Page 16 of Mouse
“Oh, yes.” My eyes blinked rapidly as I tried to remember what it was that I was going to do. “I just landed myself a job. Chris is cooking dinner to celebrate.”
“Wow. Well, congratulations.” The smile was there on his face but it felt halfhearted. “What about this guy?”
“I haven’t worked all that out yet. The truth is, I didn’t think I’d get something this soon. I’d only just begun to look. I have two weeks to figure it out.” I let out a short, nervous laugh.
His mouth opened like he wanted to say something but then he quickly snapped it shut.
“Well, that’s a good thing though, right?” he asked but I knew there was more he wanted to say.
“Yes, thank you. We should get going. I want to make sure Chris doesn’t need any help.” I reached for Chry as I spoke but Mouse only turned on his heels with Chry still in his arms.
“This one yours?” he asked heading to the only car that was parked in front of the compound.
“Yes. I worked hard and bought it while I was… away. It’s used but has good safety ratings.”
Mouse nodded as he pulled open the back door and settled Chry into the car seat. A moment later, he straightened up and I took a peek to make sure he’d done the buckles right. I shouldn’t have been surprised that he had, Mouse was that kind of guy.
“We’re here if you guys need anything,” he said, his hand lightly landing on my shoulder. It stayed there and I counted my pounding heartbeats as I looked up into his eyes.
Seven.
He held it there for seven, hard heartbeats.
Then, as his hand fell away, he leaned in like he was going to hug me or something. I waited for it. I welcomed it. I found myself needing it more than anything right now.
I even felt my eyes drift close as I waited.
But then he cleared his throat and a second later, I heard his boots crunching over the dirt and gravel as he made his way back inside of the compound.
A long breath forced itself out of my lungs as my shoulders sagged.
I quickly ducked into my car. As I turned over the ignition, I plastered a smile on my face even though there was no one around to hide my hurt from. I wasn’t going to let it get me down. It was a good day, after all. I’d gotten a job. Me. All by myself.
I was one step closer to giving Chry and myself the life I knew we deserved.
