Page 50 of His

“You don’t have to apologize for taking a break.”

By the look on her face, I can tell that she has something to say to me.

Shit.

She knows.

My stomach drops.

“Let’s sit outside, yes?”

I swallow the knot in my throat and follow Sabine onto the patio. Nervously, I search the garden while Sabine sits in one of the padded wicker chairs. I sit next to her. She hands me a glass of iced tea, one of two that I didn’t even notice she was carrying when she walked into the room.

“So,” she begins. “How are you liking it here?”

“Ah, it’s—it’s great.”

“Yeah?” By her tone it’s obvious she doesn’t believe me.

“Yeah.” I blow out a breath and lean back. “I’m just thankful to have this job.”

“Has it been difficult finding a job? You’re fresh out of school, right?”

I nod, but hesitate, embarrassed to open up to this beautiful, confident woman next to me who appears to have it all.

Sabine leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “What’s going on, Brittney?”

“I’m just so afraid I’m going to mess this up.” My chin begins to quiver and tears spring to my eyes.

She puts her hand on my shoulder.

“Cry. It’s okay. I can tell you’ve got a lot bottled up. Let it out, girl.”

I do, sputtering tears like a child. It feels good.

Sabine strokes my back the entire time. When I’ve gathered myself, she says, “If you’re so afraid you’re going to mess this up, then don’t.”

I snort, look at her.

“Meaning, just do your best every day. That’s all you can do. Do the best you can with what you have. My mom always told me that.” She pauses. “Also, take it one day at a time. Today, do the best you can. Tomorrow, do the best you can, and so on. Look at it as little steps at a time—not the whole staircase.”

“Thanks.” I wipe my nose with the back of my hand. “You’re so smart.”

“No, I’m not. I’ve made a million mistakes, and learned from them.”

I take a deep breath, feeling better. “Money is just so tight, and it’s like I’m living month to month barely scraping by.”

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-one.”

“You’re so young. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Everyone is poor at your age, trust me.”

A moment passes, and once I think I’m in the clear, she says?—

“Now, tell me what you aren’t telling me.”

I close my eyes and sigh.

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