Next Life Love

Next Life Love - Chapter Six

Chapter 6

In my past, I've dealt with a lot of negativity and rejection. It's not a complaint, but merely a fact that I've dealt with and moved on from. The fact that Andrew's mid-terms, course loads, and all around need to study have taken precedence over our time together would normally get me down, but we seem to have fallen into a really good place. He makes time for me whenever possible, and I really appreciate that. Honestly, all I need is to know he's thinking about me and I'm on cloud nine.

My new job is keeping me busy as well, so I haven't had a lot of time to think about how little I've seen Andrew. I've been training with Jen, the gal that I interviewed with (and my new boss) and she is wonderful. I've learned so much from her. It feels so good to finally be doing something in my life that is not only positive for me, but helps others. Plus, I've made some great friends as well, Jen being one of them.

Friday comes around and I haven't heard from Andrew regarding plans for the night, so when Jen asks me to join her out for drinks to meet some other new co-workers I jump at the invite. I follow Jen to a little dive bar just a few blocks from our Hospice agency and note that it's happy hour boasts not only two dollar pints, but three dollar mixed drinks as well (ohhhh this could be trouble).

"This place has the best un-discovered happy hour in town. The college kids don't usually pack in here until around ten pm, and they keep the free chips and salsa coming!" Jen says as she grabs my hand and leads me to a large pub style table already occupied by some of our co-workers. I recognize some and say hello, and Jen introduces me to the rest. I'm welcomed warmly into the group and for the first time in my life, I feel right at home.

"So Kami, what brings you to Ann Arbor?" Lucy, one of the home health care nurses asks. She's as cute as her name with a grey wrap dress hugging her slim petite frame. Her shoulder length brown hair is slightly frizzy, suggesting that perhaps its actually curly and she flat irons it. She has haphazardly bobby pinned it out of her face and her hazel eyes are framed by trendy tortoise shell glasses.

"I needed a fresh start I guess," I reply, not really wanting to delve into my past with people I've just met. "My sister lives here, she's a professor at UofM, and has been kind enough to let me crash with her while I get back on my feet," I say, hoping my simple response is enough about me without having to go into further detail. "How about you Lucy, why did you become a nurse?" I ask, turning the conversation away from myself. She goes on to explain about loved ones she lost as a young girl, and how she has always enjoyed helping people and thought nursing would be a good fit.

I've just come back to the table with a round of drinks when I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket. It's a text from Andrew... Happy Friday Love, anything going on tonight?

I'm out putting the happy in happy hour...care to join? I text back hoping he says yes.

Hell yes...I could use a beer like yesterday, where are you? I text Andrew the address and he lets me know he's about twenty minutes out, but on his way.

****

Jen's eyes bulge slightly and her cheeks flush as she looks towards the door about a half hour later, "Holy hell Ladies, the hotties have started to arrive early tonight...check that guy out!" she says, and everyone not-so-nonchalantly directs their attention towards the bar entrance. Andrew smiles when our eyes meet and gives me a sweet little shy wave. I smile back and wave him over, pleased with myself that I can call the hottie, mine.

"You know that guy?" Hope, another home healthcare nurse asks, tipping her head toward Andrew as he walks to our table.

"That's my boyfriend," I say like it's not a big deal that he's the hottest guy in the place. Andrew approaches and I will say... standing there in jeans, and a fitted t-shirt under his unzipped leather bike jacket, helmet in hand...he is hot as hell. Andrew leans over, whispering hello into my ear, apologizing for taking so long to get here, then kisses my forehead.