He pauses, his eyes searching mine.“But quitting your job… that was huge.Are you okay?How are you feeling about it now?”
I drop my gaze to my napkin.“I couldn’t stay there any longer, writing the same mind-numbing articles day in and day out.I love Luna, but I was missing something.Something exciting, challenging.”I glance up at him.“And since quitting?I actually feel happy.I should be scared, right?”
“Not necessarily.It was your choice.That makes a huge difference.”
“What do you mean?”
He leans back, stretching his arm over the back of the chair.“Well, when I had to start over, it wasn’t my choice.I was dismissed.It forced me into a whole new life.But you?You took control.You chose to change things.That’s powerful.”
I mull over his words, letting them sink in.Maybe he’s right.Maybe I am in control of my own life more than I ever realized, and that feels liberating.
“I hope so,” I murmur.“I have a couple of ideas floating around in my head about what’s next.”
I’m excited and terrified about my options.I expect him to ask for specific details, or offer advice, which I’d welcome.
Adrian’s eyes spark with something unreadable.“Well, I can give you another option to throw in the mix.”
I perk up.“Oh?”
He shifts forward, fingers tracing circles on the table.“I’ve been itching to tell you this, but I wanted to tell you in person.”
Before I can ask, the server returns.
“Sorry to interrupt.Can I take your order?”
I glance at the menu, then at Adrian.“Honestly, just order whatever you think is good.I’ll eat anything.”
His mouth twitches in amusement.“Dangerous thing to say.”
“I trust you.”
Something flickers across his expression at that, but he doesn’t comment.Instead, he rattles off a couple of items, and we agree to start there, with dessert to follow later.
Once the server leaves, he turns his attention back to me.“As I was saying, I have a friend who might have an opportunity for you.”
My breath catches.“Wait, what?”
“I’ve mentioned him before.His name is Evan, and owns Lincoln Media in New York, and there’s an opening for a remote position.”
Eyes widening, I can barely grasp what he’s saying.“You’re kidding?”
He shakes his head.“Nope.It’s in fashion, which I figured might be up your alley.It’s city-based, but you can work from home.”
“This sounds… way too good to be true.”
He shrugs, smiling.“I mean, yeah, the job is real.Whether it’s the right fit for you, that’s up to you.But I figured you might be interested.He told me to pass his information to you so that you can reach out.”
I stare at him, stunned.“You did that for me?”
His fingers brush over mine again; a soft, reassuring touch.“Of course.”
Emotion wells in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe.“That’s really kind of you,” I say.“And if I can work from home and write about fashion?That would be amazing.”
We sit back as the first round of food arrives: bruschetta with goat cheese and fig jam that’s all locally produced.
We dig in, and I notice Adrian seems more relaxed here than I’ve seen him in a while.The light softens his features, and I forget about anyone else in the room.After a few bites, I ask, “So, how’s work?”
He runs a hand through his hair.“Things are actually good.The people are decent… some keep to themselves, but there are a few who’ve been really welcoming.”
