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Charley sat back, staring at the counter. “I’m so proud of my career, but sometimes it all feels…empty.”

I could see it in her eyes. This was more than her divorce bringing her down. “It’s hard to start over. Especially when you’ve dedicated so much of your life to one thing.”

“Yeah. That’s why you have to do it.” Only her eyes moved to meet mine. “You know how to tell these kinds of stories better than anyone. I need you to remind me who I am.”

Purpose filled me. I first felt this spark in college when I worked on my documentary. The magic that made it work so well was finding the heart of the story. The unique perspective they each had in fighting for their dreams.

I desperately wanted to help Charley rediscover who she was and help her grab the next stage of her life with both hands. This was why I loved my job. Each of my cameras filtered the world through a different lens. Using them to show people—even themselves—things they didn’t see was my passion.

“Thank you, Charley. I won’t let you down.”

She shot me a lopsided smile. “I know, babes. I know.”

“Every time someone trusts me to tell me their story…I don’t know.” I shook my head and swirled my wine. “There’s something inside me that just…becomes restless? I don’t know how to describe it.”

We were out for a proper date. I dressed up and Everett wore a blazer. It was a slow, intimate meal filled with lots of delicious food and the best company ever.

“Restless? That sounds bad.”

“It’s not though. That’s why it’s so frustrating to explain. It’s a good thing. It’s…anticipation. My mind is racing with possibilities. The weight of responsibility to get it right. My fingers are twitching for a camera.”

Everett smiled. “Now I know what you’re trying to say. I feel that way in the bullpen. When I come out the game is usually on the line. Which pitches should I throw? I like having the ball in my hand. I want that responsibility. I thrive on it.”

“Yes. Exactly.” I took another sip. “Then why are you so content to walk away from baseball?” I could never, ever walk away from my cameras. They were like breathing to me.

But Everett was different. He loved baseball but he loved many things. He loved his family, their marina, a day on the water…me.

“It’s a good question. One I’m not entirely sure I know the answer to.” He sat back and thought for a moment. “It isn’t baseball. It’s the feeling I get from it. Baseball is the most intense form of it I’ve experienced, but more than anything I crave being needed. Right now that’s on the mound. My team needs me and I have the talent to deliver. It isn’t as high stakes at the marina, but it’s important. I want to continue my family legacy. The weight of that responsibility sits heavy on my shoulders.” He leaned forward to take my hand. “You’ve got an amazing gift, Willa. If I can make it easier for you to do what you do best, then that’s all I need.”

“You might be the most content man to ever live.”

He shrugged. “It’s easy to be content when you know what you have. I’m a professional baseball player. Not many men can ever say that. I have good friends, good family, the love of an amazingly talented woman, and plenty of options for my future. Content is the only way to be.”

I took another sip and got lost in thoughts of Charley. “That’s what she’s missing. What so many athletes are missing. You pour everything into becoming the best, dedicate your lives to your sport, but your careers don’t last forever. One day it’s over. It’s hard to replace something that all-consuming.”

“Who are you?” Everett smiled. “That’s the question. Are you the sport or are you more? Ten years ago I didn’t have any other answer. Baseball had been my whole life. In some ways I’m grateful for my years at the marina. I know my career is limited and that I have another phase of my life ready and waiting for me when it’s time. Does Charley have any idea what she wants to do next?”

I shook my head. “Not that I know of. But she’s thinking of getting away.”

“That’s a great idea. It’s hard to see yourself when you’re going through the motions in the same place with the same people.” He gave me a comforting smile. “But it will be a wonderful gift to send her on her way with an episode made entirely by the Willa Cooper.”

“Willa Anson-Cooper?” I tested out the name to see how it felt.

Everett grinned. “I don’t recall asking you to marry me.”

“Ah, but you didn’t not ask me either.”

“I don’t think that makes as much sense as you think it does, baby.”

“Willa Cooper-Anson?”

“Does it matter which order our names go in?”

“Ah-ha! So it does make sense!”

That set him off. He laughed with his whole being. Seeing him this happy made me feel like I was glowing from the inside out. “You’re getting impatient.” He flagged down our waiter and asked for the check.

“Someone told me—rather recently I might add—that we have our whole lives in front of us and it only gets better from here.” I shrugged. “Can’t blame a girl for enjoying it.”