“More qualified on paper perhaps, but I think, to succeed, a project like this needs enthusiasm, optimism and innovation in equal proportions to expertise. It needs someone who looks at failure and sees possibilities. And I think that someone is you, Jessie.”

“Wow, thank you so much.” I bite my lip, turning the idea over and over in my head. It sounds amazing, getting to work with a new and different business every few months. Finding out what their problem is and fighting to get them to where they need to be. Helping to build something. My heart races with the potential before me. Then my mom’s disappointed face flashes in front of me and I let out a long, pained sigh.

Instead of the yes! I want to scream, I hear myself asking, “Can I think about it?”

“Of course. I’m looking to make decisions on next year’s funding by August, so you have a few months to put together your proposal if you’re interested. There’s also the possibility of applying some of your efforts and findings towards a work-study MBA program.”

“Thank you,” I stutter with a nod. In a haze, I stand and stagger out of Professor P.’s office. In my hands is the opportunity of a lifetime. Exciting, challenging and waiting for me. But what do I tell my family? What do I tell Devin?

Too stunned to drive, I take a seat on a bench in the quad and dial Jake’s number.

“Jessie Bird, what’s up?” my favorite brother asks.

“Was it worth it, Jake?” I sputter without explanation.

“Uhhh, I’m going to need some context to that question to have any hope of answering it. If we’re talking about the Louisiana Purchase, that’s a hell yeah. If we’re talking about the Sonics trading Scottie Pippin, that’s a great big fuck no.”

“Urgh, you’re an idiot.”

“You’re the one calling me for advice, so…”

“Fine. I’m an idiot too.”

Jake chuckles. “Now that we’ve established we’re a family of idiots, was what worth it, sis?”

I take a deep breath and clutch the folder that might hold my future. “Doing your own thing. Was it worth it? All the stress and drama. If you could do it all over again, would you still work for Legal Aid?”

“In a heartbeat,” he answers without hesitation.

“But Mom, the guilt…”

“Yeah, I got an earful from Jared and Mom was crushed at first. But in the end, they know I’m doing what I love. And the rest of it doesn’t matter. Jessie, Mom wants us to be happy more than anything else. Yeah, she’d be happier if we all lived on some massive Allen family compound with all of us in shouting distance at all times, but none of us are going to sign up for that.”