He slipped his hands into his pockets. What if I told you I could help you get out of here? Her brow furrowed. Out of Yuma? Out of this. The diner, the dead-end jobs, the routine that’s been holding you down. She crossed her arms. And what? You just swoop in and fix everything? That’s not how life works, Matt. Sometimes it is, he said quietly. If someone cares enough to make it happen. Her expression tightened. I don’t want charity.
This isn’t charity, he replied. This is me paying back someone who believed in me before anyone else did. You’re the reason I passed math. You’re the reason I didn’t quit school. You don’t even realize how much that mattered. She looked away, blinking fast. Even if I said yes, what exactly are you offering? A job, not just a job, a future. I own properties in Phoenix. One of them needs a manager. Office work, good salary, benefits. I’d cover the training.
Her head snapped back toward him. You’re serious? Dead serious. You’ve got the brains for it, and I know you’d be good at it. Renee laughed under her breath, shaking her head like she couldn’t decide if he was crazy or genuine. That’s a lot to take in. Think about it, he said. You don’t have to decide right now. But I’m not offering because I feel sorry for you. I’m offering because I know you’re capable of more than this place is ever going to give you.
She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she stared past him, watching a truck rumble down the highway. You make it sound so simple. Sometimes it is, he said. For a long moment, the only sound was the diner’s sign buzzing and the low hum of passing cars. Finally, she looked at him again. I’ll think about it. But Matthew could tell by the way she said it that something inside her had already shifted. Like for the first time in years, she could actually picture a way forward.
The next morning, Matthew was halfway through his coffee at the motel when his phone buzzed. Unknown number. Hello? It’s me. Renee’s voice came through a little shaky. I thought about it. He set his mug down. And? I’m scared, she admitted. It’s been so long since I’ve done anything big. But if the offer’s still there, I want to try. A slow smile spread across his face. It’s still there. I’ll have my assistant send you the details. We’ll get you started next month.
