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“I find it rewarding and challenging and fun, and every day is something different. I feel that I’m genuinely helping people. It’s like being a nurse, but nobody’s puking on me.”
“Usually,” Cecelia nods.
I stare at her in surprise. “Oh my God. Did a client puke on you?”
“We had a client who was a junkie going through withdrawal. Don’t ask me who. Anyway, it was decades ago. They kicked the habit. Water under the bridge.” She sighs. “It was such a beautiful vintage Kamali dress they barfed on.”
“Ouch. I feel that.”
“Anyway, we all know my marriage imploded spectacularly, and I threw myself into work, but that doesn’t have to be the case for everyone. This job can be reasonably flexible, if you have an understanding partner. One who would do just about anything to make things work with you.” Cecelia gives me a look. “Mason. I’m talking about Mason.”
“I gathered that, yes.” I let out a laugh. I’m a little teary-eyed. “He stomped off and left me.”
“Did he try to apologize and win you back almost immediately?”
“Well ...”
“You’ve always put relationships on the back burner. I think that some of that is fear, my darling. You lost both of your parents at a young age. You don’t want to suffer any more loss.”
My stomach twists. Losing my parents was horrific. Lifechanging in ways that nobody deserves.
“Of course I don’t. It’s devastating. It’s terrifying. It could break me.”
“It’s also life. You can’t avoid pain unless you stay inside a padded room and have your food delivered to you and have no relationships. And in that case, that’s not living, is it?”
I heave a sigh. “I have to think about this. I’ve spent a great part of my life convincing myself that I didn’t needthatlife. My mind isn’t likely to change that drastically overnight.”
She nods. “I understand that, but the first step is considering it. Giving it a chance to run through that beautiful brain of yours.”
“I will work on that,” I say. “But Cece, where are we? Job-wise? I know that I cost myself the promotion.”
She sighs. “Yes. I was very angry about that. You had the world at your fingertips and threw it all away.”
I swallow, waiting for the blow.
“But that’s exactly what you needed to do.”
I blink. “What?”
“My dear, did I not just say that you needed to consider other ways of living? That’s what you did and how can I stay angry about that?” She takes a cleansing breath. “You did make a mistake, but so did I, in ignoring Amanda’s behavior. Aside from dating Mason, you did everything right. You came up with a brilliant, imaginative campaign, and when things got challenging, like the invitations disappearing, you jumped in and got your hands dirty. You made sure everything went off without a hitch.”
“Well, thank you.” It’s all I say because I want to hear her thoughts. I need to know my future where Queensby’s concerned.
“And the impression I get is that you genuinely love the Rovers. Not just Mason, and not just as a fan, but you care about the individual players.”
I nod. There’s a lump in my throat. “Going to those games, and seeing Mason at the hospital, really showed me how much this team means to people. It’s a common cause for people to rally around. It’s pride in your city. It’s a wonderful, glorious escape. And having met the guys, and spent time with them, they’re pretty great.”
“You know, my sister’s going to be taking over for me, and I think you’ve got considerably more potential than just the Rovers. I can see you taking over the entire agency at some point.”
My eyes widen in shock.
“Ansley doesn’t want it forever. Maybe another five years at most. You’re young, and you could do so many marvelous things with this agency.”
“You actually think I’m ready?” I blurt out.
She shrugs. “Not quite yet, but you’re almost there. A few more years, and you will step into the role very nicely.”
Emotion rolls over me.
