Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 83461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Shelley nods in stoic understanding. “Every woman has a story like that. Did you learn from it?”
“I did.” I glance over at the box of plastic wrap sitting on the counter, all that’s left of my canceled lunch date with Cannon, then back to Shelley. “I learned that having a good career is important. I have to follow my dreams and not the dreams of someone else. I know that I might not be able to have everything I want, but that I should make sure I have the thing I need most. And I really want this job, Ms. Royce.”
“I’m inclined to give it to you just for telling me that story,” Shelley says, and my heart about leaps out of my chest. “Would you be willing to relocate to Charlotte?”
I try to hold my voice steady because I knew this would come up. “Your job listing said that the position could be remote. I really would like to stay in the Pittsburgh area if I can, but if that’s a deal breaker, I’ll come to Charlotte.”
My pulse races as I wait for her response, because truly, it’s not Pittsburgh I’m attached to, but Cannon. So much for telling her I need to focus on my career and not let a man change my course.
Shelley waves a hand dismissively. “It absolutely can be a remote position. I run my business out of my home, and my other employees work from theirs. I just like to get together with my team, so it would require some travel to Charlotte, probably at least once a quarter.”
“I can do that.” And in my mind, I start figuring out how much money I’ll need to save for a plane ticket, or I could just drive. That’s not a major worry though.
“I have some other interviews to do for this position. I plan on making my decision by the end of the week.”
My heart sinks. I had thought by the very nature of her setting this Zoom meeting so quickly, I was a shoo-in. But I plaster a brilliant, professional smile on and say, “Thank you so much for this opportunity. If you feel like there’s anything else I can do to assure you I’m the right person for the job, please let me know.”
“I will. And I need to check references. I’m going to assume your parents will give me a glowing one on your behalf. But do you anticipate anything bad from your former company? It didn’t sound like you left on good terms.”
I shake my head. “I worked in a different division than my ex, under a supervisor who was very happy with my work. All my reviews were spectacular, so I’m confident you can call her for a recommendation.”
And I throw up a small prayer that Derek hasn’t passed word down to sabotage me.
“Outstanding. I’ll reach out to them today. It was a pleasure talking to you, Ava.”
“Thank you again for the opportunity.”
“I’ll let you know one way or the other by end of business on Friday.”
When we disconnect, I’m so excited I don’t know what to do with myself. I could call my parents or Rob, but the one person I want to talk to is Cannon, and I don’t want to interrupt him or seem overly needy.
I’ll just send him a text and apologize again for missing lunch. As for Rob and my parents, I’ll wait until I know if I have a job.
Unlocking my phone, I see that Cannon texted me back from my last one canceling lunch. While I’m bummed not to see you, I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity. Let me know how it goes.
That was sweet. I hadn’t expected a reply, and all that tells me is that I’ve taken Cannon’s words deeply to heart. I’m translating his lack of time to a lack of ability to give me anything. I’m setting my expectations very low so I’m not disappointed.
I text him back. Just finished with interview. It went really good. I’ll know by end of week. I hesitate before sending it, but then decide to throw it out there. I’m bummed about lunch too and can’t wait to see you Friday.
CHAPTER 14
Cannon
I glance at my watch and then back to Gage. “I’ve got to get going. I’m meeting with Camden in a few minutes.”
Gage settles back into his office chair and crosses his arms over his chest. “Are you going to tell him about the trade?”
I’m standing in the doorway to Gage’s office, having just stopped by to say hello. We got sidetracked talking about some potential line switches for tomorrow’s game in Quebec. “Yeah… I’m going to give him a heads-up. I don’t want him caught off guard.”
Today’s been a busy day already and we haven’t even reached noon. I watched video this morning, followed by a team practice. Later we’re having a full team meeting to discuss tomorrow night’s game which is going to be tough as the Royals are holding the number one spot in our conference.