Page 68 of Loving Decker

“They sent me an email out of the blue and asked if I would consider working for them. It’s a sweet deal.”

“Wow. And you want to take it?”

“I do. And I don’t.”

“Okay. Tell me about it.”

“I would go in a second if I knew you were going to be there.”

And then Faith felt a bit better. He was considering a career move, or rather, he was considering not taking a job he’d wanted forever, because of her. That said she was important to him. “And if I’m not?”

“Then I’m still trying to figure that out.”

“And Willow Creek?”

“I just don’t think Willow Creek needs me anymore. Maverick will have the whole financial stuff worked out soon, and I can do the Dawson books from New York. You are literally the only thing keeping me here.”

Everything he was saying was what she’d wanted to hear from him her whole life. And a part of her wanted to jump into his arms in happiness. But she had to notice that, really, she was conflicted. Leave Willow Creek? Decker had been her dream her whole life, but that dream had always included Willow Creek.

New York City?

She just didn’t know. She’d never considered leaving.

“I know this is a lot. You don’t need to say anything at all, but I’m glad I told you.”

“You’re right. It’s sort of a difficult thing to hear. I don’t know if I’m ready to know the answers to our future. But I’m glad you told me.” She reached for his hand. “I’m happy for you. You’ve wanted this very thing for a long time. What a blessing.”

“It was so crazy to get this email from them. I mean, they are going to take me on with a third-year salary as if I’d been there this whole time.”

“What! That’s amazing. They must really like you.”

“They do. I’ve consulted for them a few times. I don’t know. But I’m grateful. More than anything, I’m grateful they would make such an offer.”

“When do you have to tell them?”

“I don’t know. I have a phone call with them in a week.”

”Oh good. They can answer all our questions.” She laughed. “Your questions.”

“No,ourquestions. I like the sound of that much better. And yes, I can ask them anything you want.”

She grinned. “Well. I know this still doesn’t have anything to do with me, but you might want to ask about housing, moving costs, best places to live.” She couldn’t help herself. “And who knows how long you’ll stay. Do they have good retirement? What’s the future partner path with them.”

His smile just kept growing as he started typing in his phone.

“What are you doing?”

“Just taking notes. I don’t want to forget this stuff.”

“Ha. You’re nice, Deck. I’m happy for you. A part of me thinks this could be real great. But it’s just not something I’ve ever wanted to do.”

“I know. Take whatever time you need.”

“Thank you.”

They talked late into the night, shifting back to the kinds of things best friends talk about. And then when it was really too late to stay a moment longer, he stood. “Thank you for not kicking me out.”

“Thank you for dinner. I’m really impressed with this.”

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