“Did your business in Wisconsin get extended?” I frown.
He straightens in his seat and leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “No, but I have an idea. You might think it’s a little crazy, but it will solve a problem for both of us.”
My mind whirls with what it could be, but I come up empty. “What is it?”
“Come work for me.” His gaze doesn’t leave mine.
It’s a little bit before I realize he’s serious. “In Seattle?”
Bastion nods. “I’m looking for someone who can be my right hand and take over some of the financials. I’ve always done most of it myself because I don’t trust a lot of people, but I trust you. There’d be some other administrative functions you’d have to do—keep track of my schedule, act as a liaison between myself and my employees. Nothing you couldn’t handle.”
“You don’t even know what kind of employee I am. Why would you offer it to me?”
“Like I said earlier, you’re intelligent. I know you could do it, and I trust you. That alone is worth its weight in gold. At least where I’m concerned. Your last boss is a fool to let you go.”
My hands fidget in my lap. “But it would mean moving to Seattle.”
He nods. “But with the amount I’d pay you, it would be worth it. You could easily help your parents. Hell, you could even keep your apartment here if you wanted, just in case you don’t like Seattle and want to come home.”
I feel rude asking, but I have to know if I’m really considering uprooting my entire life. Am I considering it? “How much does it pay?”
Bastion tells me the amount, and my mouth drops open. He’s right, that much money would make a huge difference. The idea of leaving my parents, though…
If I were back in Tennessee, my answer would be an easy no. But Wisconsin has never felt like home. I haven’t formed any true friendships here, so the only people I’d miss are my parents.
Plus, I’ve felt a little confined here. And I really do want more adventure, to see the world and experience new things. I hate that it comes at the expense of moving away from my parents, but in the end, if I could give them the peace of mind that their bills are all paid, it’s worth it.
“I don’t know what to say.” Excitement and relief war with reticence and worry in my head.
“Say yes. Maybe this is that taste of adventure you’ve alluded to wanting.” He arches an eyebrow.
I realize that he’s right. I have been craving something different in my life, and this is too good of an opportunity to pass up. With that salary, I could help my parents out even more. And as Bastion said, I could still afford to pay for my apartment if I wanted, at least for a few months until I know whether I want to stay or not.
“Are you sure? I don’t want you offering me this job just because you feel bad about the situation I’m in.”
He locks his eyes with mine. “Hattie, do you trust me?”
Slowly, I nod. “I do.” I have no rational reason why, but I do.
“Then take this chance with me. I promise you won’t regret it.”
I quickly weigh the pros and cons in my head.
Pros: I get to spend more time with Bastion, I’d be able to help my parents with their medical bills, and I’d be making enough to keep my apartment so I could easily change my mind if I wanted. I’d be getting a little of that adventure I’ve been wanting. I wouldn’t have to take weeks or months looking for another job only to be forced to take a job I hate out of necessity.
Cons: I wouldn’t see my parents as often as I do now.
The one and only con is a big one. Still, I think taking the job is worth the risk, even if it doesn’t end up working in the long run. The benefits outweigh the risks, and I can always return to Wisconsin. I’ll just have a lot more money in my bank account when I do.
“What are you thinking?” Bastion asks when I’ve been quiet for a long while.
“I think… I think I’ll take the job.”
“Really?” His eyes sparkle with triumph, and I can’t help the small chuckle that escapes.
“Really.” I nod enthusiastically.
“Wonderful. Like I said, you won’t regret it.”
