I’m rarely rendered speechless, but Ophelia’s suggestion does the trick.
She laughs, probably at my slightly agape mouth. “Your articles are…fun. I don’t know how else to explain it. I rarely see people who can convey so much personality through writing. You described West River in a way that feelsmagical.That sounds cheesy, I know, but it’s true.”
“Then I must have described it accurately.” My body feels like it’s fighting itself. Hearing such high praise makes me feel like I could float. Maybe I could if not for that heavy sensation that settles in me as soon as I think about West River.
“And there's more. Adam and I both think your unique voice and storytelling ability is exactly what we want forWonderings. I understand if you would prefer to stick to the freedom of freelancing, but if you’re interested, we wouldlove to have you on board permanently. Because we don’t have an office, you could work from home or, if you’re anything like Adam and me, from the road. And while we will want some input on your topics, you’ll still have plenty of flexibility.”
The sudden change from a terrible day yesterday tothistoday gives me whiplash. “I…I don't know what to say.”
She chuckles. “Say yes, Laine. We need you.”
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I hear snippets of the lectures I sat through during my career-prep classes at NYU. My professors taught to negotiate, to wait for official offers, to check the benefits. I ignore it all.
“I’d be honored, Ophelia.”
“It might be too early for champagne, but how about a mimosa?” Ophelia asks, leaning over the table toward me.
“You read my mind.”
After we give our orders to the server, Ophelia’s mouth curls. “Tell me more about Sutton.”
I choke on my water and start up in a coughing fit. “Sorry,” I croak out, clearing my throat again and again. “What do you want to know?”
“Oh, don’t be coy.” Ophelia rolls her eyes playfully. “Did you know that Adam and I fell in love on a work trip? Now, I have a sixth sense for spotting the signs in others’ writing. I suspected there was something going on between you and Sutton when we first met at karaoke. But after reading your article about him, I knew.”
“I—I didn’t write an article about Sutton,” I stammer.
Ophelia gives me anice trylook. “‘Cattle and Kin’ was the name, wasn’t it?”
“That was about the ranch as a whole. The entire Davis family,” I stammer.
“Maybe that’s what youthoughtyou were writing about, but the way you talk about Sutton makes him stand outabove the rest.” She pulls her phone from her purse. “‘His presence is like distant, rumbling thunder, quiet strength and determination.’ That's how you described Sutton Davis, isn't it?” Ophelia recites, a knowing smile playing across her lips as she flashes her phone screen at me, showing me my own words.
I squirm in my chair, my cheeks burning hot. “I guess I may have mentioned him a bit more than the others.” Apparently, I hadn't been as subtle as I thought. “It's just…he's a fascinating person. He’s the antithesis of his father, and they have a nice contrast.”
“That's the magic of it,” Ophelia insists. “Your readers are going to be captivated by this family, but especially by Sutton. The first in line for his family’s ranch dynasty, yet he would rather spend his days working on children’s books? Readers are going to eat it up. I know I did.”
After the server delivers our glasses of champagne, Ophelia raises hers in a toast. “To the newest member of theWonderingsfamily.”
I tip my glass back with a bit too much fervor.
“Didn’t you say that Montana is the farthest you’ve been from New York?” Ophelia asks. “How does it feel to be back in the city?”
“Weird,” I confess. “I grew up here. I’ve never really left. And I thought I would miss it more. But West River was so calming, once I got used to it. It felt like I was living in meditation, especially on the ranch. Aside from the sounds of birds and streams and animals, it was silent. So perfectly still.”
“It sounds amazing. Like I said…you don’t have to stay in the city for this job.” Again, that mischievous smile shines.
My faint laugh feels like I’m coughingup thumbtacks.
The adrenalineof the job offer only lasts for about ten minutes after Ophelia and I part ways. Instead of taking the subway right away, I walk along the street. Closing my eyes, I try—I really try—to find some peace in the city, in this familiar soundscape. But despite my best efforts, my skin crawls. I never realized before how much there is to take in. So many sights, smells, sounds. Endless options and decisions that I need to make.
I know what I want to do. My hand is practically pulling itself toward my purse, toward my phone. I cross my arms to keep from obeying that silent desire. If I could just hear his voice. If I could tell him about my new, proper job, he would be so proud and not at all surprised.
Sutton’s words ring through my head.I don’t need impulsiveness or indecisiveness right now.
Well, that makes one of us.
In a snap decision, I turn on my heel and head in the opposite direction. Knowing the city like the back of my hand, I find my usual salon with ease, pushing through the tall glass doors.