Enzo: How could he not be? You discovered a whole fucking bird that hadn’t been seen in fifty years. You’re as good as hired.

Jacks: Maybe.

Tanner: So what’s next for you and your girl

Jacks: First flowers, then maybe a date when I get back.

Donovan: Definitely a date.

I quickly look up a local florist and call in an order of Lacey’s favorite flowers to be delivered to where she works. Then, I get to work prepping for my interview. Friday needs to go perfect and I know there will be no internet at Joe’s. He doesn’t believe in it. Or trust it. Or maybe it’s both.

I scan the CFNAWC website and it is as incredible as I thought. Most of their work focuses on conservation efforts for North American species. Currently they have active projects centered around the ivory-billed woodpecker, red wolves, the Vancouver Island marmots, plus a dozen more. The amount ofmoney they raise each year is astounding. I do a quick google search on Roger Lucas. I was familiar with the name, but didn’t understand how impressive his resume actually was. I feel energized and excited. This job is exactly what I want and working for him would be an honor.

My phone vibrates interrupting my research. I close my laptop and swipe up on the screen.

Dad: When are you leaving for Joe’s?

Jace: Hopefully by 3, maybe earlier. I’d like to get there before it gets too dark.

Dad: Thank you again for helping him. It means a lot to me.

Jace: Don’t mention it.

Dad: I was thinking about going to visit Mom in about an hour. Would love for you to come with me. We don’t have to stay long.

I consider what to text him and can’t find the words. Grief consumes me and I try to shake it away, but the longer I sit here staring at his text message, the bigger it feels. I lay back on my bed. I should go. I should tell him I’ll meet him there, but I can’t.

Jace: Sorry, I don’t think I’ll have time. Rain check?

Dad: Drive safe and let me know when you get there.

All the grief I was feeling turns to guilt, causing my stomach to flip. I don’t know why I can’t say yes. Why I can’t make myself go with him? I flip over and re-open my laptop.

CHAPTER 44: SEX IS AN ADL

LACEY

I’ve been listening to Margaret drone on and on about the importance of completing all company training modules on time for what feels like thirty minutes. She’s lecturing us about making sure we watch them thoroughly and I don’t miss her staring at me as she says it.

“Before we end today, I’d like to take a moment to welcome Poppy Collins to the team,” she says, shifting the subject. “I thought everyone could go around the room and introduce themselves and then Poppy you can tell us a little bit about you.”

Pia, our certified occupational therapy assistant, begins and the rest of the group follows. I have to stifle a laugh because this seems ridiculous. Poppy has had dinner with everyone sitting in this room.

I zone out the introductions. My mind drifts back to yesterday and how it felt when Jace pressed me up against my bedroom wall and kissed me like our lives depended on it. I expected he would text me last night and when he didn’t I was surprised. I thought about texting him this morning, but then I stopped myself. That kiss might have completely blown mymind, but Lacey Sims chases no man. Not even the one she wants, apparently.

“Lacey, it’s your turn,” Margaret says, breaking me of my thoughts.

“Oh, right. Hi. I’m Lacey. I’m the occupational therapist here. Glad to have you as part of the team,” I deadpan. I take a sip of my London Fog.

Gray, Chloe, and Poppy all burst out laughing and Margaret scowls at the four of us. “Poppy, why don’t you tell us a little something about yourself. I realize you may know some of the people in the room, but not everyone knows you.”

She smiles and twirls her hair around her finger. “Okay, I’m Poppy. I graduated from Farrington University in May. I love coffee and watching rom-coms. I’m so excited to be a part of an all woman therapy team.”

“Yes, well, we are proud to be one. Not that I wouldn’t hire a man because I would,” Margaret assures us. Muffled laughs come from every person in the room.

“Alright then, that’s all I have,” Margaret continues, abruptly ending the staff meeting. “Poppy if you wouldn’t mind hanging back. There are some training videos the company needs you to complete today.”

Poppy nods and the rest of the team disperses to start our work day. I make my way down the hallway with Chloe and Gray on either side of me.