Before I knew I was moving to Las Vegas.
“I see. Is there a firm you have your heartset on?” He steeples his fingers and rests them on his lips.
Yes, yours.
“I have a few in mind, why?”
“Would you consider taking a job here?”
“Here?” I squeak.
“Yes, you’ve impressed every partner at thisfirm. There’s no challenge you haven’t risen to, and when Iapproached them with this request they agreed unanimously.”
I stare at my uncle with disbelief. A weekago I would have jumped through the window to accept his offer, butnow? Everything’s different.
I drop my head and sigh, “Uncle John, youhave no idea how badly I want to say yes-”
“But,” he interrupts me.
“But…Ryan was offered a huge job opportunityin Las Vegas.”
“Las Vegas?” he grunts. “I take it this isnot a graphic design opportunity.”
“No,” I snicker.
“Is that what you want, Alana? To go toVegas?”
I look down at him timidly and shrug, “I wantRyan.”
“I see.” He looks out the windowcontemplatively.
“Do you think that’s a bad decision? To gowith him?” I ask.
“I can’t answer that. Only you can.” Hischair squeaks a little as he rocks back in it.
“I don’t think it is,” I answer. “It may nothave been part of my master plan, but life throws curve ballsright? And I don’t want to look back one day and think what if. AndI don’t want Ryan to either. He’s not asking me to give upanything, I can still practice in Las Vegas,” I say with a hint ofdisenchantment in my voice.
“But it’s not New York,” my uncleretorts.
“Nothing’s New York, but it won’t bepermanent. We’ll move back eventually.”
“Well,” one corner of my uncle’s mouth curvesup. “You’ve certainly convinced me. I have a law school buddy outthere. I’ll see if he’s in the market for a stellar first yearwho’s way too smart to be practicing inVegas.”
I smile slyly.
“What’s that look for?” He takes out hispocket watch and glances at the time.
“Ryan thought you might have a friend whocould help me out with a job.”
“Did he now?”
“He’s not just a pretty face.”
“Neither are you.” My uncle stands and kissesmy forehead. “I have a lunch date to get to.”
“Anyone I know?” I joke as I start toorganize his desk.
My uncle pauses as he slips on his jacket, atwinkle in his eye.