November 24th
Which news?
Ainsley
“It’s about time you got home!” Sammy says the second I walk through the door.
“Was I supposed to meet you or something?”
“I’ve just been dying to tell you. I accepted a job offer this morning!”
I give him a hug. “That’s amazing. Which job?”
“In-house designer at that high-end furniture store. I think it will be so much fun. The customers will come to me, and I can become an expert at what the store has to offer. Plus, this extrovert will love the daily interaction with all the people who come to shop. It’s a combination of salary and commission, and I’m pumped.
And my store location is in Country Club Plaza, and you know I love that area of Kansas City.
I’ll only be about an hour from my family. ”
“Congratulations, Sammy,” I say sincerely as tears I can’t seem to control roll down my cheeks. “I’m so happy for you.”
He gives me a hug. “You’ll find something.”
“Damon wants me to move to Lincoln. Says he can support me.”
“And why are you not doing that?”
“Because I didn’t go to college for four and a half years to be—”
“A full-time mother?”
“Would you suggest I go live with Damon if I wasn’t pregnant?”
“Heck yeah, I would. To be honest, when Roman and I were dating this summer, the thought crossed my mind. He mentioned that with his schedule and income, I wouldn’t need to work. I could live a life of leisure.”
“Would you have done that?” I wonder.
“Obviously, in retrospect, that wouldn’t have worked long-term, so I’m glad I have a job of my own—ah, I love saying that. I have a job of my own. It’s totally empowering.”
“And see, that’s how I feel. I need to be able to support this child on my own.”
“Don’t give up hope. You had some good interviews.”
“I did, and with Thanksgiving this week, I’m sure I won’t hear until after the holiday weekend. In the meantime, I need to get something to eat and then focus on my design project.”
“Just wondering, if you don’t get a job in Lincoln, maybe you could find something in KC and live with me. We could save money that way, and we get along so well. I can’t imagine having another roommate, and I’m not sure I’m ready to live alone.”
“Even with a baby?” I ask, surprised.
“Yes, Ainsley, even with a baby.”
“You’re so wonderful, Sammy. I’m so lucky I met you.”
“I feel the same,” he says.
We’re just sitting down for a lunch of pasta with red sauce and spinach when my phone vibrates.
I answer, feeling excited when I see the name of one of the companies I interviewed with yesterday.
When I get off the phone, Sammy grins and says, “So?”
“That was the online design company. They want me.”
“I heard that,” he says, “but why didn’t you accept right away?”
“Because they told me to take the weekend and let them know on Monday.” I no more than get the words out of my mouth when my phone rings again.
“It must be both our lucky days,” I tell Sammy after I end my call.
“Two job offers in one day?!” he says excitedly. “I’ll drink to that. In fact, I think I will.” He gets up, grabs two glasses, and fills them with sparkling water, then sits back down. “First, a toast. To us. May we make millions doing what we love.”
“Hear, hear,” I say, clinking my glass against his.
“So, which job are you going to take?” he asks.
“I don’t know. I’m going to think about it this weekend.”
“And how is Thanksgiving with the family going to work exactly? Seeing Damon? It’s pretty obvious that you’re pregnant right now.”
“I have a plan.”
“And what is that?”
“It’s just my mom and me for Thanksgiving this year. Everyone else is either vacationing or going up to the football game. Even though I want Damon to be the first to know, I don’t know if I will be able to hide it from my mom. Either way, I’ll drive to Iowa for the game on Friday and tell Damon.”
“How do you think he’ll take it?” Sammy asks. “Because I think he’s going to be pissed.”
“There’s not much I can do about it now. I’ll explain why I waited. It was for him, remember?”
“Yeah, I remember. Totally disagreed, just for the record. But I know your heart is in the right place, and I understand. It’s pretty clear you’re crazy about him.”
“It is, but I was thinking about my parents. How my dad didn’t lie to my mom at the beginning of their relationship, but rather omitted a big, important truth.
And I know I’m doing that now. I keep thinking about my dad.
I didn’t tell you, but he texted me and asked me about a game. I blocked his number.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I just don’t want this to erode my relationship with Damon. Because you’re right. I can’t wait any longer. And I miss him and want to see him. Funny thing is though, no one at school has said anything.”
“You’re carrying the baby well. But in general, people are afraid to, in case you just gained weight or something.”
“I suppose that’s true,” I say, checking the clock. “But back to the jobs. I know which one I will accept. In fact, I’m going to do a video call with Damon and tell him the news.”
“Which news?” he asks with a smirk.
I wave my hand through the air and grab my phone. Damon answers right away.
“Hey,” I say, practically bursting with excitement.
“You sound happy.”
“That’s because I just got offered two jobs.”
“That’s amazing. Congrats. What would you be doing and where?”
“Well, the one I am going to accept will allow me to live anywhere I want.”
My comment hangs there for a second before his face breaks out in a wide smile.
“Does that mean we get to be together?”
“If you still want me,” I tell him.
“Oh, I most definitely want you,” he says. “I’m so excited you’re coming to my game against Iowa this weekend. Sucks that it’s away, so we won’t get to hang out much. But I’ll have some free time on Friday. And a lot of family will be there.”
“I can’t wait!”
He tells me that he’s got to run to his team meeting, which is starting shortly, so we end the call.
And I just sit and think dreamily about finally telling him. And pray that he takes it well.