The kitchen staff moves around the adjacent kitchen as they prepare the evening meal. The scent of baked potato soup fills the room. “I could talk about this for hours. What Hunter has pulled together for the community is phenomenal. The previous owners provided food and emergency housing, but everything else was held offsite, which took a lot of coordinating to get everything done. And sadly, lots of pitfalls with missed appointments.”
“That’s fascinating. And in the community, I assume the clients do more for themselves, the more stable they become?”
“Yes.” I smile at him in appreciation. He understands what I’m talking about, and he’s staying awake. I could jump in his arms and give him an enormous hug. But we’ve done well at keeping a more professional stance with each other since Melissa said we reeked of happily-ever-after vibes. Those ones that I’m finally starting to believe in.
“There you are.” Wren breezes into the room and marches over to us. “Melissa said you were taking someone around on a tour.”
“Yes.” I introduce Alexander to Wren, explaining who each of them is in a reader’s digest version.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you. This place is amazing. As I was telling Daisy, I had no idea shelters like this existed. On TV, all you see are shelters with cramped quarters, no amenities for the kids, and food that prisoners wouldn’t eat. My mouth is watering here.”
Wren laughs. “My brother looks like the big bad wolf, but he’s got a heart of gold. He’d give you the shirt off his back.”
As they chat, my cell phone buzzes. I retrieve it from my jeans pocket and frown. My dad. Nothing like a big bucket of ice water to remind me of reality.
Dad: Here’s the link for your medical school interview. They’ve already said they wanted to meet you in person. You need to get this in today. I assumed you’d completed it weeks ago, but Robert called me this afternoon and told me there’s nothing in your file.
Shit. How could I have forgotten about the interview? It’s not like it isn’t the most important piece left to get into medical school and secure my future.
Me: Sorry. I’ll get it done.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Alexander
While Daisy fills out paperwork for her doctorate program, I wander around the employment lab. There are numerous computer stations throughout the room. Along one wall is a row of pamphlets covering topics from food assistance to scholarship opportunities. To say I’m impressed with the center’s services is an understatement.
“I thought I’d find you here.” Melissa breezes into the room. She’s wearing a long black skirt with a white top. Her glasses hang down in front of her on a silver chain.
“I have to admit. I’ve loved the tour so far, but this is by far my favorite place.” I wave my hand toward the computer equipment. “I design software, so I geek out on any computer I run across.”
“That’s amazing.” She smiles and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I adore computers also, so we can geek out together.”
“So, tell me about your software programs. What do you use for resumes and skills testing?”
“Let me show you.” She moves behind the closest computer and boots it up, taking me through the steps to the different programs they use with their clients.
“This is a top program for resumes. But….” I frown. “The one you’re using for career aptitude testing is not as thorough as the one I designed.”
“Which one is that?”
After I tell her the name of the one I designed and put on the market, she nods, “Yes, I researched that one after we’d already installed this one. I like the one we have, but you’re right. It doesn’t pinpoint the nuanced types of jobs in each field.”
I click through the screens scanning the program for the most recent updates. “Why did you decide to stick with it?”
“Cost.” Her face flushes with heat. “I’m not saying your product was too costly, but we’d spent a lot on the original one, and then yours came out. I didn’t want to ask for a different one so soon after the implementation of this one.”
“I understand. Give me two hours, and I’ll upload it on all your computers. For free.”
“What?” She stares like I’m talking in a foreign language.
“I’ll install it for free.” I chuckle at her expression and sign out of my competitor’s website. “I’ll add it as a tax deduction, and you can skip the training fee. I’ve agreed to volunteer here a couple of nights a week, and this will be my first project.”
“Wow.” She presses her lips together and studies me. “I’m impressed. Thank you. And thank Daisy for me. She’s found a good one in you.”
“Thank you.” I swallow. Having Melissa know that Daisy and I are together makes things easier but brings a new problem to light. How far will we have to go to keep people from realizing we’re a couple? Glare at each other? Argue?
Shit. That would only increase the electricity and tension between us, not decrease it.