Page 25 of Conquering the Skies

Dahlia turned up her palms in a theatrical shrug. “The universe is a big place, and you’ve never been afraid of spreading your wings and seeking all it has to offer. I admit, it took me some time to accept, but it’s quite admirable.”

“Thanks, but it doesn’t really solve anything right now.” She ran her fingers along the coarse bark of the tree trunk. “I committed to a lot of responsibility and I have a lot of obligations to other people here on Pasurea. I can’t just up and fly away like I did when I was a teenager.”

“If it’s the business you’re worried about, I imagine there are a number of possible solutions.” She picked a tiny piece of lint off the hem of her skirt before tugging it down. “Stay long enough to ensure it’s still profitable, then sell to someone else. Or, take a step back and promote someone else into your role while insisting on having the final say on major decisions. Surely, you have employees you could trust to do what you’ve been doing.”

Ash nodded. “This is exactly what I said.”

Geneva hugged one leg to her chest while remaining balanced on the sturdy bough. “Maybe what’s been bothering me is the same issue I always have when plagued by indecision.”

“Which is?” Dahlia prompted.

Leaning her forehead on her knee, she closed her eyes. “Deep down, I guess I’m still worried about seeming like a failure, or whether other people will think I’m quitting or giving up.” She took a deep breath. “When I was younger, I was so sure of myself and was so confident in all of my plans. I’d do anything to feel that way again.”

“Oh, darling, you should know by now you are not a failure. Think about everything you’ve accomplished, all the wonderful things you’ve done.” She remained sitting up straight and folded her hands in her lap. “Even if you never worked another day in your life, your list of achievements is already enviable.”

“I need to dosomething.” She raised her head to prop her chin on her knee instead. “But what?”

Dahlia drummed her fingers on one side of her chair. “Do I have permission to offer more advice? You can take it or leave it, of course, and my feelings won’t be hurt.”

“Sure. I’m all ears.”

She leaned back, her calculating stare piercing through the shadows. “You say you’re afraid of failing or making mistakes, despite very little evidence to indicate those are probable outcomes. Every time you’ve been faced with a significant decision to make, you worried about choosing incorrectly, even though you’ve yet to do so. Have I said anything inaccurate so far?”

“No,” she admitted.

“Part of you may be afraid of losing opportunities or missing out on experiences. You want to have it all.” Enthusiasm crept across her face. “Some people might think it’s a selfish stance to have and they’d try to talk you out of it, but not me. Youcanhave it all, Geneva, everything you want and need to be fulfilled. The whole universe is yours for the taking, and I’m telling you to go ahead and conquer it.”

Skeptical, she raised an eyebrow. “That all sounds nice enough, and it’s a very rousing speech, but I was sort of hoping for more concrete plans.”

“All right,” Dahlia said, unperturbed. “I can offer suggestions for those, too, but only if you’re interested in hearing them. I wouldn’t want to be accused of meddling.”

A muscle in her jaw twitched, though she tried to conceal her annoyance. “Go ahead. For one night only, I will allow you to try to plot out the rest of my life.”

“You have your work, your friends, your desire to embark on faraway adventures, not to mention a wonderful fiancé who shares the same goals and priorities.” She ticked off the items on her list on her slender fingers. “I would like to think your father and I are also important to you, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.”

“Yes, yes, of course I care about you two and our relationship.” Geneva gestured for her to continue. “You promised me a plan. Let’s stay on track here.”

Dahlia tucked a stray piece of scarlet hair back in place. “We’ve already outlined your options for your company, and you’ll have to decide on one on your own. Beyond that, I think you might find all you’re searching for in charity work.”

She crinkled her nose. “Thisis your grand idea? Following you around at all those fundraisers and—”

“No, not at all,” she said. “I meant actually traveling, going out to other planets and systems and doing some hands-on work. Find a cause you’re passionate about, and I’m sure there are plenty of people who could use some help with it. Once you decide what to focus on, my fellow philanthropists and I could help you choose an organization which would appreciate and benefit from everything you can offer. Or…” She drew out the last word then paused for dramatic effect. “You could start your own. You certainly have enough experience and connections by now to develop and nurture something of your own creation.”

Geneva plucked another leaf from the branch above her and twisted it back and forth. “It still sounds like all the things I don’t want to be doing. The administrative work, trying to generate interest and appeal to donors and benefactors…all the stuff I’m not very good at anyway.”

“Darling, don’t sell yourself short. Think of all the resources you have available to you.” Her shrewd smile reappeared. “I’d be willing to help out, both financially and with some of the day-to-day operations. And I’m sure you have some otherfriendsyou could call upon.”

She shot her a cynical look. “Oh?”

“Don’t play coy, dear. Marcus is also very well-connected on this planet and, despite recent events, I doubt he’d mind performing the occasional favor or several.” Dahlia spread her arms wide. “As I said, you can have it all. Participate in running your business as much or as little as you want. Seek out the work that will grant you satisfaction elsewhere if you must. You can always come home to Pasurea whenever you want to maintain your relationships here.” For a split second, her usual dignified façade broke down, and a hint of emotion flickered across her face. “While I know you hate it, perhaps every once in a while, you could indulge me in attending a high-profile event. After all, it’s not my fault my only child is so accomplished, and I wouldn’t mind being able to show you off in person on occasion.”

Geneva chose not to call attention to the rare display. “I guess if I were to be attempting to drum up interest and persuading Pasurea’s elite to part with some of their money, I should show up in person here and there. I’ll concede it’s not completely torturous to put on the fancy dress and regale everyone with tales of my journeys.”

“Exactly.” Her mother beamed at her. “In time, I know you would be simply brilliant at raising money for a worthy cause. It’s not all about clinking champagne glasses at the lavish dinners after all.”

She toyed with the ends of her messy ponytail. “I suppose it’s not the worst idea in the world.”

“Coming from you, that’s high praise.”

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