"Okay." Victoria said. She picked up the folder and turned to leave, but Jake's voice stopped her. "Wait." Jake was looking at the floor, his hands shoved in his pockets.
"If I did this, it would have to be on my terms. Nights and weekends. Nothing that takes me away from Emma. Victoria felt a spark of hope. I can work with that.
Jake nodded slowly. Then I'll think about it. Victoria left the hangar with the folder under her arm and a strange feeling in her chest. It wasn't satisfaction exactly. It was something closer to respect.
Two days later, Jake called her. He agreed to consult on the turbine project, but only if Victoria came to Millbrook to discuss the details in person. She drove out that afternoon and found him waiting outside the hangar. There was a girl with him, small and wiry with dark hair pulled into a ponytail. She looked up at Victoria with the same guarded expression Jake wore.
"This is Emma." Jake said. The girl didn't say anything, just watched Victoria with careful eyes. Victoria crouched down to her level. "Nice to meet you, Emma."
Victoria said. Emma nodded, still silent. Victoria stood and looked at Jake. "I brought a contract. It's pretty straightforward.
10 hours a week remote work consultant rate of $300 an hour." Jake's eyes widened slightly. "That's too much." "It's the going rate for someone with your expertise." Victoria said.
She handed him the contract. "Actually, it's below market, but I figured you'd say no if I went higher." Jake scanned the contract, his lips moving slightly as he read. Emma tugged on his sleeve. "Dad, can I go inside?"
Jake looked down at her. "Yeah, kiddo. I'll be there in a minute." Emma ran toward the hangar and Jake watched her go before turning back to Victoria. "I'll do it."
he said. "But if it ever interferes with Emma, I'm out." "Deal." Victoria said. They shook hands and for the first time Jake smiled.
It was a small smile, barely there, but it changed his whole face. Over the next 3 weeks, Victoria found herself driving to Millbrook more often than she'd planned. Jake worked fast, sending her revised schematics and technical notes that her team in Denver scrambled to implement. The turbine project moved forward faster than it had in months, but Victoria's visits weren't just about work anymore. She started showing up in the afternoons bringing coffee and sitting in the hangar while Jake worked.