I spent all this time learning this valuable skill, how could I throw it away? I had no formal writing education; I would be crazy to think I could just start doing that as a career. And what other opportunities would I have on the island? I could work in a small law office…but my skill set was specialized: private equity transactions. In order to do that, I’d need to work at a law firm in a city, or in-house at a private equity firm,in a city.
I picked up my phone and dug out that recruiter email I received a few days ago. I stared at it, reading it again and again. Maybe this firm would have a better culture. Maybe I’d like Boston more than New York. And I could easily get from Boston to Martha’s Vineyard every weekend.
My fear outweighing any doubts in my mind, I typed out a new reply.
On second thought, I am interested in interviewing with the Boston firm. Can you please set it up? Thank you!
– Val Leone
38
On Friday, Luke cut out of work a little early. We held hands in the grocery store before heading home to have wine on the deck. We cooked a real dinner for the first time that week: grilled salmon and salad and orzo dressed simply in olive oil and spices.
“You must be excited for Luna to get home tomorrow,” I said to him. Empty plates sat in front of us on the outside dining table. We nursed the last of our drinks, watching the sky turn pink.
“Yeah.” He looked from the sky back at me. “Don’t get me wrong”—he reached for my knee under the table—“I’ve been having an amazing time with you this week. But it’s kinda weird not having her here.”
“I agree.” I was excited for her to come home, too. The house felt a little empty. Not enough Broadway sing-alongs orHow to Train Your Dragonon TV. I missed reading with her. “I hope she and your mom didn’t get too far ahead of me in theMagic Tree Housebooks.”
Luke laughed like I’d told an intentional joke. His laugh was infectious, so I giggled too, even though I was being serious to begin with.
We did the dishes together before he took my hand and led meupstairs. We were up even later than usual that night, taking our time, trying new positions, laughing when they didn’t work, repeating them when they did.
I completely forgot about my conversation with Max’s dad last night, and the email I sent after I got home.
My memory loss was short-lived, however.
I woke up to bright sunlight streaming into Luke’s bedroom through the cracks in the blinds. I loved how bright the morning light was here, like even the sun was excited for the day to begin.
To my right, Luke was sleeping soundly, his chiseled, tanned back rising and falling with each breath. His head was turned on its side, one hand under his pillow, the other extended toward me. I studied the long black eyelashes resting on his cheeks.So gorgeous, this man.
I didn’t want to wake him yet; he had a long day of driving ahead of him. So I rolled over as quietly as I could and distracted myself on my phone, scrolling social media before opening my email. Tucked in between advertisements and my credit card statement was a response from the recruiter.
Val, So glad you reconsidered. They can meet with you in Boston at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. They want to move fast and said the signing bonus will be generous. Let me know if that works for you, and I’ll send over the details.
Oh my god. My stomach plummeted, and not with excitement. As if he sensed the trepidation radiating off me, Luke stirred.
He opened one eye first, saw I was awake, and propped himself up on the pillows. “Hey,” he muttered sleepily.
“Hey.” I slid down a bit and ran my fingers through his hair.
“Mmm, I love it when you do that.”
A laugh escaped my throat. “I know.”
I looked back at my phone, chewing my lip as I reread the email. Did I want to meet with them on Tuesday? I supposed oneinterview couldn’t hurt. I didn’t need to take the job, even if I got it. I sighed more loudly than I intended.
“Whatcha looking at?” His eyes were open now, assessing me.
“Oh, um. Just an email from a recruiter. There’s this firm that’s opening an office in Boston and they need lawyers with my background. I, uh, got an interview.”
Luke sat up, brows furrowed, not saying anything for long enough that it made me nervous.
Compelled to fill the silence, I said, “The summer is ending, and I don’t feel right having you pay me to spend time with Luna now that we’re…doing this.” I gestured between us. “I have enough savings to last a while but…” I shrugged.
“Val, I don’t want you to go back to a job you didn’t like because you don’t want me to keep paying you to watch Luna. I’ll keep doing it; I can afford it.”
“No, Luke. It’s weird. It feels wrong. Please.”
