Nineteen
Danica
When I wasn’t job hunting, I’ve spent the last several days looking for something to do with Austin. I started at the Hyatt down the street, searching for inspiration. I collected a bunch of the brochures at their concierge desk. Back home, I spread the glossy fliers across the kitchen table, my fingers tracing the bold contours of Yosemite’s granite cliffs. Every detail needs to be perfect. I want to remember this as a fun trip long after Austin and I are done.
“El Capitan… Half Dome…” I murmur to myself, biting my lip as I consider the various tours. I know Austin’s not a big outdoors person, but we can enjoy a brisk walk through the valley or a serene bike ride.
The shrill ring of my phone jolts me, and the screen flashes an unknown number. Swiping to answer, I tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Hello?”
“Danica Winters?” The voice asks, professional yet not unfriendly.
“Speaking,” I reply.
“Hi, Danica. This is Emerson Healy from Sullivan Healy Newhouse. I’m calling because we’ve received your resume.”
My brow furrows. Sullivan Healy Newhouse doesn’t ring any bells, but with the flurry of applications I’ve sent out, it’s hard to keep track. “Oh, okay! Thank you for calling,” I say, despite the confusion. After all, a job opportunity is what I need.
“We were impressed with what we saw and wanted to discuss possibilities with you,” Emerson continues.
“Wonderful! That’s great to hear.” I lean back in my chair, a smile spreading across my face. This could be it, the turning point I’ve been waiting for. Marisa’s encouragement, the hours spent refining my resume… Now, I need to hold it together and avoid saying anything negative about Brandon.
“SHN is a venture capital firm,” Emerson explains. “In addition to financing, we’re heavily invested in providing services to our portfolio of companies. You would have an HR role, assigned to one of our larger clients here in the City. Would that work for you?”
I nod, though she can’t see it, as I picture the San Francisco skyline as a backdrop to this new beginning. “I live in the City. That sounds intriguing. May I ask which client?”
“I can’t disclose that just yet. But I will say they’re significant, and your support would be crucial.” There’s a pause, and then she adds, “The opening is due to an internal move. One of my team members transitioned to working directly with one of our investments. It was difficult to lose her, but she’s still with us indirectly.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, but the move makes sense for her, I’m sure.”
“Indeed,” Emerson agrees. “So, what kind of work would you say you’re looking for?”
I drum my fingers on the kitchen counter. “Well, I have a degree in human resources management,” I begin, trying to sound confident. The squeak of the chair under me is a stark reminder that I’m still perched on the edge of uncertainty. “I’m looking for a generalist role ideally, something that allows me to touch on different facets of HR, like recruitment, talent management, and governmental reporting. I’d like to continue to hone my skills in all those areas.”
“Sounds like you have a solid range,” Emerson says. “We value versatility.”
“As you can see from my resume, my last job was with a startup. I know I wasn’t there very long, but I learned a lot, and I’m fine with working my way up in a department.”
“I like your attitude. This role I have would be a generalist. We meet as a group each week to talk about what’s going on with various clients and teams. This isn’t a time to show off or brag, but to bring up the challenges and get perspectives on what might work, based on the experiences of others.”
That sounds like a dream. “I can’t tell you how encouraging it would be to know I had backup.”
“Definitely. Red Rabbit lost their funding?”
“Yes. They closed their doors. I had to lay off the last of the staff, including myself. The CEO didn’t get his last paycheck, but at least we got the employees paid.”
“That’s good work. You’d be surprised how often that doesn’t happen.”
It’s disappointing to know Brandon isn’t the only one.
“How does the role I’ve described sound to you?” Emerson asks.
“Ah…” My mind races, trying to think of everything at once, including my career trajectory. But I can’t really find fault. “It sounds like exactly what I’m looking for.”
“Fantastic,” Emerson says. “I’d like you to meet with a few people on my team, so you’ll have a better idea of how we work. Let me just check…” She’s quiet a moment. “Okay, it looks like next Monday works for us.”
A week away. That gives me time to prepare. “Monday works.”
“Excellent. I’ll send over our address. We’re in SOMA at Third and Brannan. Dress casually and plan to spend a few hours here, and I promise to feed you.”
“I’m excited,” I tell her. “Thank you for this opportunity to meet your team.”
“Looking forward to meeting you, Danica.”
“I look forward to meeting you too,” I reply, but she’s already gone.
I exhale slowly, the conversation replaying in my head. A venture capital company. A chance to prove my worth beyond the confines of a struggling startup. Maybe this is the break I’ve been hoping for, the chance not just to fix things, but to build something lasting.
I glance back at my laptop, where the webpage for the Evergreen Lodge is still open. Yosemite awaits, but first, I have a job interview to prepare for. I do a happy jig in my chair, and my fingers dance across the keyboard, summoning the homepage of Sullivan Healy Newhouse.
I snatch up my phone again, thumbing a quick message to Marisa.
Me: I have an interview. It’s a perfect job working for a venture capital firm at one of their startups!
She immediately replies.
Marisa: Congratulations! You’re going to get this! With three dancing women.
Me: Thank you! I sure hope so. I look forward to celebrating.
