Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 16894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
CHAPTER
THREE
CORA
My phone rings, and I see Scarlett’s smiling face flash across the screen. “Good morning,” she tells me when I answer.
“What’s so good about it?” The current situation has dampened my normally sunny mood considerably. I’m about to be freaking unemployed after working my rear-end off for four years to earn my nursing degree. All because I’m a softy who can’t say no to an elderly hellion. Who am I kidding? I love taking part in Auntie O’s schemes. This one just got a little out of hand.
“Finn has friends working on your case.” Scarlett sighs. “It really is going to be alright.”
In my heart, I’m trying to stay positive. “I hope so.” I reach into the freezer for my emergency stash of chocolate cookie dough ice cream. If any day ever qualified for a “calories don’t count” day, today is that day.
After grabbing a spoon, I take the ice cream container into my living room and drop down onto my faded floral sofa. “I’m so sorry I lied to you.” I sigh as the cool concoction hits my tongue, soothing my frazzled nerves. Slinky and Yo-Yo, my twin Dachshunds, come over and plop down in my lap. It takes some finagling, but I manage to prop up the ice cream carton on the edge of the sofa, so I have a free hand to pet my little guys. These two have been with me through thick and thin, and having them close always soothes me.
“Aunt Ophelia is very persuasive.” Scarlett sighs. “And she feels horrible about getting you into all this trouble.”
“I know. She’s called to apologize several times.” I hate that my honorary aunt is so upset over this. “And each time, I tell her it’s not her fault. I’m a big girl, and I willingly went with her to the protest. I could’ve said no, but I didn’t.” I had a lot of time to think in the cold, icky jailcell. I might regret getting arrested, but I don’t regret going with Auntie O to make sure nothing happened to her.
“Don’t worry. It will all work out,” Scarlett tries to reassure me. It’s hard to stay optimistic with the threat of losing my job hanging over my head, but I hope she’s right.
Being a nurse was a dream of mine since my mother died of kidney disease when I was in grade school. I always swore I’d work to help those facing the same fate, but now I’ve put all my hard work at risk. It’s freaking time to stop feeling sorry for myself and put on my big girl panties. I’m going to fight these charges and get back to the job I love.
“Can you meet with Finn’s lawyer friend this afternoon?” she asks, causing me to groan as I glance down at my holey sweatpants and threadbare tank top.
“If I shower.” I sigh. No use putting it off. I need to figure out if I’m going to be able to survive my own stupidity.
“Please shower.” Scarlett laughs. “Oh, and bulldoze that forest on your legs. You never know when Mr. Right is going to walk through the door.” I gave up my chance with Mr. Right when I ran out on my hot savior all those years ago. He’s the only man who has ever made my heart race. I guess I’m destined to end up a lonely old lady with a house full of wiener dogs.
Before I hang up with Scarlett, I arrange to meet Auntie O, Finn, and the new lawyer at Despora Law Group at three o’clock. Finding out the attorney’s name is Adam Carlin sent a little thrill of excitement shooting through me until I realized there are probably thousands of Adams in this state alone. The chances of him being my Adam are slim to nonexistent. My stupid girly heart doesn’t care about the odds though.
After a quick shower, I grab a decent pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, my usual day-off outfit. “The lawyer will have to get over it if he doesn’t like the way I’m dressed,” I tell Slinky as he stares at me from his throne, otherwise known as the decorative pillows on my bed. His brother is too busy destroying their newest toy to pay any attention to me.
“After working in scrubs for three years, I don’t own many fancy clothes, and I really don’t feel like putting an effort into my appearance today,” I explain to the animal, defending my choice. My dog stares at me for a few seconds before laying his head down on the soft pink pillow and falling sound asleep. I guess my minor nervous breakdown was getting boring to him.
The entire four-minute-and-thirty-second drive to downtown Silver Spoon Falls, I give myself a pep talk. No more negative thoughts. I’m going to work with the lawyer to get this little issue resolved so I can return to the job I love.