Page 84 of Swan

He knew how it would affect me hearing Lockland’s song.

What still surprised me, though, was that I thought I would have been on the floor in a mess. Maybe if I’d been on my own, I would have. Or maybe that hollowed hole I’d felt in my chest for so long, which left me incomplete, had healed enough so I didn’t shatter.

What also helped were the people around me.

Maya had whispered reassuring things in my ear about how hearing his music was bound to happen, all while I watched Drake. He’d practically flown across the room to end it. Worried for me. Protected me.

Someone else protected you, too, and look where that got you.

My smile slipped and my stomach churned. Squeezing my eyes shut, I shook my head. “No.” Lockland loved me. I would have done the same for him if I hadn’t been frozen in fear. Like I would for Drake, and he for me.

That was what love was.

Opening my eyes wide, I placed a hand over my chest.

Love?

I couldn’t love Drake.

That was ridiculous.

I hadn’t even really allowed myself to think of Drake as mine.

Groaning, I rubbed at my temples. Guilt swam through me and hurt my heart, but it was as if my organ had been padded by something else. By the growing feelings for Drake.

It wasn’t love, though.

Comfort.

Attraction.

Affection.

But those could lead towards love.

Another pleasant roll to my belly had me biting my bottom lip and shaking my head at myself. There was a knock on my door before it swung open, revealing my library manager, Rebecca.

“Swan, we got a call from the director at the Caroline Springs library wondering if we could lend out a member of our team to train the new manager for a week or two. They asked for you by name.”

Rommy.

Smiling, I shrugged. “Sorry, I have a friend in that area. She mentioned to me on the weekend that she was going to suggest me since the current manager had to leave quickly.”

“Deanna told me that was the case. Your mum is willing to take on extra hours here while you’re away if you want to do this. You know my job as much as I do, so I know you’ll train them right.”

“I can go?”

She nodded. “Only if you wish to.”

Did I?

When Rommy had mentioned them looking for a trainer, I didn’t think it would be possible. But it seemed it was. Also, why was Mum willing to go back to full-time after doing casual for the last few years? Did that mean she thought I should do it?

It would be nice for something different. Yet my pulse raced at the idea of changing my life so suddenly.

“How about you think about it today and let me know tomorrow? They’d like you to start next Monday if possible.”

“If I go, who will take on Kids’ Corner?”

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