“Sometimes, the only way to get clarity is to talk to someone. It may help that this person is a stranger— someone you probably won’t ever see again,” Betty encouraged.
Gulping down her fear, Erin finally opened her mouth. “I just learned that I can’t have children, but my boyfriend wants kids so badly. He’s already started planning out our lives after we get married with our four kids and a brownstone, and I know if I tell him this, it will devastate him. But, on the other hand, I also don’t know if I want to spend the rest of my life with him, and this was before I got this news. I know if I leave him now, he won’t take it well, but…” She sighed dejectedly.
“Honey, listen to me.”
Erin turned to look at Betty, now looking at her thoughtfully.
“You must do what’s best for you— no one else. If that doesn’t include a future with your boyfriend, then so be it,” Betty pressed.
Erin nodded slowly as a lump formed in her throat.
“I also have to warn you that sometimes what we think is best for us isn’t,” Betty said solemnly.
“What do you mean?” Erin asked, her brows scrunched together.
Betty’s lips pursed together as she took on a faraway melancholy look. It was the first Erin had seen her look so void of cheer since she met her.
Betty pinned Erin with a serious stare. “You can also risk losing what you needed, not realizing it was right in front of you all along.”
A shiver ran down Erin’s spine at the thought.
“You should take time away from everything to decide what’s best for you. I also want you to know that it takes a strong and brave person to do what’s best for them, especially if it’s the hardest decision you’ll ever have to make. Being okay with your choice will take a lot of work.” Betty squeezed her hand before sliding out of the booth. “I’m going to get your order; I’m sure it’s ready.”
Erin gave the woman a grateful smile as she watched her go. But unfortunately, the smile slipped as soon as Betty turned her back. She was right. It did take a lot of bravery to do what she was going to do, and this conversation only made it more pertinent that she had to do it.
She had to break up with Brian.
ChapterOne
“Okay, what do you have for me?” the creative director and Erin’s boss asked.
“Designs from the new campaign are trending on all social media platforms, and the numbers are favorable. Online and store sales are trending upward, especially for our origami folds, floral prints, and hand-crafted pieces. In addition, the web traffic from our influencer marketing campaign is up by ten percent. In conclusion, Saint International is doing very well.” Erin balanced the phone between her head and shoulder while twirling the cord with her index finger. Her chair swiveled from side to side as she stared at the analytical data projecting from her computer screen.
“That’s all music to my ears. Great job, Erin. Your visionary outlook on our marketing campaign and analysis of the data trends is phenomenal. You are an asset to us.”
“Thank you, sir.” Erin grinned proudly.
“What did I say about calling me sir?” the man questioned.
“I’m sorry, sir. I mean Archie.” Her eyes squeezed shut as she cringed.
“Much better. I know you’ve only been here for a few months, but you’re already an invaluable member of this team, and at Saint, we’re a family.”
“I appreciate that, Archie, and thank you so much for this job. I know I wasn’t the best candidate, considering I didn’t have a background in fashion, but I’m glad you chose to take a chance on me.”
“Erin, you’re a natural even without a fashion background. I would have been mad not to have hired you. Your fresh insights and your determined nature have paid off in more ways than one for us,” her boss complimented.
Erin felt her cheeks warm, and a broad smile tipped her lips upward.
“The position of chief marketing analyst for our Tokyo branch will be available soon. If you keep up the good work, I’ll recommend you to Mark. That’s if you want it.”
Erin’s heart thumped with excitement at the news that she could get to live and work in Tokyo. Of course, she hadn’t put much thought into living elsewhere than the US. Still, Archie dangling the possibility before her had her imagining herself walking through fields of cherry blossoms, eating soba, and drinking sake, all in a kimono, was enough to pique her interest.
“Hello? Erin?”
Erin blinked and shook her head to clear her thoughts. “I’m here,” she responded.
“Okay. Would you be interested in moving out to Tokyo?” her boss asked.
