Page 67 of Life After

Chapter 24

Staring out the kitchen window,Suzanne held her coffee cup in both hands, waiting for the fire in the living room to heat the lower level of her house. Jen was showering—she had to be at work in the next hour or so—so Suzanne had decided to wake early too and spend the day working. She had received an offer for some consultation work late last night, and as she stood here this morning, she knew it would help her to get back into some kind of routine. Since the fallout with Jen, Suzanne had turned down several job offers, but today she was ready. For something normal. Something she was used to doing most days. With Jen working, it just made sense to use her time properly.

“Hey,” Jen said as she came into the kitchen. “I’m so sorry if I woke you.”

Jen didn’t often stay over when she had to work the next morning, she had already explained to Suzanne that her morning routine began before the birds started to sing, but Suzanne didn’t mind. She preferred early mornings. They meant her day ended far more productively. “You didn’t. I was already awake.”

Jen narrowed her eyes as she took the coffee Suzanne held out. “Why don’t I believe you? I mean, who the hell wants to be up and out of bed before it’s even seven?”

Suzanne watched Jen’s back as she moved through from the kitchen to the dining table. She took a seat, sipped her coffee, then looked back up at Suzanne.

“I hope you don’t mind,” Suzanne said as she turned to the fridge. “But I made you some lunch.”

Jen grinned as she shook her head. “Thanks, babe. You didn’t have to do that, but I appreciate it.”

“I know you don’t have a very long lunch break, so I thought I’d make it easier for you by preparing it.” Suzanne took a seat at the table facing Jen. “I quite enjoyed making lunch for someone again. It’s been a number of years since I had the chance to do it.”

“Well, this someone thinks it’s very sweet that you made lunch.” Jen reached a hand across the table and took Suzanne’s. “And you’re right. It does make things easier for me. If I don’t have to stop off to buy lunch, I can get my round finished quicker.”

Suzanne searched Jen’s eyes as she squeezed her hand. “You’re so wasted in that job.”

“It is what it is.” Jen lifted a shoulder and focused on her coffee cup. “Having a criminal record means job opportunities are pretty limited.”

“No chanceat allof your old job taking you back?” Suzanne knew it was unlikely, but shehadheard of people who had gone back into education, even with a criminal record. “Is it something you asked about at all?”

“No, it’s not something I’ve even thought about. I can’t bear to imagine what my old colleagues think of me.”

“Perhaps they understand the situation you were in.”

Jen cleared her throat. “Would you want someone with a criminal record teaching Elsie? Honestly?”

Suzanne pondered that for a moment. Didn’t everything depend on circumstances? “I guess it would depend entirely on why they were in prison.”

“I’m not sure primary school parents see it that way, but I wish it was that simple. If one word about me got out, and itwouldaround here, then I’d be dealing with the humiliation of it all over again.”

“I’m sorry.” Suzanne sighed, wishing she could help Jen to get herself back into a decent, meaningful career. Being a courier was just not what Suzanne believed Jen wanted. “I wish I knew what to do…or to say, at least.”

“I came to terms with what kind of career options I’d likely have long before I was released from prison. While I could try to get my teaching position back, I’d rather focus on something entirely different. It’s just easier for everyone involved.” Jen seemed torn, but Suzanne expected that. She’d had a wonderful job and the world at her feet, but now it was gone. “The problem I have now is that I don’t know where to look or what career change I feel like.”

Even though Suzanne believed Jen deserved the chance to redeem herself where her teaching career was involved, she wouldn’t push. If Jen didn’t see it in her future, then that was her decision. “Maybe it’s something to think about down the line. You know, when you’re ready to find something that really works for you.” Suzanne took her empty coffee cup from the table and moved into the kitchen. “You know you have my support whatever you decide.”

Jen rose to her feet and stretched her back out. She followed Suzanne and placed her cup in the dishwasher, then turned around. “I do miss the kids. I’d always wanted to be a teacher. But for now, I think it’s important that I just get my life back on track. Once I’m confident in that department, who knows what the future will hold. I’m sure the right job will come along for me when it’s supposed to.”

Suzanne liked that attitude. It certainly beat thinking so negatively about the future. Suzanne had been there already. When John died, the first thing Suzanne did was end the career she had at the time. It didn’t feel right to continue something without him. They’d spent so long working together and bouncing ideas around each night as they sat down for dinner…and then it was gone. Suzanne was alone. She couldn’t even look at an interior design magazine. But now her life was falling back into place again. When Jen was ready to take the next step and find something that suited her, Suzanne would be right by her side. And maybe,justmaybe, Suzanne would find herself wanting to go back to her own full-time position in the near future. “Your positivity is very refreshing.”

“I’m lucky to be here at all.” Jen wrapped her arms around Suzanne’s waist and lifted up on her tiptoes. She kissed her nose and smiled. “I should really get ready to leave. The quicker I get my round going, the sooner I’ll be finished for the day.”

Suzanne nodded slowly as she smiled. “Will I see you this evening?”

“If you’d like to see me this evening, then yes, I’ll be here.” Jen brushed her knuckles gently against Suzanne’s cheek. “Maybe we could meet up in town and go for a walk? Have some dinner while we’re out…”

Suzanne relaxed against the counter and gazed into Jen’s loving eyes. This woman, well…she was perfect. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”

Jen leaned in and kissed Suzanne, pressing her to the counter. “Then I’ll look forward to finishing work. I’ll text you when I get the chance, okay?”

Suzanne stroked a hand around the back of Jen’s neck and grazed her nails against her skin. “I’ll be waiting.”

Rushingacross the street as quickly as she could, Jen slipped inside the coffee shop before the door closed. She was making excellent time so far today, so a quick caffeine stop was in order before she tackled the last of her afternoon round. Suzanne’s lunch had been exceptional, Jen hadn’t been given something so healthy yet delicious before, but she wouldn’t dare divulge that to her mother. The last thing she needed was a war on lunches between Denise and Suzanne.

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