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“And you need advice from me?” His smile is nervous. “I don’t know exactly what I can contribute to this particular subject, other than offering my services as a fabulous Guncle.” His jaw drops. “Wait. I did see the cutest Barefoot Dreams onesie set at Neiman’s the other day. It had a Peter Pan collar and the little ruffle socks were adorable.” He closes his eyes, like the mere memory is blissful.
I smile at Johnathan’s excitement over baby clothes. He’s like Emma and loves any reason to shop.
“It’s not about the baby. At least, not directly. But I wanted you to know that’s why I’ve been a bit scattered lately. That’s why I showed up out of the blue Friday night, then left just as quickly. I’m pregnant and hormonal and generally a bit of a mess right now.” I sigh. “I was feeling unsure before I found out I was pregnant, but knowing there’s a baby on the way has made me realize I need to figure out my career path. I didn’t want to tell you this because you’re honestly my favorite thing about working here, but I don’t know if I want to pursue a permanent position here.”
I fill him in about my blog and the forthcomingBridesfeature. My ideas for continuing the blog and using it to start my own sustainable wedding planning business.
“I was so excited to get the opportunity to intern at Marion Adler Events,” I motion with my hands wide to describe the magnitude of it, “It’s what I thought I wanted for so long, that I didn’t realize this job wouldn’t be a good fit for me.”
“Oh, I already knew that.”
I stare at him, stunned. “What? Why didn’t you say something?”
“Because I’ve found that people do better when they come to a realization like this on their own.” He tucks the rest of the croissant away in its wrapper. “And selfishly, I love having you here, so I was in a little bit in mourning over your unhappiness, but if I know you as well as I think I do, you’re not going to quit. You’ll finish the internship and the presentation and give it everything you have.”
“You’re right. I’m not quitting. I’ll finish the internship, but I’m stumped on what to present. The presentation is in hopes of landing a permanent position, and if that’s not what I want, then I don’t know how to use it to my advantage.”
“Don’t you, though?” He smirks.
“While I feel like this whole wise, yet cryptic mentor vibe suits you, it’s very frustrating when I just need you to say what you mean.”
“Present on what you’re passionate about.”
“I’m passionate about starting my own business for sustainable wedding planning. I doubt Marion wants to hear about that.”
“Are you sure about that?”
He lifts his brows, encouraging me to think about it.
I let my mind wrap around what he’s saying.
Johnathan’s right. If I’m not angling for a permanent position but want to get my business idea out there, using my internship presentation would be the perfect opportunity to get honest, critical feedback.
Johnathan stands and envelopes me in a hug. “You got this.”
“Thank you,” I tell him.
“Of course. And congratulations. On the baby.”
“Thank you. It’s wild to think that Hunter and I wanted a casual fling, and now we’re doing the least casual thing two people can, have a baby together.”
“I’m jealous of that baby. They’ll get to call Hunter Cartwright ‘Daddy.’”
I roll my eyes. “That’s what you would be thinking about now.”
“Trust me, I won’t be the only one.”
“Oh,” I stop at the doorway, “I’ll look forward to reviewing your Guncle application.”
“Puh-lease, I’m a shoo-in.” His smirk makes me laugh.
With an idea forming in my head, I make my way to the intern office and get to work.
CHAPTER34
Sophie
Being pregnant at this stage is weird. I’m not showing, and besides some moodiness and a few cravings, nothing feels different, yeteverythinghas changed.
