“Look, I’ve been where you are. I went to school to become a vet tech. I mean, my entire life I dreamt of working with animals. Night after night. I thought it was my life’s calling, you know. And then I got into school and realized I couldn't handle sick animals. Too emotionally taxing. And gross.”
I snickered. “So what did you do?”
She shrugged. “I’m in the middle of a career shift. I took this job a couple months ago to help out with money and bills. And I’m back home with my parents while I take a condensed program to become a dental hygienist.”
“And that’s what you want to do?”
“More than anything. It’s a nice balance of not dealing with sick people, not dealing with sick animals, and pulling a nice paycheck.”
I nodded. “Congratulations.”
“The point I’m trying to make is
that figuring out what’s important to you takes time. And even if you do feel locked into college, it can always change. Keep focusing on getting good grades. Apply for those scholarships. And when you stumble across what you want to do with your life, you’ll know. Deep down.”
I smiled. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”
She patted my hand. “I like helping people. And I like working with kids, too. Like you. That’s my specialty going into my dental hygienist program. But there are stepping stones I still have to follow. I’m only twenty-two, though. And you’re only eighteen. Find your stepping stones, Rae, and take them one day at a time.”
I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. “This means a lot. Thank you.”
“And don’t be so damn hard on yourself. Switching directions isn’t a big deal. It’s your life. Live it how you see fit. Okay? Promise me.”
I nodded. “Okay. I promise.”
“Good. Now, take care of these customers coming down the aisles. They’re headed straight for you.”
I rang up the customers with a smile on my face. But not a forced smile. Not like my smiles had been. It felt a little more effortless this time around. And I kept stealing glances at Pauline. As annoying as she was at times, I found her words comforting. I’m glad she took the time to prod at me until I talked. Because I needed to hear what she had to say.
And hopefully, as time passed, I could become as brave as her.
Ready to take on the world, no matter what anyone else thought of my path.
8
Clinton
I was thankful Cecilia let me borrow her car for the night. Because I really wanted to pick Rae up from work before this dinner with her mother tonight. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go after everything Rae told me about her, though. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to keep my mouth shut. What she was doing was wrong. Bleeding money from Rae was wrong. And I wanted to put my two cents in on the matter.
But I’d promised Rae I wouldn’t say anything.
I pulled into a parking space at the front of the line and sat. I turned up the music, bobbing my head as I watched Rae through the window. She stood there, wiping down her register. And I saw someone new walking up to her. The girl looked like she worked there. But I didn't recognize her. And when Rae looked over at her, she smiled. Genuinely. With that light in her eyes.
It was good to see that light coming back.
I listened to music and mouthed the words as I waited for her to come out. And when she came out through the automatic doors, I beeped my horn and flashed my lights, rolled my window down and waved at her, finally catching her attention. But when she looked up at me, her smile didn’t light up.
Not like it did with her friend inside.
Huh.
“Ready for dinner?” I asked.
She walked around and got in the car, sighing.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
I took her hand. “Are you sure you don’t want me to—"