Page 100 of Holiday Star
“Thank you, Dr. Wright.” Dr. Patel inclines her head, appearing nonchalant, but I can’t miss the triumphant look she flashes over to Dr. Benson. She’s using me to annoy him, but if it benefits the patients and brings him down a notch, then I don’t mind being a pawn in her game. “Dr. Wright, please step out. We’ll discuss the program and then vote on it.”
Pacing back and forth, I wait anxiously in the hallway. I chew on my bottom lip, wondering what the committee will decide. They seemed to like my ideas, so I’m hopeful. As long as they can outvote Dr. Benson, I might have a chance.
Ten minutes later, Dr. Patel sticks her head out the door. “Dr. Wright, come back inside, please.”
I reenter the room and examine the faces around me, trying to guess the outcome of the vote. Most of the members smile openly at me, raising my hopes even further.
“We’re still meeting to discuss some other unrelated issues,” Dr. Patel states. “But I wanted to bring you back in here to officially announce that we approved your plan. This hospital will institute a brand-new art therapy program. We’d like you to be involved in the hiring and design process as we develop it.”
I have an urge to hoot and holler but swallow it down. Instead, I smile politely and thank the committee, reassuring them that I’ll be available to assist in any way I can.
There’s a spring in my step as I walk out of the hospital. Adrenaline from the meeting surges through my veins, supercharging me until I feel invincible. I dance down the sidewalk, pumping my fist in the air and letting out a relieved burst of laughter.
I did it!I had a vision, a way to contribute to the well-being of my patients, and I brought that idea to life. I pushed through my own insecurities, through my fear of risk and failure, and made it happen.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so proud of myself.
“You’re going to change the world.” Dad’s words come back to me, which would usually make me sad, but today they cause my chest to swell.
In the middle of the sidewalk, I stop to stare into the stars. “I’m doing it, Dad,” I speak into the evening air. “It’s taken me a while to find my strength, but I’m going to make the world a better place. I promise you.”
With my words fading into the wind, a burst of happiness rushes through me, making me buoyant. I need to share this joyous feeling, to tell someone else about my accomplishment. I run through all the important people in my life: my family, Jenny, Alvina, and even Wayne.
In the end, there’s really only one person I want to talk to right now. One person who I want to share my highs and lows.
The knowledge hits me like a battering ram when I realize who that person is, but there’s no questioning it. It’s undeniable.
I call Caleb.
He answers right away, his voice warm and smoky, the sound making me smile.
“I did it!” I squeal, grinning like mad. “They approved the art therapy program.”
A happy sigh from him. “Oh, Gwen!” he exclaims.Round G. Flat N.“That’s wonderful. I’m not surprised, though. I always believed in you.”
A few months ago, I would have called him a liar. Pointed out how he didn’t believe in me, in us, when he broke up with me at Christmas. But now, I’m starting to see that he did believe in me. The person he didn’t believe in was himself. He didn’t trust that he could keep me safe.
But I don’t need him to keep me safe. I can do that on my own.
After all, I’m Gwen Freaking Wright.
66
Where are we going?” I ask for the tenth time, clutching Caleb’s arm as he drags me along.
“No peeking,” he orders, like he has every other time I’ve asked. The sliding sound of an elevator door opening and then we’re moving again.
The blindfold he’s placed over my eyes itches, the black fabric blocking out all light.
“A little further.” His voice rises, all amused excitement, reminding me of the man who begged to open his Christmas gift early.
His spare hand comes around to clutch my waist. “Up this staircase now.” His fingertips dig in lightly as he helps me ascend. From the reverberations under my feet, it seems like we’re climbing a long set of metal stairs.
With my free hand, I tug down my short skirt. I had gone all out on my appearance tonight, full make-up and hair done. I’m hoping I can be brave and finally kiss Caleb. Maybe even something more.
My efforts had been rewarded when he picked me up and his jaw hit the floor as he took in the very red, very tight dress I’m wearing.
With a dazed expression, he had drawled, “My, my. You’re a sexy little thing, aren’t you?”
