Chapter 7 #2
My mama looked between me and Jax and smiled.
“You two are very special. There’s no denying that.
I'm going to be honest with you. I couldn’t wait to get out of this town.
That’s not how everyone feels though. My brother and Ethan have loved living here.
You two are adults, so the final decision is up to you.
But I need you to do something for me. Spend at least the next week really thinking this through.
Talk to your Uncle Jamie and Uncle Ethan.
Talk to your friends in New York. Make sure everything is in place with work.
At that point, if you are committed to giving this a try, we will tell your grandma.
Until that time, we’ll stay with her. Deal? ”
Jax held her hand out toward my mama. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
***
It was no surprise that my Uncle Jamie and Uncle Ethan were very supportive of our idea of moving to Maryland.
Uncle Jamie did share the struggles he had not only growing up in this town as a closeted gay guy, but also what it was like coming back once he was out.
He explained that our relationship will be a much bigger deal than it should be to some people, but those people don't deserve our time. He pointed out that most people who have a problem with homosexuality tend to keep it to themselves. Ethan told us about the bad reviews he receives every now and then with people accusing him of “grooming the local teens.” He said that reviews like that let him know he’s exactly where he’s meant to be, because he can make a difference in the lives of those struggling with their sexuality who are hiding due to beliefs like this.
Their warnings definitely made me nervous, but they didn’t deter us. I knew if I had Jax by my side, I could get through anything. Plus, Uncle Jamie and Uncle Ethan promised they would look out for us as well.
***
The next step was going back to New York and talking to my boss, Cynthia.
With the way the company was set up, I didn’t have direct contact with my boss very often, which made me extra nervous to speak with her.
I took a deep breath before knocking on her door three minutes before our scheduled meeting time.
“Come in!” she shouted from the other side.
I took one more deep breath and put my hand over my chest as if that would somehow calm down my rapidly beating heart, then walked through the door.
Cynthia pointed to the chairs in front of her desk. “Please. Have a seat.” Once I was sitting, she gave me a tight-lipped smile. “What did you want to speak to me about today?”
I nodded as I got ready to say my prepared speech.
“As you know, my grandfather died recently. He was the main caregiver for my grandmother, and without that care, she won’t be able to stay in her house.
She’s very old and doesn’t have much time left, so I hate the thought of her living out those days somewhere other than her home.
In the past, the company has encouraged me to work from home.
I know when that was offered it was only for a few days a week, but I was wondering if I could switch to being fully remote so I can live with my grandma and take care of her. ”
“And where does your grandmother live?”
I figured this question was coming, but it was also the one I had been dreading the most. “She lives in Maryland.”
My boss nodded, not a trace of emotion on her face, leaving me wondering what she was thinking about all of this. “That’s a very long drive from here.”
“I know that, but I promise to make the trip anytime I’m needed up here.”
My boss pulled out a notebook and flipped through the pages.
After the longest minute of my life, she looked up at me.
“If this was almost anyone else, my answer would immediately be no, but in the past three years, you have proven yourself immensely. I can easily say that you are one of the company’s best, most valued, employees.
I’m willing to give this a try, but this is going to be a trial basis.
There are some amazing employees who are not capable of completing their work if there isn’t someone constantly looking over their shoulder.
I don’t believe that’s you, but I need to be sure.
Would you be agreeable to coming back to New York once every two weeks in the beginning for a meeting with me to go over what you’ve accomplished? ”
I would have agreed to anything she asked, so even though the drive was far from easy, I was willing to make it given the freedom she was giving me. “Yes, ma’am. I’m happy to do that.”
“Perfect. If what I’m predicting is correct, we will be able to spread those meetings out pretty quickly. My goal would be to eventually move to once a month then switch to an as-needed basis.”
“That’s wonderful. Thank you so much.” I couldn’t stop the huge smile from spreading across my face. Having this part figured out was a huge relief. “I won’t let you down. I promise.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Cynthia’s smile became more sincere. “You’re a very valuable asset to this team, Carter, and we hope to keep you around for a long time, even if it’s from far away.”
Maybe it was all of the emotions from the past few weeks, but her words made me feel like I might start to cry. I had to blink back the tears that were burning my eyes. “Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”
“I’m happy I could help.” Cynthia winked at me. “Now, get back to work.”
I smiled as I stood from my seat. Part one complete. Now Jax just needed to give her notice, and we would be moving to Maryland. Only time would tell if we actually stayed there or not.