“Yes,” she says seriously, and I stop myself from jumping up and down and running around the office, screaming on top of my lungs.

My face beams, my heartbeat races a hundred miles per hour. The fluttery feeling in my chest increases as she says, “Congratulations.”

“Oh wow,” I utter in pure disbelief.

I move my hands around, trying to say more, but I just don’t know what to do or say.

Claire, say something! 

And I do, “I mean, this is great but what about Jonathan? He’s been here longer and works hard.”

Fair is fair. I’d hate if they overlook him. He was my first boss when I came to Blend, and he’s also Shelby’s son.

“Well, I haven’t announced this yet, but I’m retiring too. It’s been fun, but I’m ready to do something else, like traveling. Of course, we'll be keeping an eye on you guys and the profits.”

“Jonathan is staying in New York,” I assume.

She nods.

“He suggested you for the position. We have more decisions to make, but we want to make sure you two know the ropes of Blend before we leave.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Why don’t you think about it? We’re talking about a major transition. If you decide to go to London, Edith will train you until the end of the year. Denver is the other option. If you are to open the branch, we will both guide you and make sure you set it up under the standards of our company, but with your own signature.”

“How about housing?”

The apartment where I live is owned by the company. It's part of my benefits. I don’t mind paying my own rent, I just need to know if I have to start searching for a place or they’ll designate me a house.

“All the details are in the folder. Salary, benefits, expectations, and more. Read through it; ask any questions you have now or along the way. If you decide to move to London today, but after a couple of months you’re homesick and need a change, it’s okay. Same with Denver. If you decide that being a partner isn’t what you need for now, you can come back to New York and take your current position back. We want to do what’s best for everyone—including you.”

“Thank you,” I say and hug her because this is more than what I expected.

Partner.

Twenty-Seven

Claire

I’m dying to tell someone about the news, but until I decide, I choose to keep a lid on it. Over the years, I’ve learned that people never react well to change. When it comes to jobs, one rumor can provoke a chain reaction that might impact the company.