Page 54 of Rebellious Hearts

“What position is it?”

“Well, it’s a position in an international environmental organization.”

“What organization?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

“Ever heard of the GNPA?”

“Oh. My. God. Elena…”

The Global Nature Preservation Alliance was an incredibly large operation with teams in just about every country on Earth that needed help with endangered species and nature preservation. That was the kind of name that could looksogood on my résumé, almost making Blackwood Inc. look like child’s play.

Even with their new environmentally friendly direction.

“Right?” Elena said, excited now. “I showed Seth your résumé when he told me, and he’s really interested.”

“Wouldn’t you want that position yourself?”

“I’m happy where I am. I have a different direction, Sofe. This is cut out for you. This position specializes in sustainable development projects and climate change mitigation efforts. Seth needs a project manager for a large-scale conservation initiative aimed at preserving the habitats of endangered species, and I told him you’re perfect for the job. You can talk to stakeholders and government agencies with ease, get involved in local communities and, get this, there’s so much room for growth it’s insane.”

“Elena… that sounds like an incredible position,” I breathed. I’d been resigned to working at Blackwood Inc. for a long time still, but this kind of position could really push me in a new direction. And it tugged at my heartstrings—helping others, even if it was animals, was exactly what I loved to do.

“There’s only one catch,” Elena said. “I have to tell you this upfront so you’re aware of it because Seth wants to see you the moment you get back. They’re in a hurry.”

“What’s the catch?” I asked carefully.

“You’re going to have to relocate for the job. But we can still see each other, fly back and forth, and your living expenses, travel expenses, and all that jazz will be included. He wanted me to reassure you of that.”

I frowned. “Relocate where?”

“Costa Rica,” Elena said simply. “They’re busy with huge conservation efforts right now.”

I nodded slowly. “That’s… a really big relocation.”

“I know,” Elena said. “But Sofia, this could really be life-changing for you.”

“It can,” I said. I had no attachments in Newport. My family all lived in Oregon, and I barely got to see them more than once a year as it was. I didn’t have any relationships, and my only close friend was Elena. I would miss seeing her, but with modern technology, the world had become such a small place…

For some reason, my mind flashed on Ben.

If I left Blackwood Inc., I would leave Ben behind, too.

But what did that matter? It wasn’t like I was that attached to him, so involved that I would turn down such a big opportunity.

Right?

“I’ll think about it and be ready for Seth by the time we get back,” I promised.

“Will you consider it? It really is such a great opportunity and it’s such a nice field to work in.”

“I’ll consider it,” I promised. After all, it would allow me the chance to grow, which was something I didn’t have right now. But to leave the business I’d come to understand behind, the company, the Blackwoods—one in particular—was a tough decision to make.

“Thank you for putting my name forward, El,” I said. “I really appreciate it.”

“Of course!” Elena cried out. “Now, do what you do best, get that project, and come home so we can get the ball rolling! It’s really going to be great. Sad that you’ll be leaving… but great.”

I smiled, and we ended the call.

Elena was such a good friend, always with my best interests at heart, and if anyone knew what I was like and what I needed, it was her. Knowing that I wasn’t going to grow in the company was a big factor. After I’d decided a family wasn’t for me, my career was really all I had left, and if that was the case, I needed to do what I could to forward it.