Glossary terms:

GS Rating-General Schedule Pay Scale for Government Civilian Employees. (Essentially, experience + education= annual salary)

The only real problem with making plans in the short term is trying to wrap up the loose ends of my life in California. While Edward is busy with the Navy and preparing for deployment in a few months, I'm trying to figure out if I have a job to move into on the other side of the country.

And frankly, my prospects aren't looking great.

The position that Ben told me about hasn't opened up yet, so I can't apply for it, even in a preemptive sort of way. I have a meeting on the books with my boss later in the week, but I'm starting to feel incredibly nervous about what this could possibly mean for my career.

I'm idly responding to emails when I get an email ping on my phone from a job website that I signed up for some time last year when Edward first asked me if I was willing to relocate with him if the opportunity ever arose.

There are several listings for positions that meet my criteria, and I suddenly feel underprepared because I don't understand GS ratings and security clearances. I exit out of my email and file the questions I have for when Edward and I plan to talk tonight. He can answer some of these questions and some I know I'll just have to google on my own.

A sharp knock on my office door has me looking up, and I smile when I see Ben. Even though our relationship didn't work out, Ben has turned into a good friend. We don't see each other outside of work, but I know I can trust him, and it's nice to have someone to talk to who isn't in my direct circle of friends.

"Hey, I was just stopping by because I heard that the job still hasn't opened up." He looks a little sheepish. "I'm sorry, Bella. I thought it was a sure thing."

I wave off his apology. "It's not your fault, Ben. Things happen, and I certainly wasn't hedging my bets on that particular job."

He takes a tentative step inside. "Can I tell you something, not related to this?"

I nod, feeling like he's about to drop some hot office gossip on me. "Of course; have a seat."

Ben sits and takes a deep breath. "You didn't hear this from me, but the restructuring they were planning on doing is taking longer than they expected."

"Is it still going forward, or is it on hold indefinitely?" I ask, leaning forward across my desk.

Ben looks over his shoulder, and then leans toward me. "It's still going forward, but there are going to be some big changes. I don't know if everyone in the company will like them."

"Really? Like what? Can you tell me anything?" I'm so curious now.

He gets up, walking to the door. "Not really, but I can tell you this. If you've ever thought of switching jobs or careers, this might be the perfect opportunity. Lunch this week?"

"Sounds good." What the hell does that mean?

Jasper, Alice, and I are having dinner and deciding on what to get Rose and Emmett for their reception, even though they've been living together for years and have everything they could possibly need.

"Is there a charity or something they believe in?" Jasper asks before shaking his head. "I mean, obviously, cancer research. But anything else?"

Alice slides her plates away from her and sighs. "Honestly, Rose and Em give a lot back to the community already. He's a Big Brother, and she volunteers at a couple of shelters. Maybe we could just pool some money and make an offering to them, and they can decide what to do with it or where to donate it."

I hum in response. I'm invested in the conversation, but I'm really only half-listening. I'm still thinking about my conversation with Ben from earlier in the day and wondering if now is the right time to look into other career opportunities.

"Bella?"

"Huh? What?" I choke on my iced tea and look at the couple sitting across from me. "Sorry, I drifted."

Jasper smiles gently. "I asked how you were doing with the moving plans."

"Oh, well." Sighing, I just decide to drop it on them. I haven't shared my frustrations with any of my friends since Edward and I formalized our plans. Keeping it bottled up is my way of coping, but my therapist tells me it's unhealthy, especially when I have such an amazing support group.

"I'm nervous about finding a job." I tell them about how my own company, while not declining a transfer, isn't helping me to accomplish one. If there isn't a position for me, I can't work on the East Coast. It's as simple as that. When I mention that I signed up for USA Jobs and that I saw some openings, Jasper encourages me to look into them and promises to answer any questions he can.

"I appreciate that, but I have to figure out what to do about the lease on my condo. I still have six months on my current lease. I just … I just don't know if trying to pick up and move at the drop of a hat is the answer right now." I slump back against the booth, feeling exceptionally sorry for myself.

Looking up when I feel movement from the other side of the booth, I shoot Alice a curious look as she walks away from me and Jasper.

"Okay, let's talk." Jasper pushes all of our used dishes to the edge of the table and looks directly at me. "I know you haven't had to deal with this yet, but you are aware that, sometimes, moving at the drop of a hat is the way of the military, right?"

"Yes, I get that, but—"

"And you know that it's a luxury to be given any notice. The fact that you get Edward's help with that, even if it is from the other side of the country, is a gift. If you two were married, you could potentially be doing this by yourself. Getting all your stuff moved, setting up house, all while he's deployed and you're waiting for him and still being the supportive partner back home, keeping the home fires burning." Jasper cuts me with sharp looks. I can only assume that's in response to his unchecked feelings about his past relationship, but that's not really the point right now.

Apparently, we're having a come to Jesus talk. In an Outback Steakhouse.

"Jasper, I get it. I just didn't think so many things could go wrong or that I might have to be without a job or start all over again somewhere." I suck in a breath, knowing immediately that I've dug my own grave.

"We start over every time we move, Bella. I know I don't have to explain this to you." He sighs. "You're entitled to a pity party as the partner of a service member, but pick your battles. Do some job searching, cash out your PTO or whatever you can. Change the plan if you have to, but don't sit here and expect your first transfer to be smooth sailing just because you wanted it to be."

Feeling fully chastised, I give him a weak salute. "Yes, sir."

Jasper's hard expression cracks. "Knock it off. I love you like a sister, and I don't like seeing you frustrated, but get a grip, okay?"

"Thanks, Jas. Seriously." I text Alice and tell her to get back over here, and we all split a giant fudge brownie sundae for dessert before we part ways.

When I get home, I google GS ratings and what all the acronyms mean. I want a working knowledge before I talk to Edward. I'll be asking for his opinion so I can make some decisions. And as much as I don't want to, we'll be revising the plan.