Chapter 7 #2
"I met their CEO last month. But it was exploratory. I had no idea they'd consider me for this position."
"And you didn't think to mention that meeting? Even as we were getting closer? Even as we made plans that would keep us working together for months?"
"I didn't think it would lead anywhere."
"A conversation important enough to travel to Boston for, but not important enough to mention to the woman you're seeing." She crosses her arms. "That's a significant omission, James."
She's right. I made a choice to keep that meeting to myself.
"You're right. I should have told you. I'm sorry."
"Is this how it's going to be? You making decisions that affect both of us, and me finding out after?"
"No, that's not?—"
"Because that's exactly how it feels. Like I'm an afterthought."
"Eva, please." I step forward; she backs away. "I want us to figure this out together."
"But you've been thinking about it all day without me. While I was excited about showing you my designs and making dinner, you were deciding whether to leave."
Her words hit hard. She's right again.
"I didn't want to worry you until I had a better handle on my thoughts," I explain. "This affects so many aspects of my life. I wanted to understand how I felt first."
"That's the problem. You're treating your life like it's compartmentalized. But it's all connected. It's all you."
Her insight cuts through my rationalizations.
"I'm trying to unlearn patterns that have been part of my life for decades."
"This isn't a small mistake, James. This is exactly what I was afraid of—that this was too good to be true. And here we are."
"Eva, this doesn't have to change things between us."
"Of course it does. Either you take the job and we try long-distance, or you turn it down and potentially resent me. Either way, what we had is already changing."
"What do you want me to do?" I ask finally.
"I can't tell you that. But I need you to be honest with me—fully honest."
"I can do that."
"And I need some time. To think."
"Of course. Whatever you need."
"I should probably go," I say eventually.
She nods. "Yeah, that's probably best."
At the door, I turn back. "Eva, you matter to me. More than a job. More than anything."
"I want to believe that," she says softly. "But actions speak louder than words."
The next few days blur together, though Eva remains at the forefront of my mind. I've honored her request for space with just one text.
Me
When you're ready to talk, I'm here. Take all the time you need.
Her reply was brief.
Eva
Thank you. I'll let you know.
The Westcott offer has become public knowledge after the mayor mentioned it at council. Now I'm constantly fielding congratulations and questions, each a reminder of what I might leave behind.
Caroline arrives unannounced Sunday afternoon with a casserole.
"So," she says, "Boston, huh?"
I sigh, closing my Westcott folder. "News travels fast."
"It's Meadowbrook. I'm surprised they haven't called a town hall about it yet." She rearranges my refrigerator. "Mom's recipe. Figured you needed comfort food for life-altering decisions."
"Have you talked to Michael and Stephanie?"
"They're freaking out a little, but they'll support you whatever you decide."
I nod, guilt settling in my stomach. My siblings built their lives here partly because I made it possible.
"What about you? What should I do?"
Caroline studies me. "Do what you want for once, not what everyone needs from you."
"It's not that simple."
"It never is. But this isn't about keeping the family afloat. This is about your future."
"My happiness isn't just about a job," I admit.
"This is about Eva, isn't it?"
"Partly. Things were developing between us."
"And now?"
"Now they're complicated. She feels blindsided by the offer."
"Did you keep it from her intentionally?"
"Not consciously. But maybe I didn't mention it because I knew it would complicate things."
"Always managing everyone's experience," Caroline says gently. "If Eva matters, she deserves the unfiltered truth."
"I've figured that out. Too late."
"Have you told her how you feel? Not just that she 'matters,' but how much?"
I hesitate. "I was trying not to pressure her."
"James, you're emotionally withholding. Figure out what you want, then tell Eva. No filters."
"And if she still needs space?"
"Then respect that. But at least she'll know where you stand."
Later, the answer comes clearly: I want Eva and our partnership. But I also want the opportunity Westcott represents.
Can I have both? Or am I trying to be everything to everyone again?
After Caroline leaves, I sit down to draft an email to Westcott's CEO, Robert Westcott.
Not an acceptance or a rejection, but a request for a meeting to discuss possible modifications to the offer.
Perhaps there's a middle ground—a hybrid arrangement that would allow me to contribute to their organization without completely uprooting my life.
It's a long shot, but worth exploring before making any final decisions.
Just as I'm about to send it, my phone rings. Eva's name flashes on the screen.
My heart races as I answer. "Eva."
"Hi." Her voice is soft, tentative. "Is this a good time to talk?"
"Absolutely. I've been hoping to hear from you."
