best to stay calm. Harry then smiled and politely explained, “Mr. Beck. Don’t fret, my friend. She is here to help me with my show!” I approached the manager extending my arm forward. “The name is Miss Martin, sir. I’m his new assistant.” I let go of the firm handshake and Harry looked a little surprised. “Indeed, she is!” Harry exclaimed playing along sweeping his hand over his forehead. I turned to Harry smiling and Mr. Beck looking at us with a stern demeanor. “Well, I don’t remember her joining us,” the manager said, “Is this your first day here Miss Martin?” Harry shook his head, “No. I met her here last night sir. She was asking if becoming an assistant was a possibility. I would like to speak with her on the matter privately. Please Mr. Beck.” Mr. Beck nods and says, “Very well. But if she causes any trouble for you, I’ll be onto you.” He then shuts the door and exits the room. Houdini gives a wide mischievous grin, and I stood there confused. I cross my arms giving a huff in anger, “I don’t know what he’s talking about. I’m not going to be of any nuisance. I promise!” Harry puts a hand on my shoulder, “Don’t take it personally Miss Martin. It’s his job to keep me and my show in line. Last thing he wants is me slacking off.” He caresses his thumb across my chin and gives a curl to his lips, “He’s especially wary when a lovely lady enters the picture.” I could feel my cheeks burning as Harry gave me a grin. I pressed my hands close to my chest, my heart pounding and smiled back. As he let go, both of us were caught in one another’s gaze. I turned away hiding my face under the brim of my white hat blushing. Harry gave a low chuckle turning away and paced opposite of me.    

Houdini selects a coat and newsboy cap off a coat rack in the corner of the dressing room. I followed him to the door wondering where he was headed. “Wait a minute! You have a show!” He had the door opened but he stopped to meet me. “Where are you going?” Harry gave me a cheeky grin, and he went ahead out onto the sidewalk. He ran ahead of me until we reached the local park. This seemed like a game to him, and I wasn’t into it. Finally, he slowed down enough for me to catch up. I lifted my skirt running through the brown autumn leaves, my cheeks red with beads of sweat dripping down my forehead. Houdini then stops and we meet face to face. “The show doesn’t start until tonight. We got time!” The frustration in my face melts as Houdini offered his arm for me to hold onto. I took it and we walked along the cobblestone path with the chilly breeze blowing right through us. “My! You sir… are fast,” I panted. I rested on his arm as we walked towards a bench under a bare tree. The two of us then sat down and Harry laughed in amusement. “I ran and biked a lot in my youth,” he said proudly, “I was champion runner back in Appleton if you didn’t know.” I smiled impressed, “Really. I had no idea, Harry. But please, I didn’t find that funny.” Harry bowed his head chuckling, “Alright Abby. I won’t do that to you anymore in the future.” He looked into my eyes, and he was very happy. Happier than I’ve ever seen him since we met last night. He was glad to forget about work for a while.

         “So, now we discuss on you being an assistant. Isn’t that what were here for?” I shook my head. “That was just… a ploy Harry. I have a life in this town. I couldn’t possibly leave. I mean… it couldn’t be even a possibility. Could it?” Harry sees the longing look in my eyes and takes my hand. “Why not?” he asked looking into my eyes deeper. I had so much worry in my eyes, “What if I don’t have what it takes? I mean… I really want to do well at it.” Harry squeezes my hand tighter he could feel my trembling. “I can make it work Miss Martin,” he said, “Believe me. Don’t be afraid.” I turn away from him, letting go of his hand. “Is it what you want?” I watch Harry’s blue eyes turn duller as I let go of him. “Abby. I was just like you. It’s why I left behind Appleton. There was nothing there for me. There was something more for me elsewhere. I didn’t know where, but I knew magic was what I wanted, I knew I couldn’t afford to doubt at any moment.” I thought about it more. Harry was right. It was what I wanted but was it worth the risk? Oh, but being his assistant would be a dream come true. “Having such a lovely lady as yourself as my assistant, even if you worked backstage, it would be…” he paused. “There's just something about you that is so wonderful.” I give him another smile with a tint of rose on my cheeks. Harry holds my hand again and takes off his newsboy cap. I look into his eyes this time more firmly, “You mean I don’t have to be in front of so many people?” I smile softly nervously with my lips quivering. Our faces were inches apart, my breath heavy. Harry put a comforting arm around me, “We can work with what we have,” he whispered, “You don’t have to be a stagehand if you don’t want to. I’ll put you in the dressing room.” My lips were inches away from his as I heard Harry gasp. I back off a bit in response. Mr. Beck and a few of his stagehands were looking for him. I noticed them too and I took his hand. “We should head back,” I suggested. On walking back to the theater, I leaned against his shoulder and looked up at him. “Harry,” I muttered softly, “I have come to a decision.” He turned his head with a smile. “You have?” Harry replied. When we reached the entrance I stopped in his path, looking him in the eye to make sure he was listening. “I would… love to work for The Great Harry Houdini.”