“They would be proud of you, you know,” John repeats again, taking my hand in his.
A tear slides down my cheek. “I hope so.”
“I know they would. You’re an incredible woman, Britney.”
He kisses me slowly, pulling me against him. I melt into the kiss, already beginning to steam up inside, when Kathy clears her throat behind us.
“Boss, sorry to break this up, but my shift is over, and I’ve got to get home. We’re going out to dinner for the first time in months! I’m so excited!” she squeals.
“That’s great, Kathy. Enjoy your dinner,” John says ruefully.
“Have a nice time,” I add.
“Thanks. Have a great night, you two. But not too great because the store is still open, and we’ve been busier now that people are working again. Someone needs to man the wheel,” she teases before striding off.
I share a glance with John and we both laugh before pulling apart. Kathy’s right. ShopMore needs me at the register, and reluctantly, I go back up front. But to my surprise, my boyfriend follows me. This is odd because usually he’s behind his computer, crunching numbers or doing paperwork.
I take my place behind the register and smile at him.
“When’s your ceremony?” he asks.
“Six weeks from now.”
“You’re giving a speech, right?”
I nod and smile with excitement.
“Yes. I’ve been writing it for months in case we got to have a real graduation. I’m excited, yet nervous, to speak in front of all those people. It’s going to be a challenge, but I think I can handle it.”
“You’ll do great, sweetheart. You’re an amazing woman, and I know you’re going to succeed.”
Suddenly, a light bulb goes off in my head.
“Will you come? I think I would do better knowing you were in the audience.” Hesitantly, I pull out a card from my pocket. The school sent us invitations for graduation, and they’re on creamy cardstock with gold lettering. I just happen to have one in my pocket as a good-luck charm. My boyfriend grins and takes the invitation.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Brit.”
There’s no one in the store, so he leans over to kiss me, and I melt into his embrace. I could spend forever with him like this. It’s so easy for us, and everything always feels so right. Conversation flows like a waterfall when we’re together, and I feel like I can tell John anything, even the news that I’m quitting his company.
But then, the door chime rings, and a customer walks in. John and I distance ourselves, although he doesn’t move that fast. Hmm, is he getting accustomed to our relationship? Then again, it would be unprofessional for us to make out as a customer wanders through the store.
“I don’t want our relationship to change when I’m not working here,” I say quietly, still holding his hand.
John strokes my curls before tucking a lock behind one ear.
“Nothing is going to change. I care about you, Britney. We’ll make it work no matter what happens. Just go ahead and graduate, and then we’ll have even more time together.”
I smile hopefully. “You mean that?”
He looks around to make sure no one is watching before kissing me again, his lips lingering on mine. “I promise. We’re in this for the long haul, sweetheart.”
My soul thrills and my heart is so happy that I could burst. Smiling once more, John squeezes my hand and heads for his office. His absence is immediate and I feel alone, but I remind myself about his words. This is only temporary. It may be my last shift at ShopMore, but with the CEO, I have a bright, promising future ahead.11BritneyThe day has finally arrived. I’m about to graduate from high school, even if the last few weeks have been crazy. It turns out that remote learning is no substitute for in-person classes. When we went back to Corona High School in person, there was a lot to cram in and catch up on. Teachers piled on assignments, and I thought I was going to die.
But I didn’t die. I survived, and so did my friends. Now, we’re standing in the school auditorium, getting ready for our graduation ceremony.
I glance down at the notecards in my hands. I have my speech memorized, but I brought these just in case I get nervous. Hopefully, the sweat on my hands doesn’t smudge my careful handwriting, with its blue loops and swirly flourishes.
My stomach flutters and I force myself to swallow. I wish Mom and Dad were here with me now, but alas, they can only look down on me from above. I glance at the ceiling as if they can see and smile ruefully. Well, they’re definitely not on the roof of Corona High School, that’s for sure.
I swallow hard and straighten my shoulders. Mom and Dad would be proud, I know. I still don’t know what comes next for me after graduation, but I’ll figure it out. John and I agreed that I shouldn’t work at ShopMore anymore, but that’s fine. Business picked up and he had to hire three new employees just to meet demand, so there isn’t a slot for me anymore. I guess nothing is ever really perfect.