Page 19 of Thinking It Over

My head shake was immediate. “Not at all. It looks really great. It suits you.”

Her shoulders relaxed a little at my words. “Thank you.”

“Is there a reason for the fabulous hair or just because?” I asked.

She sat a little taller in her seat before her words rushed out. “I have a job interview tomorrow.”

I would not cry, but holy hell, this was significant. “You have?” I managed to ask, my voice surprisingly steady. “That’s incredible.”

Bright-eyed, she looked back at me, nodding. “I think so. It’s for a part-time receptionist position at the veterinary clinic.”

My brain started working a mile a minute. I knew Davis well. Hell, I was attending his wedding soon. And I knew Scott, the owner—

Mom’s hand on my forearm dragged my attention back to her. “Love, whatever you’re thinking, no.” Hergaze was soft. “I’m aware you know people who work there, but I can get this position on my own.”

I pursed my lips and blew out a breath. “I know you can. I promise I won’t reach out to anyone. You’ll be amazing, and you’ll nail the interview.”

Withdrawing her hand, she picked up her mug and took a sip. “Thank you. It’s at nine.”

“Text me and let me know how it goes. I’ll be in class but will be able to check between lessons.” This job would be so good for her. It would help to take some of the financial strain away from her for a start. While the house was paid for, I was more than aware the life insurance money wouldn’t last forever, and beyond the measly amount she’d accept from me for board, money was tight. But more than that, she needed to reinsert herself into society.

“Will do.”

I then remembered tomorrow was Thursday. I winced, saying, “I have plans tomorrow night so won’t be home till late, but I can cancel so we can celebr—”

“Absolutely not,” she said, voice firm as she cut me off. “You deserve to have fun. You’re working so hard, so take every chance you have to find happiness and rainbows.” Her grin was wide as she spoke, making me laugh.

“Sure thing, Mom. I’m not sure I’ll be rainbowhunting tomorrow”—an image of Austin’s warm eyes rushed into my mind—“but you never know.”

We chatted for a short time before she headed to bed, leaving me to get to work and think about my busy day tomorrow as well as my date with Austin.

This past week had raced by. While it was only my second week in the classroom, I’d found my rhythm, knew most of the students’ names in my classes, and was suitably exhausted.

Then there was Austin.

As agreed, we kept low-key at school. He’d only sought me out once before school on Monday morning with a fresh doughnut that apparently needed to be eaten. But I also found a coffee on my desk Tuesday morning, and a small notepad in my pigeonhole statingTo do or not to do: that is the question.Every single gift had left me all but swooning as I started my day. And honestly, it was a feeling I could get used to. The man’s wooing capabilities were on-point.

It was flattering and heady, and I may have left a few xx’s when I’d sent him a text of thanks. I seriously couldn’t wait till our date.

All too aware we needed to take things relatively slow due to a whole cacophony of reasons, it didn’t mean I wouldn’t be chasing more kisses with the man.

After finishing up for the night, I pulled out myphone, hesitating the barest of moments before I sent out a text.

Me: Have you had a good night?

I didn’t have to wait long before the three leaping dots appeared, my heart following the movement.

Austin: I did. I even managed to get some reading in… for pleasure.

I laughed at that. When we’d headed out for a drive last weekend, we’d discussed so many things. One included our love for books and our frustration that we rarely found the time to switch off and stop enough to read for pleasure.

Me: Impressive. Next you’ll be telling me you exercised for fun. :P

Austin: I cannot imagine that happening anytime soon.

Me: LOL. Read anything good?

Austin: Is it bad I can’t remember the name? LOL. This is the problem with e-readers. I can never remember what I’m reading, but yes, it’s great so far. You?

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