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Zoey rubs her prominent bump. “We do and we’re excited, but not telling anyone yet. It’s a good thing I love being pregnant. Ty wants a bunch of children so there’s an excellent chance I’ll be popping out kids for the next few years—until I can’t take it anymore, then one of us will get snipped.”
“Wow, how are you going to manage all of that and the foundation?” I’m surprised at her confession. Maybe she has nannies.
Zoey winces. “I’m oversharing, which is unlike me. I guess that shows I trust you, Shay. You get it since you grew up with a famous dad.”
“In the vault.” I make a zipping motion across my lips. “I’m also fascinated. I definitely want kids but I have some hormonal things that are essential for me to figure out with my epilepsy. I’m also scared to be alone with my baby and have an episode.”
“Choose your partner wisely. Ty and I have been in love for our entire adult lives. We had a long separation, but he’s my rock.” Zoey smiles dreamily. “There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to help me when I have episodes. He’s so understanding and supportive. That’s the silver lining of any health struggle, isn’t it? Finding out who truly cares about you.”
I nod, thinking of Austin. “Absolutely. Austin was there for me during the New Year’s Eve incident. He’s been so patient, trying to understand my condition and how he can support me. It’s the first time I feel like I can still be me and rely on someone who doesn’t treat me like I’m fragile.”
Zoey smiles knowingly. “So, you are an item? Sounds like you’ve found a keeper.”
“Yeah. We were days into it when we met with you and Ty, still keeping it secret.” I can’t help but grin when I think of him. “Now we live together, although he’s away for a few days in Silicon Valley on business.”
We both share a moment of understanding, realizing how fortunate we are to have men in our lives who stand by us through thick and thin. We study the menus and place our orders before getting into the main reason why we’re here.
“Should we dive into discussions about the Rainier Foundation?” I’m so excited for the incredible opportunity to collaborate with someone as accomplished as Zoey on this incredible initiative, but knowing I also can connect with another woman who understands the unique challenges of balancing work, health, and personal life is cool too.
Zoey drums her pink-tipped fingers on the table. “Ty and I were talking and this may seem presumptuous and possibly a little inappropriate, but would you ever consider working for the foundation?”
“What?” I’m so taken aback I can’t even respond.
She shakes her head. “God, I’m sorry to spring that on you. I need someone who’s going to give their all. When I took the job as CEO, Ty and I had just reunited. I’d quit my job at the law firm and the idea that he and I could be together working on important shit that was so personal to him was everything.”
“And now?” I fidget with my napkin, because part of me is so fucking excited I can’t even believe it. Another part of me doesn’t want to give up working with Miles and Austin. I don’t want to let them down in any way.
The server sets our lunch in front of us. Zoey stabs at her salad until she leaves, then looks me in the eye. “I want to shift my role to the board so I can be present with my kids. Go on the road with Ty. We lost too many years, and being with him is of utmost importance to me.”
“I’m blown away.” I cut my burger in half. “I’ll have to think about it. Is there a position in mind?”
Zoey nods. “If you’d consider it, we’d promote our head of marketing to CEO and bring you on to spread the word about the foundation. Or, if you think it’s a better fit, we’re hiring a director of development too.”
“Thank you so much for thinking of me.” I gaze out the window, contemplating how weird life can be and find myself spilling my story. “Before I moved back to Seattle, I dated Devon Wright throughout college and into his pro football career. I gave up my ambitions to support his. When he took the job with the Raiders, I figured we’d get engaged, married. All the things. Instead he dumped me because, as he put it, I didn’t have enough in my own life going on.”
Zoey recoils. “What a total asshole.”
“No, he was right.” I laugh, for the first time able to have perspective on what happened. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not sad we split up. I’ve definitely leveled up. But, I shouldn’t have given up my own career when I was so young. That being said, I did get a ton of experience working with prominent charities. I chaired galas. Fundraisers. I love that work. It makes me feel so fulfilled.”
She rests her hand on her palm. “You have such a refreshing attitude, Shay. Whether you take the job or not, I hope we can be friends.”
“I’d like that.” Inside, I’m dying. Zoey fucking Pearson wants to be my friend?
For the rest of our lunch, Zoey catches me up on the progress and we make plans to touch base after she gives birth. The entire time we’re there, I can’t get over what a bullet I dodged. A few months ago, I came back to Seattle with my tail between my legs. Now, I have a great job, a soul mate, and now a potential life-changing opportunity.
“Good luck with your home birth. I can’t wait to meet the baby.” I hug Zoey on our way out. “I’ll also talk to Austin about what we discussed. I can tell you I’m unquestionably excited about the possibility, but I can’t leave Hungry Llama in the lurch before a game launch and someone else is trained.”
She claps her hands. “And that level of professionalism is specifically what we’re looking for.” She waves. “Talk to you in a couple months.”
My Uber arrives a couple minutes later. On the way back to the office, a huge smile remains permanently affixed to my face. As I think about the offer Zoey made me, I’m fairly certain Austin is going to love this opportunity and encourage me to take it.
Miles is likely going to be pissed.
I don’t want to let my brother down, but at the same time I can’t live my life in fear of disappointing people.
It’s time for me to have a meeting with myself and figure out what I want.
Then make it happen.
