Page 9 of The Walls of Levi

Even as I approach thirty, I know it isn’t too late. I may bereally oldwhen I’m done, but at least I will be doing what I want to.

Once the luncheon gets started, I zero in on what the speakers are saying. As I said, this is something that I enjoy. My brain is always in sponge mode. Learning new things is what excites me. I’ve been curious since birth. I remember my mama always saying, “you’re too nosy for your own good, Katie girl. Know when to mind your own business.” My mama was smart, but her words never worked on me. It is in my blood to know everything about everything.

“When are you going to take the plunge and start law school,” Julie whispers as the last speaker starts to wind down.

“I still don’t know yet. Dad still hasn’t changed his mind.”

“Girl, you’re almost thirty. This is your life. Go to school if you want to. I know you will be an amazing lawyer.”

I smile at her. Truly, I would love to just jump in and go back to school. My dad wouldn’t like it very much, and he would probably refuse to pay for it. There lies the problem. I have a job, but I can’t work and go to law school. There is no way to make that happen. Plus, I work for dad.

“Hey. Just think about it,” Julie says. Pulling myself from my thoughts, I change the subject and ask her how the firm is doing.

After the luncheon, I make my way back home. Apparently, I have a date tonight, and I need to talk to dad about it. Sadly, mydatehasn’t even contacted me. I guess I’m just supposed to show up.

Once I get inside, I immediately kick my heels off. While I love shoes, I love to take them off too. I hate what they do to my feet.

Beauty really is pain sometimes.

I lay down on my couch for a quick nap before daddy dearest calls about this date that I don’t want.

Chapter 5

Levi

I wake up Saturday morning to the smell of coffee, and I smile.

What’s the point of frowning? I feel good. I’m in the light.

For the record, being in the light means I’m not depressed. Being in the dark is what I call depression. There are many stages that I go through. I’ve learned through the years how to cope, but it’s never easy. It takes work. It takes hard work. It takes heart and a lot of determination. It’s a learning curve. When I feel like I am in the clear, that’s when I know that I better be watching out.

Depression is a sneaky piece of… crap.

I’m not depressed this morning. I’m good. I’ve got coffee in the kitchen. I won some money last night from the race. I’m not thinking about the text that I got from that jackass before I went to bed. I have work to do, and I got a lot of good sleep last night. Today is going to be a good day. Plus, I leave tomorrow to go see my family for a few days.

Throwing the blankets off me, I reach down for my pajama pants, pulling them on, I snatch my cell up from the night stand, and I see a text from Micah. I light up immediately. This woman can read my mind. I’m sure of it.

Micah: When are you coming home? I miss you.

I smile. I miss her too.

I miss Z. I miss Chance and Kelly. I miss all the kids. I miss Macy. I’m not sure if she’s going to be there when I’m there. She has a huge murder trial coming up, and I know she has been buried with that.

I make my way to the kitchen and pull the only coffee mug I own out of the drain. What’s the point of having more than one or two of everything when I’m the only one that is living here? I have no intention of changing that anytime soon either.

I shoot a text off to Mi. I know that she is going to want to talk so I add a few words to let her know that I will catch up with her and give her more details later.

Me: Leaving out in the morning to head that way. I’ve got to get to the office to get things squared away. I’ll call later on. Love ya.

I immediately get a text back. She’s a ninja with that cell phone. I don’t know how she does it.

Mi: You better not forget to call me. You know I can kick your butt. Love you too.

I laugh out loud. She isn’t playing either.

I chug my coffee down and rinse the mug out. After taking a quick shower, I throw on a pair of jeans and a team racing shirt.

I get through my morning routine and make my way out to my car, my love.

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