Page 96 of The Hearts We've Broken
Representatives for Tucker were unavailable for comment. We’ll have updates on the bull rider and whether or not Tucker will return for the Home of Champions Rodeo in July.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
juniper
email notification
SUBJECT: Research Assistant Job Offer
The grin that spread across my face made my cheeks hurt as I scanned the email Kelly Daniels, the hiring manager from the research lab, had just sent me. The starting wage was higher than I’d ever expected, and from everything I’d learned in the interview a couple weeks ago, the company seemed to have a great environment and atmosphere.
My mind wandered back to the interview.
Despite being nervous out of my mind for it, everything had gone well. I’d told them about the experience I’d gained at SGU, and when the time came for them to ask when I’d be able to relocate should I get the position, I’d told them I could as soon as I was able to secure a place to live.
I dialed Kelly’s phone number and hit the call button, turning it on speaker phone.
My fingers tapped the kitchen counter as though theyhad a mind of their own. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t calm myself down. I didn’t know why I was nervous. I had the job offer, I just needed to accept it.
If Mikey was here, he probably would have cracked a joke to ease my stress. He’d have known how to lighten the mood, even if it were at his own expense.
I shouldn’t have been thinking about Mikey Tucker.
The phone rang three times before Kelly answered. “Hello?”
“Hi, Kelly, this is Juniper Ray.” My voice shook a little, but I cleared my throat to compose myself and continue. “I got your email, and I would love to accept the job offer.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful to hear! We’re thrilled to have you join the team.”
My heart swelled a bit at the validation. “Thank you. I’m looking forward to working with you all. I’ve been looking at apartments, and I think I should be able to be out there within a few weeks.”
“Good to know. Keep us updated, and we’ll send over some onboarding information and documents to complete in the meantime.”
“Sounds good. Thank you again. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
“It’s my pleasure, Juniper. Take care now, and we’ll hopefully see you in a few weeks.”
The low tone rang in my ear as the call ended, and I closed my eyes, sucking my lower lip between my teeth.
This was it. My ticket out. This was what I wanted. A brand new start away from Montana and all the pain it’d caused me in the last six months.
So, why did it feel like there was a gaping hole in my stomach?
I opened my laptop next, opening the website I’d savedfor an apartment complex located just outside of the city with single-bedroom units in my budget.
They still had units available, so I quickly submitted an application, taking a deep breath and letting the universe take care of the rest.
Needing some air, I drove downtown, planning to browse through businesses and clear my head.
Funny, because nearly five months ago, I was doing the same thing, albeit I was looking for a job instead of celebrating one.
I was perusing the racks at a clothing store when the bells on the front door jingled and the sound of boots clacking against the floor got my attention.
“Juniper?”
I recognized Ellison’s voice and turned around. Sure enough, she was standing there in a black polo with the Veterinary Hospital’s logo on it, denim jeans, and cowboy boots.
“Hi.”
