Page 50 of Forget Me

“We’d be sorry to lose you,” he said, his expression unreadable. “But we understand that our employees need to pursue their passions, and sometimes that’s outside of Synergy. Though I like to think Jackson’s foundation is still in the Synergy family.”

The tension left the back of my neck. “Thank you. Though, like I said, they’re still considering. Larissa brought in an outside candidate for an interview last week. I have to wow her with my work on the gala.”

“Are you sure a nonprofit is the right direction?” Mom asked. “It could take you out of the private sector. Stunt your career growth.”

I rubbed at the new pinch in my chest. “This is what I want. In a few years, once I’ve got more experience, I could move up to director.”

“But you’re a senior accountant now, ready to move into management. And Synergy is an excellent company. Stable.” She smiled at Cooper.

“I know, and it’s been great to me. But I think my passion is in nonprofits. Specifically, helping kids. The foundation does great work with kids who have Tourette’s and other neurological differences.”

Mom nodded slowly. She remembered how I’d come home from school trembling with rage whenever some kid made fun of Bree.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity.” Ben stood. “You’ll do great.”

I smiled at him. Our passions were similar, and his work at a foundation he cared about had inspired me to think about my own life goals. To reevaluate them. To be a better version of myself.

“I’ll help Dad bring in the rest of the food,” Ben said, circling the table toward the kitchen.

I pushed back my chair, grateful for an opportunity to escape. “I’ll help you.”

“No. Stay. You could use the rest,” he said with a fond grin. “You’ve been running yourself ragged between work and volunteering.”

I smiled back. My brother was the sweetest. Even though space had been tight and I’d had no privacy, I missed him now that he’d moved off my couch and into Cooper’s fancy mansion.

“Let me help.” Cooper pushed back his chair and stood.

“No, you’re our guest.” Mom fluttered her hand at her future son-in-law. “Besides, we’re almost done.”

“Can’t get good help around here,” Dad grumbled as he carried in the roast.

“Sorry, Dad,” Ben said, returning to the kitchen.

Mom said, “We got carried away talking about Mimi’s new job. And the fact that she’s seeing Cooper’s cousin Mateo.”

“You’re seeing someone?” He set down the roast.

My cheeks went hot. “It’s—”

“New.” Mom rolled her eyes. “Andcasual.”

“Does he treat you right?” Dad asked.

Except for trying to set off my chocolate allergy. He’d been surprisingly sweet about golfing and about the gala. “He does.”

He shot me a quick smile. “Then I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“And what’s this about a new job?”

“Dad.” My cheeks went even hotter. Why did we have to talk about this in front of Cooper? “It’s just a possibility.”

He pointed an oven mitt at me. “I want to hear more about thispossibilitywhen we all sit down. Jeannie, let’s finish bringing in the dishes.” He and my mother disappeared into the kitchen. Ben followed them.

“Sorry I brought it up,” Cooper said. “I didn’t know you hadn’t talked to them about it.”

“It’s fine. They worry about me, you know?” He probably didn’t know. What would Cooper Fallon’s parents have to worry about? He led a hot Fortune 1000 company and was engaged to a man he loved.

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