Page 108 of Your Biggest Downfall
For me? Did he say he had come to see me? I must be on an episode of some prank show because who ever came to see me?
“For me?” I asked, looking between the two of them.
“Mr. Hopkins?—”
“Call me Peter, please, Iris, especially since we are among friends.”
Iris nodded politely. “Peter is the head of the public relations team for the London Hands, one of England’s most esteemed rugby clubs.”
“Wow, that’s amazing. Do you live here?” I asked, realizing how silly the question was as soon as it left my mouth. Of course he didn’t live here.
“No,” he replied with a small smile. “Just visiting... an old friend.”
I caught the way he glanced at Iris, who quickly dismissed it with a wave of her hand.
“He’s looking to expand his social media team and wants to bring London rugby into the spotlight on social platforms. I thought you’d be a great fit, so I suggested he talk to you about joining his team.”
“H—His team? You mean I’d be part of his social media team?” I stammered.
But... London? My mind raced as I tried to process the idea. Working for a prestigious rugby club sounded incredible, but the reality of it being based in London felt overwhelming. Would that mean relocating? I glanced between Iris and Peter, trying to wrap my head around the logistics.
“I want you to head up the entire social media department. Your work with the Ravens has been absolutely outstanding. I’ve been following you on social media for a while, and, hell, you’ve even convinced me to be a hockey fan.”
I laughed politely, but I was still not understanding. “You want to offer me a job?” I asked.
“Yes, a management position. We can discuss salary, but we were thinking of offering what would equate to roughly ninety thousand US dollars.”
Nine—I must’ve heard that wrong. There was no fucking way he said ninety thousand dollars. That was more than...
“This would be remote, right?” I asked, my voice betraying a mix of hope and uncertainty.
The idea of moving halfway across the world felt too sudden, even for an opportunity like this. I was newly married. Mamiwas sick. I was all she had, and I couldn’t simply abandon her or Austin.
Peter smiled, seeming to understand my hesitation.
“That’s the caveat. You’d have to relocate to London for the position,” Iris added.
It was too good to be true. The moment a real opportunity knocked on my door, a chance to be more than just the intern, it slipped away before I could even grasp it.
I forced a smile, though inside, it felt like my dreams were shattering right in front of me.
“Not to worry. We would cover the relocation costs,” Peter added, his tone professional and polite.
Of fucking course they would. That’s what made this so much harder—dangling something incredible within reach, only for it to be impossible for me to accept. My heart sank, disappointment pulling me under.
“Thank you for the opportunity,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “But unfortunately, I’m newly married to a player on the team here. My life is in Chicago for the time being.”
Neither Iris nor Peter knew the full extent of why I couldn’t pick up and move. Sure, Iris knew my mom was sick, but she didn’t understand how serious it was. There was no way I was about to explain the depth of it to them.
“This is a huge opportunity,” Iris chimed in, but Peter was already standing up.
I followed his lead, standing to shake his hand with as much politeness as I could muster, even though it felt like my chest was caving in.
He met my eyes kindly, sensing my hesitation. “There’s no need to decide right away,” he said gently. “Hockey and rugby run on different schedules. We wouldn’t need anyone until next year, so there’s time to consider it. The offer will stay open if,somehow, life changes. We’d be thrilled to have you whenever you’re ready.”
I sighed, my heart heavy. Life wouldn’t ever change. Austin played hockey, and his life was wherever the NHL took him. Bringing this conversation up to him would cause more stress, and he didn’t need that, especially not with the first game of the season this weekend.
“Thank you, sir,” I replied quietly, unable to muster the enthusiasm the situation deserved. I turned to leave, feeling defeated, but Iris called out, stopping me.