As I browse through SHN’s website, my excitement intensifies. I see familiar names among the companies they’ve funded in the past. This opportunity could be amazing, but I know not to get my hopes up until I receive an official offer.
All right, back to Earth, or rather, Yosemite. I refocus, directing my energy toward planning the perfect escape with Austin. Evergreen Lodge. I breathe out the name like a wish: a sanctuary nestled within ancient forests and granite cliffs. I click through pictures of cozy cabins, each one promising tranquility and adventure all at once.
“Two nights,” I whisper, selecting the two-bedroom cabin that promises comfort without presumption. No pressure, no expectations, just the chance to revel in nature and each other’s company—but not too much. We’ve had lots of sex, but we’re going away, and maybe he’ll want a break, or maybe I’ll need a break. We’re rarely together for twenty-four hours straight. We need the option of our own space, just to be sure.
Me: I know I said I’d surprise you, but I figured out a plan and want to make sure it works for you. What if we drive to Yosemite and stay at Evergreen Lodge? Two bedrooms, plenty of space, so chill. Are you available this weekend? We’re going to have the best time!
I add a smiley face, giving my message a cheerful nudge.
I can feel the tides of my fortune shifting, a current of change sweeping me toward brighter shores. This weekend away and the interview with SHN—it’s more than luck. It’s the beginning of everything.
My phone buzzes, and Austin’s name lights up the screen. I swipe to answer, a flutter of anticipation tickling my chest. “Hey, you,” I say.
“Hey,” he says, and there’s a chuckle in his voice that makes me smile despite the sudden knot of nerves. “Yosemite this weekend sounds great. But we’re not going away together and not sharing a room.”
I let out a breathy laugh. “Okay, but I was looking at a two-bedroom cabin, just so—”
“Look, Danica,” he interrupts gently, “tours of El Capitan, exploring the Yosemite Valley… It all sounds amazing. And we can even hike if you want to.”
Now, I’m grinning foolishly at the phone. “Hiking could be fun, but an easy one since you don’t necessarily enjoy them. I’m glad you’re on board.” I clear my throat. Why not share all my good news? “By the way, I’ve got an interview lined up with SHN,” I tell him, pride swelling in my voice.
“SHN?” There’s a moment of silence. “That was quick. I just sent your resume to them this morning. Looks like they’re as eager as I am.”
“Wait, you did?” Surprise flushes my cheeks. Sure, he said he’d try to help, but I had no idea he’d move that fast.
“Hey, I just passed it along,” he says. “You’re the one who’ll impress them enough to get hired.”
“Thank you, Austin.” His confidence in me feels like a warm blanket, comforting and invigorating all at once.
“Of course,” he says. “You’re going to knock their socks off.”
And I believe him. With the weekend plans taking shape and a promising interview ahead, everything seems possible. I’m ready to embrace it with open arms.
“So I was thinking we could leave Friday. It’s about a four-hour drive. And then we can drive back on Sunday. My interview is on Monday.”
“That sounds perfect. I’ll book myself out all day, and we’ll get a nice head start.”
“There’s also craft beer tasting, bike tours, kayaking…” I add. “That is, if you’re up for it.”
“Sounds fantastic,” he assures me.
“Great! And just so we’re clear,” I rush on, “I’ll cover my half of the costs. I don’t want you to think—”
“Danica,” he interjects, “book whatever you want. I’ve got this. Work’s been crazy, and if you don’t mind taking the lead on planning, I’ll handle the expenses.”
I hesitate, a tug-of-war between independence and gratitude playing out in my chest. “I won’t argue now, but expect me to pay for other things once I’m working again.”
“Deal,” he says, and there’s that smile in his voice again.
Later, I meet Marisa at Perk Up Café, a neighborhood coffee spot. We talk a bit about my upcoming interview, and I share the details of the weekend getaway, watching her reaction closely.
“Is he going to bring his famous box of condoms?” she teases, rolling her eyes.
“Probably,” I admit with a shrug. “But it’s not about that. It’s about having fun, living in the moment.”
“Are you sure you’re okay with this? With how…temporary it all seems?” Her eyes search mine.
I nod. “Right now, that’s all I need. Fun while it lasts.” I force a smile. I hope my words are true.
Marisa reaches across the table, squeezing my hand. “I admire that about you. Really.”
“Thanks,” I murmur.
The conversation drifts to city politics, and she tells me about the latest drama among the city supervisors. Her story takes an unexpected turn when she tells me the guy she’d been seeing—another supervisor who was better endowed than her first unfortunate encounter—just announced his girlfriend’s pregnancy at a city council meeting.
“Everyone cheered,” she says, her voice faltering. “And I smiled along, but it stung. He told me they’d broken up. Didn’t sound like it when he made the announcement.”
“Men,” I sigh, squeezing her hand again. “Sometimes, they’re just…liars. I’m sorry he’s done that to you. He could at least have talked to you first.”
As I comfort her, a doubt creeps into my mind. Could Austin be lying to me too? This guy was a liar. My dad lied to Mom for years before finally leaving her last year. But what does Austin have to lie about? We’re just having fun. I haven’t asked him for anything. Still, my heart feels heavy as we finish our coffee.