"I've been doing a lot of thinking." She pauses, and I resist the urge to fill the silence. "And I realized something important. Something I should have told you that night instead of shutting down."
"What's that?"
"I'm falling in love with you, James." The simple declaration steals my breath. "And that terrifies me, because I've never felt this strongly about someone this quickly. Which is why the Boston thing hit me so hard. It felt like confirmation of my worst fears: that this was too good to last."
"Eva—"
"Please, let me finish. I need to say this." She takes a deep breath. "I reacted badly because I was scared. Scared of losing you just when I was starting to believe this could be real. But that's not fair to you. You deserve to pursue this opportunity without feeling guilty about me."
"What are you saying?" A cold dread settles in my stomach.
"I'm saying you should take the job. It's an incredible opportunity, and you'd be amazing at it. And I... I'll be okay. We can try to stay friends, or?—"
"No." The word comes out more forcefully than I intended.
"No?"
"No, I don't accept that." I grip the phone tighter. "You don't get to tell me you're falling in love with me and then push me away in the same breath."
"I'm trying to be mature about this, James. Realistic."
"To hell with realistic. I'm falling in love with you too, Eva. And I'm not going to let distance or a job offer or anything else dictate what happens between us without a fight."
Her sharp intake of breath is audible through the phone. "You're falling in love with me?"
"Yes. And it terrifies me too. Because I've never felt like this about anyone." The admission feels like jumping off a cliff, exhilarating and terrifying all at once. "Which is why I'm exploring alternatives with Westcott. Ways to take the position without having to move permanently to Boston."
"You are?"
"I was literally drafting the email when you called." I pause, gathering courage for complete honesty. "Because what I want—what I really want—is both. The opportunity and you. Us. And I'm not willing to sacrifice either without exhausting every possible option."
Silence stretches between us, loaded with potential.
"I think," she says finally, her voice thick with emotion, "that we should be having this conversation in person."
Relief washes over me. "I agree. Where are you?"
"Actually, I'm outside your house."
I move to the window, pulling back the curtain to see her car parked at the curb. "You're here?"
"I've been sitting out here for twenty minutes, trying to work up the courage to knock." There's a small laugh in her voice now. "I had this whole speech prepared about how I was going to be supportive of your dreams even if it broke my heart."
"I'd rather you didn't break your heart. Or mine." I'm already moving toward the front door. "Come inside?"
"On my way."
I open the door just as she reaches the porch, our phones still pressed to our ears. For a moment, we just look at each other, the physical reality of her presence more powerful than any words we've exchanged.
"Hi," she says, finally lowering her phone.
"Hi." I step aside to let her in, closing the door behind her. "So, you're falling in love with me?"
A small smile tugs at her lips. "I thought that might catch your attention."
"It did." I take a step toward her, drawn by an invisible force. "Especially since I'm falling in love with you too."
"Even though I'm too much sometimes? Too intense, too passionate, too honest?"
"Because of those things." I reach for her hand, relief flooding through me when she doesn't pull away. "Your intensity, your passion, your honesty—they're not flaws, Eva. They're what make you extraordinary."
She squeezes my hand, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "And you're really looking for alternatives? Ways to take the job without leaving completely?"
"I am. I don't know if Westcott will be open to it, but I have to try." I lead her to the living room, where we sit close together on the couch. "I'm tired of either/or choices. I want to find the 'and'—a way to pursue my career ambitions and build a life with you."
"A life with me?" Her voice catches on the words.
"If that's what you want too." I reach up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, letting my hand linger against her cheek. "I know we're moving fast. I know it's only been a few weeks. But I also know that what we have is rare. Special. Worth fighting for."
"It is," she agrees, leaning into my touch. "I've never felt so seen. So accepted, exactly as I am."
"Then let's not give up before we've even really begun. Let's explore all the options. Together."
She nods, a tear finally spilling over. "Together. I like the sound of that."
I pull her closer, gathering her in my arms, feeling the perfect way she fits against me. Her face tilts up, and I lower my lips to hers in a kiss that feels like coming home. Like a promise.
When we part, I rest my forehead against hers. "No more filtering. No more careful editing. From now on, you get all of me. The good, the bad, the uncertain—all of it."
"And you get all of me. Too-muchness and all."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
As we sit there, holding each other, I know we haven't solved everything.
The Westcott offer still looms. Logistics still need to be worked out.
But for the first time, I feel like we're truly facing it together.
No masks, no careful distance, just two people choosing each other despite the complications.
And for now, that's enough.