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“You’ll have them by end of day,” I assure him. “How are the talks going?”
Miles rubs the scruff of his neck, his “tell” when he’s stressed. “It’s a process. They’re being super thorough. I think it’s looking okay. We simply need to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.”
My phone buzzes, interrupting us. It’s a text from Zoey Pearson. My heart skips a beat. In the midst of the acquisition madness, Zoey reached out again, wanting to discuss the development director position at the Rainier Foundation. And even though I can’t tell her about the acquisition, I’m interested.
“I have to run,” I tell Miles. “Zoey Pearson wants to meet me.”
His eyebrows raise in curiosity. “She’s persistent, isn’t she?”
“It feels fantastic to be pursued.” I shrug. “Though I’m not sure why it’s happening. There are so many qualified people out there.”
Miles grips my shoulders. “Stop it, Shay. Don’t put yourself down. I’d hate to lose you, but if this is an opportunity that you’d love, then I support you.”
My brother rocks. He’s wrong about my qualifications, but I love him for having my back.
In any case, it gives me a boost of confidence before I meet with Zoey.
Considering I have a ton of work to do, I’m grateful Zoey scheduled the meeting near the office. The quaint little cafe opened recently and I haven’t had a chance to try it yet. Even though I don’t drink due to my condition, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee always feels cozy and welcoming. I spot Zoey in a corner, cradling her newborn. My heart melts at the sight.
“Zoey!” I bend down to peek at the gorgeous baby who’s sound asleep. “She’s absolutely beautiful.”
Zoey beams, looking every bit the proud mother. “Thank you. This is Evangeline. Ty is over the moon to be a girl daddy. It’s been a whirlwind, but she’s worth every sleepless night.”
“Two kids under two, my hat’s off to you,” I joke as we order our drinks, which turns out to be tea for the both of us.
Once we’re settled, Zoey dives in. “Shay, I know we don’t have much time today so I’ll cut to the chase. The foundation needs someone like you. Especially with all the projects we have lined up. Have you given any thought to our discussion?”
I take a sip of my tea. “Honestly? I’ve thought about it a lot.”
“Great.” Zoey kisses her daughter’s head and gives me a cheesy grin. “When can you start?”
I clear my throat. “I’m honored, you have to know that. I want to be upfront about what’s going on. I’m needed at Hungry Llama for at least another month, possibly two. We’re in the middle of a project that I’m a big part of.”
“Oh?” Zoey tilts her head.
I hesitate. The NDA prevents me from giving away too much. “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes at Hungry Llama and it’s all very confidential. With respect to the marketing position, I’m not convinced I want a role that requires a ton of travel. Like you, there are reasons I’d like to stick close to home.”
“Of course.” Zoey nods, understanding. “Let’s put that aside for a moment. Do you believe in our mission?”
I nod vigorously. “You have no idea. It gives me chills at how much good you’re doing.”
“Well then, let me give you some insight into the role of Development Director.” Zoe places Evangeline in the carrier next to her and rifles through her bag. Hands me a job description. “You’d be overseeing our fundraising initiatives, building partnerships, and steering our branding and outreach—from our headquarters here in Seattle.”
I take the paper from her and study it, genuinely intrigued. “This sounds amazing. And challenging. May I ask you something?”
“Sure, of course.” Zoey breaks off a piece of her scone.
Biting my lip, I consider how to frame my question. “My resume isn’t all that deep, and I know that. As flattered—and excited—as I am, why me?”
She stares at me, confused. Until she realizes I’m serious.
“Oh, Shay.” Zoey reaches across the table and grips my fingers. “Look at what you’ve done for Hungry Llama in the past few months. The company profile has never been so prominent. If I’m not mistaken, the biggest game release yet. I’m not someone who offers people jobs without doing my research. You have the drive. The passion. The talent. Believe in yourself. I do. So does Ty.”
I nearly burst into tears. My life’s changed so much in the past year. If Miles hadn’t hired me, I don’t know where I’d be. Hungry Llama has been my whole world for the past few months. Aside from Austin, of course. Now, with the potential sale of the company, I’d like to control my own destiny.
It’s such a hard road to navigate.
I mean, I’m not complaining. Not at all, but the idea I could have a fresh start has so much appeal. It would give me some autonomy and eliminate the shadow of nepotism I’ve been operating under. At The Rainier Foundation, I could truly pave my own way.
