Page 136 of Unspoken Rules

That is an odd question.

“Location as in…”

“As in Beaumonte, the city.” He gestures around us.

“Uh, well…” I clear my throat. “I don’t hate it, but it’s convenient. I live in Lynncastor, so it’s not a far drive, but other than work, I don’t have any ties to Beaumonte.”

He purses his lips and sits forward, resting his forearms on the desk.

“Have you ever considered moving?” he asks carefully.

This conversation isn’t going in the direction I expected it to. I’m getting more and more confused as time goes on, honestly.

“Moving to where, exactly?”

“Boston. It’s a beautiful city. Have you ever been?”

I blink, then blink again. He wants to know if I’ve ever considered moving to Boston? I’m so confused by this conversation.

“I visited a few times while I was in college. Providence isn’t far.”

“That’s right. You went to RISD.” He points at me, grinning.

“Yes, sir.”

He holds my gaze, continuing to smile as I reach for my water. This is awkward at best. I take a long sip.

“So here’s the thing, Bryson. You don’t mind if I call you Bryson, do you? I should have asked that first.”

“Of course not.”

“Okay, Bryson. Here’s the deal. We have another location in Boston that has skyrocketed with clients, and we need employees immediately. It’s easier to send over people who have experience to train the newcomers rather than hope they catch on and don’t mess up accounts.”

“I’m hardly experienced, Mr. Baker.”

The words come out before I have a chance to think about what he’s just said. He wants me to move across the country. Away from my home. My friends. Cole.

“I’ve talked to your direct manager. He says you’re doing exceptionally. You’re smart, witty, and quick with projects. You listen to what clients want and you deliver. Every account you’ve worked on has been a success in the eyes of the client. Those are important things when it comes to what we do. Our clients make us the money. They are the ones who keep food in our mouths. If they’re happy, we’re happy.”

I smile because I’m not sure what else to do. Until out of nowhere, a million thoughts flood my brain. How will I get there? How can I afford that? Where will I live? Boston is expensive. I have to start somewhere, so I start with making sure I’m understanding him properly.

“Let me get this straight. You’re offering me a job doing the same thing I’m doing here… but in Boston?”

He lifts his hand, tilting it from side to side. “Sort of. It would be a step above what you do because you’d be training new hires as well.”

“Even though I’ve only been working here for like two months?”

“As I said, I received an outstanding report from your manager.”

“When would this take place?”

“As soon as possible. We’re making offers to current employees today and tomorrow. Scouting for living accommodations for the rest of the week and will hopefully have that set up by next week.”

It’s like a miracle just dropped into my lap. This is the answer I need. The thing that I’ve been trying to figure out. How many times have I said I should have stayed on the east coast? How many times have I considered going back? And now I’m being offered a job there. This is the answer to most of my problems.

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m not sure I can afford to move to Boston.”

“Ah, and that’s the beauty of it.” He leans back in his chair again, swiveling from side to side. He’s giddy, like a child playing in the chair for the first time. “We are covering the cost of moving in, three months of rent, and will pay half for the following eight months. There will be a nice salary increase, not only for the bump in position but because Boston is expensive. Travel will also be paid for.”

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