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Tristan loudly laughs while I question why the heck I said that.
“I agree with that. I’ve always volunteered. Now, I’ll be the boss. It’s a strange turn of events but definitely something I want.” He smiles, but a hint of doubt rests in his expression.
“I think it’s normal,” I assure him. “You’re doing great. Building something from the ground up is never easy, no matter how much experience someone may have.”
“Yeah, I take my brother as an example. He’s had years actually running a real estate agency, and even he has had hiccups along the way.”
“That’s a good way to look at it. Every beginning is paved with bumps, but it’ll sort itself out. Besides, those are growing pains we need in order to become better.”
“There’s my Wise Sage,” he says.
I smile shyly and shrug as if it’s no big deal. I’m only telling him the truth.
“Now, I need to wait to see what happens with the trust fund.” He takes a deep breath.
I squeeze his hand to comfort him. Regardless of what happens, I’ll make sure he follows his dreams.
“I think you should consider working in what you love. Building the website for The Bean is a step in that direction.” He raises an eyebrow. “Before you say you don’t have your college degree, do you think you really need it? You have knowledge. You’re smart as heck. I’m sure classes would help expand that knowledge, but nowadays, there are a ton of different ways to learn.” He stares at me with a challenging gaze.
“You’re right,” I say.
He makes me see situations in a different way.
“I’m just scared,” I admit. “I want to have a credential as proof of my knowledge.”
“Proof of your knowledge? That’s you, Sage. Anyone who talks to you can tell that you’re smart and educated.”
I nod, not saying out loud what I really feel—that my opportunity for a college degree was stolen by this illness.
Others with lupus have gone to college. For me, it was the fear of what was happening and the timing when I received my diagnosis. Now that I’ve been home, it’s harder to go back.
“Think about it,” Tristan whispers. “I think it’s what you’re meant to do. Maybe you won’t get a computer engineering job at some high-profile company, but you can work for yourself. Heck, I know Hudson wants to create an app for his company. He has the ideas and some knowledge on how to build one, but he’s rusty. It was something that interested him when he was younger but never pursued.”
“Really?” I didn’t take Hudson as a computer geek.
“Yup. Maybe you can work with him. Offer your services.” Tristan shrugs, saying this as if it were normal to walk up to people and tell them to hire you. Maybe in his world, it is. Or maybe it’s his confidence.
“We’ll see.” His ideas sound tempting, but I wouldn’t know where to start. I’d need a portfolio to show my expertise.
The wheels are turning. Could it be possible to do what I’ve always dreamed of but in a different direction? I guess dreams can be tweaked.
“I’ll think about it,” I say, a smile on my face.
26
Sage
“Hey, thanks sooo much for helping me,” I say to Lex when I meet her on Main Street.
I called her this morning to help me find the perfect birthday gift for Tristan since she knows him so well.
“Of course. It’ll be fun. Where do you want to go first?”
“I’m not sure. Should I get him clothes or accessories or what?” I purse my lips, totally lost.
It’s been a long time since I’ve bought a gift for a guy who isn’t my father.
“Hmm . . .” Lex taps her lips. “Let’s go to All You Need.” She points to the store that sells all sorts of things, from mugs to accessories to candles. It has everything.
