It’s not like she’s asked me to go back home, but she wasn’t happy about the sudden move a couple of years ago. I need someone objective to guide me through this. What if she says Denver just because she misses me, and it isn’t the right move?

“Let’s find out, shall we?” she says.

“The two original owners are retiring,” I say. “They want to make me a partner.”

“That’s fantastic, congratulations!” She goes on and on about how proud she is of me and how my hard work is paying off.

“So what do we have to decide?”

“Jonathan gets to lead the New York branch.”

“Are they moving you to London?” Her voice is neutral, there’s no worry or sadness. “I have to make sure everyone has their passports up-to-date.”

I sigh and say, “If I want to. They’re also opening the third branch.”

“They finally made a decision?”

“Uh-huh,” I answer, tracing my new salary. Or what would be my new salary if I accept.

“Why are you being so cryptic?”

“I feel like I have to decide my entire life and move again.”

“Is there any way you can stay in Manhattan?”

“Only if I want to keep my current position,” I say, disappointed about the prospect.

If I really wanted to stay, I could continue with my position and quit in five years. Then, I could start my own company. My ultimate goal is to be my own boss.

“What is it that you want?” Mom asks after a long silence.

“The new branch opens in Denver,” I admit.

“So, your options are becoming a partner or stay where you are at. If you choose to become a partner, you can leave for London—which you love—or come back home?”

“Yep.”

“What are you thinking?”

“Can someone make this decision for me?”

“I’d love to have you home. But what I want is for you to do what you love, to be in a place where you can succeed. I only want you to be happy.”

Suddenly I wish I were home with her, in the family room, talking about this while I eat some of her homemade frosting. We used to be close, now I think she’s my best friend along with Nikki. But they’re too far away from me.

“Okay,” I say.

“What does that mean?”

“It’s time to go home,” I say.

“But only if that’s what you want.”

“Yes, it’s not only what I want, but what we need. Reggie misses running around your yard. We miss you guys so much.”

“We miss you too. Did I tell you we got a new pair of alpacas?”

“When?”

“Over the weekend, we’re driving to Grand Junction to pick them in a week.”