I open the envelope and finger the sheet of paper. Why haven’t I responded?
That’s simple. I don’t want to go to medical school. I want to run the women’s shelter.
My heart skips a beat, and adrenaline rockets through my body. The deadline for the director’s position is tomorrow. Sometimes fate shines down on you. “My dad would have disowned me, and medical school would have not accepted me.” I smile for the first time in two weeks. “And that’s what I wanted to happen. I don’t want to go to medical school. I already have degrees in social work and business, and that’s all I need. I’m going to apply for the director’s position at the shelter.”
When I finally answer her question, I’m mildly surprised she’s still awake. That’s it. I click on the mouse and bring up the application.
Zoe claps and takes a seated bow. “My work here is done.”
I glare at her. “You could have told me what I should do.”
“Like you would have listened. You’re stubborn.”
“You’re right.” I laugh as I type in my name. I’m doing this. I’m doing, what deep down, I’ve always wanted to do but never had the balls to do. Take control of my own life.
Chapter Forty-Five
Alexander
The banging on the door is annoying and relentless, and I want to be left alone. I spin away from the offending noise and click on the mouse. The delivery services know to leave my packages by the door. I don’t step foot outside until the sun goes down.
One benefit of being miserable and jobless is that I’ve spent every hour in the last two weeks working on software design. Jason and I have already completed the mockup for the phone app, and he’s going to a meeting with the product development team for further instructions. And I have the framework completed for two new apps to put up on the marketplace.
Bang. Bang. Bang.The wood vibrates against the house’s frame. Seriously? I’ve had just about every service in town deliver something, and they all know the drill. I’ve already paid.
Knock. Knock.
If it’s food, set it inside the box, so the neighbor’s cat doesn’t snatch it up and eat it before I drag myself away from the computer. Everything else, set down the package and leave. Asshole.
“Alexander!” Sean barks from the other side of the door. “I called and messaged you. Now, open the door.”
Shit.I growl, slide back my chair, and let him in.
“It’s about time.” He glares and steps inside the threshold. “Jeeesus.”
I shut the door with a snap and ignore his look of disgust. I’m working. And wallowing. Ending things with Daisy might have been best for her, but it sucks dog dicks for me. Sean trudges through the entryway and steps into my makeshift office. My living room serves as my kitchen, office, garbage can, and bedroom. I do manage to use the bathroom for its intended purpose.
Sean flips on the overhead light, causing my eyes to sting.
“Dude, that’s not necessary,” I narrow my eyes to block the light.
“Yes, it is.” He marches over to a two-day-old container of Chinese noodles and cringes. “You know that someone lost a leg by eating unrefrigerated Chinese food, right?”
“I’m aware of that. I’m working, not stupid.” I stomp to the wall and smash the light switch back down. “And I don’t need the lights on.” They just illuminate the filth in the room.
“I’m glad you’re working, but it’s time to join the rest of the world.” He disappears into the kitchen and returns with a garbage can. “You’re living like a pig, and that’s embarrassing. You’ve always taken pride in your appearance. And had a phobia of cockroaches.”
I wrinkle my nose and fold my arms over my chest. “No, I don’t.”
Sean drops a box of pizza into the trashcan and spins to face me. “Well, you should. Rational people have a healthy fear of cockroaches.”
“Snakes, yes. Cockroaches, no.”
He rolls his eyes and continues to toss garbage into the trashcan. “You’re an idiot.”
“Thank you.”
“And you look like an idiot.”