Page 75 of Balancing Act
She glanced across the table at Amanda, who was watching her closely, chopsticks poised halfway to her mouth. “What do you think?” Amanda asked.
The thought of stepping back into the spotlight sent a ripple of unease through her chest. It wasn’t the attention she feared—it was what it would mean for the life she was trying to build with Beth. Jamie chewed on her bottom lip for a moment, weighing her words. “I don’t know, Amanda. I mean, it sounds interesting. But you know how I’ve been—keeping things low-key and low-profile. Less pressure. I’m not sure I’m ready to jump into something that big.”
Amanda set her chopsticks down and leaned back in the booth, crossing her arms over her chest as she studied Jamie. “I get it,” she said, after a moment. “But I’m just saying, maybe you’re ready for more than you think you are.”
Jamie took a sip of the broth, feeling the warmth spread through her. “I don’t know,” she said quietly, setting the spoon back down. “It’s a lot. I mean...” She let her voice trail off as she considered the possibility. “I don’t know if I’m ready for all that—you know—the publicity again. You remember what it was like with the media.”
Amanda nodded as she listened. “I get that, Jamie, but I also know you. You’ve got this fire inside you, and you can’t hide it forever. At some point, you’re going to want to do more. Maybe this is your chance for that. And if it’s not, then it’s not, but I think you should at least think about it. And also, I hate to break it to you, babe, but you’re not even famous anymore. We’re old news.”
Jamie laughed. Still, Amanda had struck a chord in a way only she knew how. What if she was ready for more than she thought? What if, in the process of building a life with Beth, she could also create a career for herself?
“I’ll think about it,” Jamie said sincerely.
“Good,” Amanda said, grabbing another spring roll. “That’s all I’m asking.”
They ate in companionable silence for a while after that, the clatter of bowls and the soft hum of conversation filling the cozy space of the restaurant. The potential decision sat heavily on her mind, but at the same time, a quiet thrill was creeping in. Shannon York’s offer could be big—and who knows, it might even reignite the part of her that had once thrived on competition and ambition.
Jamie felt lighter and more at ease as she and Amanda exited the restaurant onto the busy street in Downtown Seattle.
“Are you trying to beat the storm out tomorrow?” Amanda asked, with concern in her eyes.
“Yeah. I’ll get on the road after Beth and I grab breakfast. I’ll call you when I’m back in Oregon, okay?”
“God, I’m going to miss you.” Amanda threw her arms around Jamie, and Jamie let her. “Thanks again for coming and helping me out the last few months.”
“I’ll be back in a few weeks. I think you’ll manage fine without me. But I should be thanking you, Amanda. You somehow managed to flip my entire life on its head, and now all the pieces are shaking out in all these ways I never thought possible. None of that would have happened if you hadn’t asked me to come and help out.”
“You’re right.” Amanda smiled. “I take full credit for your life. Once again, you would be nowhere without me.”
“You know, after twenty-five years of friendship, I’m starting to think you might be onto something.”
She said goodbye to Amanda with a hug and promised to really consider Shannon York’s offer before heading toward the ferry terminal.
The ferry terminal was mostly empty and quiet except for the occasional murmur of conversation or the shuffle of feet across the wet pavement. A fine drizzle fell steadily from the sky, misting the cold December air with a damp chill. Jamie pulled her coat tighter, the conversation with Amanda still echoing in her mind. Maybe she was ready for more. Things with Beth were good, in a way that made Jamie feel elated but still a little uneasy. They were moving slowly—by choice—but it was working for her.
She instinctively made her way to the upper deck as she boarded the ferry. The cold air was sharper here, the wind biting her cheeks, but it cleared her head. She leaned against the railing, watching the Seattle skyline twinkle as it disappeared. Ayear ago, the idea of letting herself be vulnerable with someone—especially someone like Beth—would have been laughable. But now? Now, she stood on a ferry, grinning like an idiot, thinking about how excited she was to see Beth’s smile tomorrow.
Her phone buzzed with a new text.
Amanda 10:04 PM
Here is Shannon’s contact info. I already texted her to let her know we talked. She said absolutely no pressure, but if you want to hear more about what she’s trying to do, give her a call.
Jamie tucked her phone away without replying.
She wanted to talk to Beth—to tell her about this opportunity, share her excitement with her. Beth had become the person she wanted to turn to for everything, whether she was happy, frustrated, or just needed to get something off her chest. She’d always had that with Amanda, but it felt different with Beth—intense in a different way—because she was someone Jamie was in love with. And that made every shared moment feel more profound, more meaningful.
In love.Those two words kept sneaking up on her, still catching her off guard every time they surfaced. It was a truth she hadn’t been able to shake since realizing it, but she hadn’t said a word to Beth. Not yet. It felt too soon, too big for where they were, too risky to put out there when everything was still so new. Could two people fall in love this fast? It seemed impossible. She’d decided to keep it to herself for now, to wait until she was absolutely sure before daring to tell Beth. Because once those words were out, there’d be no taking them back.
Jamie wrapped her fingers around the cold metal railing, leaning back slightly, closing her eyes. She inhaled deeply, thechilled air filling her lungs, before turning on her heel to head back inside the cabin.
And that’s when she saw her.
Beth stood at the far end of the deck, her back to Jamie, gazing at the dark waters. The soft glow of the ferry lights illuminated her silhouette, and Jamie’s heart stumbled in her chest. Beth’s long coat swayed in the breeze, but the glimmering fabric beneath caught Jamie’s eye—a dark, sparkly jumpsuit that hugged her body. The wind picked up the ends of Beth’s moonlit waves, making them dance. Jamie’s eyes lingered on the pale strands as they caught the silvery glow, shimmering like fine threads of spun starlight.
For a moment, she just watched, taking in the way Beth glowed in the moonlight. God, she was incredible. Her heart hammered in her chest as she closed the distance between them, each step quiet and deliberate. The cold air was forgotten, replaced by the warmth Beth exuded—the calm in Jamie’s storm.
Jamie’s voice was low, teasing, when she finally spoke. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s dangerous to leave a woman this gorgeous unattended on a ferry?”