Daisy
A Few Days Later
As I walk from the café to my car, I switch the bag of pastries from one hand to the other. The sun shines above me, and the birds sing along with the joy in my heart. Everything is fantastic. I couldn’t be happier. Alexander is perfect, I’m acing my classes, and work is fulfilling on all levels. If I could pipe in some background music, I’d sing along with the birds and do a pirouette.
“Hey, Daisy.”
Someone calls from behind me, so I turn, not recognizing the voice. Hazel. “Oh, hi.” I wave as heat floods over my face. Knowing the person who writes your smutty inspiration is a bit disconcerting.
“How is everything going?”
“Fantastic.” I can’t keep the smile from breaking out on my face. “Thank you for the book inspiration. The guy I’m seeing is taking pointers. And perfecting them.”
“That’s amazing.” Her eyes light up as she shifts her gear from one hand to the other. “I’m happy to hear anytime life imitates art. Or, in this case, butterflies and orgasms.”
“Absolutely.” I wave at her again. “I’ve got to get to my second job. I’ll see you around.”
I climb inside my car, turn on the stereo, and dance to the beat of the song on the radio. There might not be music shooting down from the heavens, but this will work for today.
***
Two Hours Later
“So…” Melissa leans her hip against the counter. “Your professor is working miracles with our computer programs.”
“He’s not my professor.” I attempt to play it off but fail miserably. “He enjoys software design and has a passion for business strategy.”
“I bet he has a passion for many things from the blush on your cheeks.” She laughs at her implied joke.
“Stop.” I roll my eyes and finish the report I’ve been working on.
“Fine. I won’t push your buttons, but he seems like a fantastic guy. And he’s very attractive.”
“Yeah.” I scan my emails as I forward the report to Wren. “He’s good-looking. There’s no denying that.”
“How is school going?”
“It’s fine.” I frown and stare at the dates on the email. What day is it? “Actually, it’s going great. All my issues with not understanding calculus are in the past. Whether I was incapable of focusing enough to get it the first time or my professor was bad, I don’t know. But it doesn’t matter. I get it now. I’ll be glad to get this class over.”
Only to start another four years of school. I groan inwardly. I love school, but I’m tired of studying and taking tests. I’d rather put my feet on the ground and get busy. Why does medical school have to take so long?
Oh, right. You’re learning to save lives. Idiot.
She crosses her arms over her chest. “Have you given any thought to the director’s position?”
My stomach clenches. They’ve added the opening to the website. The closing date is two weeks away to prepare for the interviews. “No. I haven’t thought about it. There’s nothing to think about. I’m headed to medical school in January.”
Okay, I’ve thought about it. The first night Alexander came to the shelter and lit up when he told me about working with Elijah. I’d felt an adrenaline rush just hearing about the potential for a client’s new trajectory. I’m beyond thrilled when a client digs deep into his issues and potentially reunites with his family. To be on the ground floor of completely changing someone’s life is amazing.
“That’s too bad. Especially since when you start medical school, you’ll be too busy to volunteer here at the shelter. You know I’m being selfish by wanting you to apply for the opening. We’re going to miss you around here.”
“Yes….” My heart constricts in my chest as reality smacks me in the forehead. I’ll be in medical school, which is ten times harder than any semester I’ve ever lived through. And while I’ll be with Alexander, I’ll need to keep working to put food on the table.
My eyes skate over the lobby and office area. I’ve been here for almost half of my life. This feels like home. Tears sting my eyes. Am I ready to give this up? There were days when coming here was the only thing that got me up in the morning.
I straighten my back and clear my throat. “I’ll miss it, but I have responsibilities. I’ll be working at my father’s office and helping people in a different way.” Plastic surgery? Is that even a way?
Okay. That’s snarky. There are many cosmetic surgeries that have changed the lives of children and disfigured individuals. That’s a noble and worthwhile pursuit.