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But she managed to leave early since Edison, after a few minutes of cuddling, settled down and cooperated without making a further fuss. A while later, she stood in the lobby of the company she worked for, debating her possible life choices.

“What are you doing there?” Someone at her back startled her from her momentary trance.

She turned around and found her boss standing behind her, probably looking at what she had been staring at since she arrived, the company name plastered on the wall.

“Nothing. I think I forgot something. I am trying to recall it but can’t.” She knew it was a lame excuse, but that was what she came up with at short notice. She could not tell her boss she was having doubts about continuing to work for the company. Not until she was sure of her decision. She believed that once she had decided, there was no turning back.

Therefore, she had to be confident about it because it was not just her life she was thinking about but his son too. Whatever she decided now would curve the path of their future.

“I am also just like that.” Brenda agreed, appearing to accept her explanation. “Come on. I don’t want to be late.” Her boss held her arms and dragged her to the closing elevator.

.....

It was almost out of space, but her boss squeezed them inside. All they needed was the sauce to look like a can of sardines. Luckily, no one had those suffocating perfumes on them. Or else, this would be a long ride up to the top floor.

“Oh! Good, you are now both here.” Her other boss greeted them with a relieved smile.

It appeared like Josey had been waiting for them. She had arrived a few minutes early, but she seemed to spend most of it staring at that wall. Luckily, Brenda found her, or she might still be there, lost in her private world.

“Do you need us?” Brenda quickly moved toward their superior’s office while she waited behind outside for her turn.

“Yes, I need you to follow up on our situation with one of the clients.” Their boss pointed to Brenda, who moved along to deal with her assignment. She could hear them by the door since they never bothered to close it.

Josey did not seem mad since they were not exactly late, but they were usually earlier than their appointed time. But she wondered why she was waiting for her. If it was about the project, she still had no definite answer about her plan.

“Ria, Can we talk? Just briefly before I sent you to Alex.” Josey used her calm tone as if she was talking to her child, ushering her into her empty office.

“Sure.” She told her, slightly anxious about the topic. “What is it?” But she could already guess that it could only have something to do with her assignment.

“Brenda told me about your dilemma. Balancing work and your child.” Josey’s eyes were kind. As if she truly understood what she was going through. “I will admit that it will not be an easy task.” She offered her a seat in the privacy of her office.

“I love working here, but I also love my son. Sometimes, I feel guilty that I am always away from him.” She had no idea if confessing about her situation to her boss would be detrimental to her career, but she never liked to lie.

“I will not decide for you, but here is what I think. You are, by far, one of the best interns I have had for a long time. It will be a waste of your talent and energy if you will quit while you are ahead.” Josey stood up from her chair and leaned on the edge of her desk before her.

“I will be frank with you. We are seriously considering hiring you permanently for the job. But I will require dedication and hard work.” Her boss more or less told her that she had the job.

Now, she was more confused than ever if she should quit now or stay. “Are you saying that I have the job?” She still could not believe it. It felt surreal. “That I am working here regularly with full benefits.” She could not think of anything else to say.

“Yes, all benefits. I know it will be less time with your son, but Alex always has a soft spot for mothers, so he has established the daycare center for employees on the second floor.” Josey informed her.

“What do you mean?” She asked, not understanding what that had to do with her.

“It means you will also have access to the daycare facility for your son. You can bring your son to work if you have no nanny to care for him at home. But he had to stay at the center, but you can visit him during breaks.” Josey moved back to her table and pulled out an envelope.

She still felt speechless after hearing about the other benefits she would receive if she accepted the job they offered her. But that would mean Zach would be out of the job since they were competing in the same position.

“Here are the papers if you want the position. Just fill it up and give it back to me once you decide.” Josey handed her the envelope. “I will need your decision by the end of your trip. I hope you will make the right decision for you and your son.”

“But I still hope you will not let this opportunity slide because it might not come again.” Josey stood up from her chair and extended her hand. “Congratulations on a job well done.”

She knew she only did great at this job because she had a great boss that guided her. Then, there was Zach. Admittedly, he had been a big help too. But most of all, her son, who had been her inspiration.

Therefore, she felt she had a few things to consider before making her final decision. First, what would be best for Edison and her? Second, what about Zach? He also worked hard to get this job. Was it fair to take it from him? Third, no. She stopped herself.

Why was she even thinking about him? So what if he would not be working here anymore if she accepted the job? It was not as if her world revolved around him. That she could not function if she would not see him anymore. That was just insane, shoving the idea out of her mind.

“Thank you. I promise I will think about this thoroughly and consider all your advice.” Ria returned her attention to her boss. She still could not believe it as she shook her boss’s hands.

“Now, enjoy your trip and treat it as a paid vacation,” Josey said, wishing her luck.

It was like going on a vacation, as Alona and Brenda had explained to her. She would only be meeting with the clients for a couple of hours in a day or two then the rest would be for them to waste on their whim.

It was like a dream, but the consequence was being away from her son. But everybody kept saying that she deserved it. Even Lourdes and her family insisted that she go on the trip while they took care of Edison.

But why did she still feel guilty about it? Because that was not the only problem.

She would not be alone. She was going with her partner on this project. Would she be able to stand to be alone with him? Maybe she did not have to be. She could avoid him and only see him when they met with the clients.

“Now, off you go. Alex and Zach must already be waiting for you at his office. The big boss has a few pointers he wishes to discuss with you before you leave tomorrow.” Josey said in her authoritative voice, indicating that their soul-searching talk was over.

She appreciated all the people working in this company. Although she would not say they were all kind, still, most were. Her bosses, who might appear to have a hard exterior, definitely had a soft heart.

“Thanks again.” She immediately stood up and exited her office. Then, she prepared herself quickly to meet with the CEO and her partner in this project.

At least she still had three days to decide. It meant she had finally concluded that she was going on this trip. After all, she did not want to appear rude to the people who gave her this opportunity if she would just suddenly dropped everything.

She owed them to finish this negotiation before she decided if she was staying for good or leaving permanently.