set up as a nonprofit? Ray pointed out that a huge company like Beckett Enterprises would always be looking for tax write-offs. Having a nonprofit under the Beckett Enterprises umbrella will mean funding, and you will technically still work for your dad. You both can win.”
Holy shit.
“That’s the angle,” I say. “That’s what could get this approved. And it could help less-fortunate kids who can’t afford hockey coaching.”
“Like me.” Jacobs hangs his head. “I would’ve killed for an opportunity like this. I was lucky enough to get in because of my natural talent, but we could barely afford my hockey gear let alone extra coaching. I could have been the next Foster Grant with it, who knows.”
Excitement over this project replaces the anxiety over the workload to get it done.
“I could kiss Ray!”
Jacobs’s face screws up. “I wouldn’t if I were you. She probably bites.”
I laugh. “I’ll kiss you instead and thank her later.”
“That sounds like a better plan.” He leans in and touches his lips to mine, but then my phone beeps with a reminder. “Shit. I have to go meet with my advisor.”
“Again? Have you come up with a plan on how you’re going to fit in a billion classes in two semesters?”
“Yup. And it technically doesn’t break Dad’s rules, though I know he’s not going to be happy about it.”
“Sounds like a very Beck thing to do.”
“Right? His rules say I have to have a plan before graduation, right? But he didn’t say when I have to graduate by. I’m hoping to defer all my senior subjects until next year and do my minor courses over the next two semesters.”
Jacobs grins. “It’s evil, and I love it. Even if it means I look for a job in Burlington after graduation.”
“You’ll stay for me?”
There’s no hesitation as my boyfriend nods. “I can still help out at home on weekends.”
“I can come too. Your family loves me.”
He pats my cheek. “Sure they do.”
“Hey, they do!”
“Mmhmm.” Jacobs pulls me close. “I know you need to go, but first I want to say, I like planning a future with you.”
I groan. “You can’t say shit like that right before I leave. It makes me want to blow off my meeting and blow something else instead.”
His lips land on my cheek. “Go see your advisor, then come right back and blow me. I’ll be waiting.”
This is going to be the fastest meeting in history.
Jacobs grips my shoulders. “You’ve got this. No need to be nervous.”
“Nervous? I’m not nervous.” I’d believe that too if my voice didn’t sound like a six-year-old girl’s.
While most families over their Thanksgiving break are spending time together and eating their weight in food, Jacobs and I are at Beckett Enterprises to meet with my father and give him my life plan.
Will it make me rich? No. But it will give me enough money to live happily with Jacobs at my side. We’ll have to live in an apartment instead of a house. We’ll have to eat ramen instead of restaurant meals.
But if being with Jacobs has taught me anything, it’s that you can still succeed and be happy without disposable income.
I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but I choose fulfillment over money.
I choose giving instead of taking.
But more importantly, I choose my own path in life.
“It’s a great plan,” Jacobs says. “And if he says no, we still have the next two years to come up with something better.”
I haven’t told Jacobs yet, but if my dad says no to this plan, I’ve decided I’m going to chase this future anyway. Even without Dad’s financial help. It will take longer and will be a lot harder, but it’s something I want to do.
Coaching is the only thing I’ve ever found true passion in, and it’s not something I see as a passing high. It’s not a temporary feeling. It’s my calling.
“I’ll be right here when you’re done.” Jacobs gives my arm a squeeze and sends me into the intimidating boardroom where my father sits at the end of the long, empty table with his business persona in full force.
We arrived in New York last night, and I was ready to pitch it to him then and there, but he decided he needs to make me sweat by asking for a full presentation while his offices are empty.
I know it’s an intimidation tactic, and I know he’s doing it because he’s still hoping I will fail to impress him so he can try to push his original