She brightens. “You really think so?”
“Yeah, I do. Would you ever consider a career change?”
“I need to sort a few things out. Work has been slowing down lately, and at first I liked it, but now it’s making me worry a bit. Like, why is my workload suddenly decreasing?”
I nod. That would worry me, too.
“I admire Isla so much,” Hadleigh says. “She’s doing something she’s so passionate about. I can’t say I’m passionate about data analysis of shipping and container issues.”
I study her for a moment. She’s so bubbly and energetic and funny, I can’t imagine her sitting in a cubicle in some nondescript office, crunching numbers all day long.
“If you could do anything, what would you do?” I ask.
“That’s the thing. I have no idea. I don’t think I can do what I’m doing now for the rest of my life.” Then she brightens again. “I think I want a cookie. Do you want one? It’s my treat.”
“If there’s anything up there that’s peppermint and chocolate, I will happily accept it.”
Hadleigh gets up to get some baked treats, and I consider her words again. She’s not wrong. I would never have admitted that before, but I will now. Sometimes you’re given advantages in life.
And it’s not necessarily wrong to use them to open a door.
Would some people judge me for it if I were lucky enough to get an opportunity to shoot the Manatees?
Yes.
But people are always judging others, aren’t they? I know some people at Real Miami think I got the job because of my dad, which isn’t true. If my work is good enough for the Manatees to hire me, then that’s all that matters.
I frown. But when would I do this? Ask Dad a few weeks before I drop the Aiden bomb on him? No. I need to get through the Aiden situation first, let the dust settle, and then ask him if I can show my work to the media relations department.
If Dad forgives Aiden, that is.
And that’s something I’m not sure will ever happen.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
It’s Friday night, and I’m a mix of emotions as I drive on the freeway away from the Real Miami offices. It’s finally time for girls’ night out, and I’m so excited about it. I can’t wait to get home and get ready. In fact, I’ve even set the mood with a Spotify playlist of pop Christmas tunes, and “Santa Tell Me” is on right now.
Perfect, I think with a smile.
I had a blast with Hadleigh on Tuesday, and I have no doubt a night out with her friends will be just as fun. I could broaden my friendship circle to include Marley and Ava. I picture an evening full of stories, laughter, and good conversation, and the mere idea of it fills my soul with happiness.
I’m makingfriends.
And maybe some of these friends could stay in my circle forever.
But when I think of what else is happening tonight, my mood changes. I draw my lower lip between my teeth as my happy feeling is replaced by anxiety.
The Manatees have the last game of their West Coast road trip tonight.
And it’s at Las Vegas.
I come to a stop in traffic, with cars barely going over thirty miles per hour. I told Ethan in no uncertain terms that if he laysa finger on Aiden and it’s not hockey related, I will never speak to him again. He promised me he won’t, and I’m choosing to believe him.
But it doesn’t mean I’m not anxious about it.
Aiden has reassured me it will be fine—he can handle anything Ethan wants to start, but he won’t instigate anything. I know that’s the truth. Aiden isn’t the type to start some bullshit fight with Ethan. It’s not his personality.
I decide I’m going to take Ethan at his word. I’m going to trust him to have evolved into a normal adult since last week.
