“You’re asking me my intentions with your son?”
She laughs a little and then shrugs a shoulder. “Indeed, I am.”
I look down at my hands and then up at her again, letting the words start to tumble out of me. “I’m completely in love with him. When I first met him, I thought he was grouchy, but he’s not. He’s just a thinker. And he’s funny. Incredibly kind. He loves his family so much. And he’s thoughtful. He’s good to me, you know?”
“He’d better be, or he’d have to answer to me,” she says. “And it’s clear to me that he loves you just as much, my dear. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Keegan this devoted to a woman. But you’re young. Much younger than him.”
“I guess there’s a bit of an age gap.” I sit back, thinking about it. “About seven years, I suppose. But we’re both adults.”
“Yes, but are you sure this is what you’re going to want for the long term? Keegan’s life is on that island. In the pub. He loves it, almost as much as he loves you.”
“I love the pub, too. I was just thinking that when I walked up here. He made me take the day off, and I’m a little lost.”
“I’m glad you enjoy your job, but is it what you want forever?”
I frown at Fiona, wondering what I’m missing here.
“Perhaps I’m not asking this right. I guess what I’m saying is, I know you’ve likely had other dreams for yourself. To have a career, for example.”
“I can still do that. I’ve applied for a few jobs here in the Northwest. And, yes, I’ll have to commute a bit, but it’s a compromise, right? All relationships have them. And if I don’t get one of those jobs, then it just wasn’t meant to be. I love your family, and I’ve never felt so content or welcomed in my life. I’m not willing to give that up for anything.”
“You are welcome with us, Izzy.” Fiona smiles softly. “And I think you’re right. You can certainly have both. I’m glad we got to have this conversation.”
Before I can reply, my phone starts to ring. When I check it, I don’t recognize the number.
“I’m sorry, Fiona, I should answer this. Hello?”
“May I speak with Izzy Harris?”
“This is Izzy.”
“Hello, this is Roger Johnston at KXLY TV in Seattle. We reviewed your resume and your audition video, and if you’re still looking for a job, we’d like to hire you.”
I stare at Fiona, blinking slowly. “Without an interview?”
Roger chuckles on the other end. “I’m going to be honest here. Someone quit unexpectedly, and we need to fill the position immediately. We’d need you on-air on Saturday.”
“That’s in three days.”
“Yes, it is. So, we ran a background check and called the references you provided, and we’re comfortable moving forward quickly. If you’re available.”
I swallow hard. Fiona’s smiling like crazy at me now.
“Izzy?”
“I’m sorry, this is such a crazy surprise. Yes, I’m available.”
“Great. Come into the studio on Friday so I can show you around. I’ll have you sign some paperwork and such. And then we’ll start bright and early on Saturday. This will be a part-time position, with you reporting the weather on-air in the studio on Saturday and Sunday. We will send you out on remote sometimes, as well. You’ll also be filling in during the week whenever our senior meteorologist is on vacation.”
“This is unexpected and incredible. Thank you for the opportunity, Roger.”
“You’re welcome. I’m going to send you an email with everything you’ll need to know. I’ll talk to you soon, Izzy.”
“Okay, thanks again. Goodbye.”
I hang up and stare at Fiona, and then I do the happiest happy dance anyone has ever seen. Fiona claps and lets out a loud WHOOP!
“I got a job!”
“Yes, you did. I’m so proud of you, Izzy.”
“Oh my gosh, I have so much to do. I have to get some clothes—I don’t have a wardrobe appropriate for TV. And I have to tell Keegan. I’m going to surprise him.”
“So many surprises today,” she says. “I love it. Surprises keep us young. I won’t say a word to anyone. You go do some shopping and enjoy your day off, and then you can tell everyone else.”
“Thank you.” I rush over and kiss her cheek. “Thank you for sharing this with me.”
“It’s an honor and a privilege, and that’s the truth of it.”
“I can stay until Tom gets back.”
“Tom is here,” he says as he walks in carrying a small bag full of Fiona’s things.
“I can’t stay.” I kiss his cheek and then wrap him up in a hug. “I love you, Tom. I love you both. And I’ll see you later.”
“Well.” Tom blushes like crazy, and Fiona laughs. “Okay, then.”
“Bye!”
“Have fun,” Fiona calls after me as I hurry out of the room.
Where do I go? I don’t know Seattle all that well. I could call Maggie or Maeve, but they’re both helping Keegan at the pub today.
And then I remember that Samantha Nash gave me her number at Anastasia’s baby shower and extended an open invitation to reach out to her anytime.
It’s still crazy to me that I have Leo Nash’s wife’s phone number.
When I get to my car, I pull up the number and shoot her a text.
Me: Hey! This is Izzy Harris, we met at Anastasia’s baby shower. I don’t know if you were serious about meeting up sometime but I’m currently in Seattle, and if you’re free, I’d like to see you! Ignore if this is weird. LOL
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly.
I have a brand-new weather job, doing what I’ve always dreamed of. And I got it on my own merit, without my father making any phone calls.
And I start in a few days.
I’m so nervous.
My phone starts to ring in my hand.
“Hey, it’s Sam,” she says when I answer. “This is perfect timing. I’m at the downtown studio with Leo today because he’s helping a band with some recording, and I could honestly use a break. We’re across the street from Succulent Sweets. How do you feel about cupcakes?”
“I’ve never turned down a cupcake in my life.”
“You’re my kind of girl. Where are you now?”
“Seattle General hospital.”
“Okay, you’re about fifteen minutes away. Just plug the bakery into your GPS and you’ll find it no problem.”
“Awesome, I’ll see you soon. Thanks, Sam.”
I end the call and do exactly as she suggested. And she’s not wrong. The bakery is easy to find and in a super cute part of downtown, surrounded by a mix of restaurants, shops, and offices. I remember Matt’s wife, Nic, telling me at the shower that she owns this place. I can’t wait to try her cupcakes.
I find a spot to park and walk into Succulent Sweets. It’s designed similar to an old-fashioned café, with white-tiled floors and little round tables set about. A wide array of gorgeous cupcakes fill the glass counter.
I see Nic and Sam chatting by the cash register.