Page 23 of Damien
I arrive at the building to my first class as I tap out a response.
Me: I’ll be ready, but I have to run. First class is starting.
Quickly stashing my phone into the pocket of my jeans, I pull open the door and dash to my class. Having a few minutes to spare, I quickly retrieve my phone when it buzzes in my pocket.
Damien: Looking forward to tonight.
Unfortunately, my professor chooses that moment to start class, so instead of responding, I stow my phone and do my best to focus on ethics in nursing. This class typically keeps my interest, but my mind drifts to Damien much more than I’d ever admit. I force myself to take copious notes as this professor often tests on the lecture, more than the required reading. For the first time this semester, I’m honestly glad to see this class end.
I will myself not to look at my phone burning a hole in my pocket as I walk to my next class. I’ll find out soon enough if he said any more. My professor starts the lecture about our content for the day shortly after I find my seat. Though she may as well be speaking Greek; nothing of substance will be sticking in my brain in the near future with my current state of mind.
Since I’m usually on top of my studies. I allow my thoughts to drift off at will. Questions flit through my mind like raking leaves in a hurricane. The minute I catch hold of one to give it a serious thought, the next hurdles toward me at top speed, making my last thought disappear in the wind. The only common factor in all of it is Damien.
By the time class is over, I go through the motions of packing my things and returning home. When I reach the house, I realize I have no idea how I even managed to get home. I could’ve been hit by a car and none the wiser.
Shaking my head, I force myself to do a few of my nightly chores that I won’t want to do when I return home this evening. After popping some laundry in the wash and setting out Julia’s clothes for the morning, I head to the kitchen to grab a light snack. My nerves are a bit frayed, but my stomach’s rumbling from skipping lunch.
Careful not to fill up before dinner, I slice an apple and Tillamook cheese. Knowing Vince and Julia will be here within the next hour, I settle into my favorite chair and flip on the television. Typically, I’d use this opportunity to study, but knowing my concentration is total crap, I give up before I even begin.
Looking at my book on the end table, I see Charlotte Ann’s latest release staring at me, waiting to be read. But I’m afraid even words from one of my favorite romance authors won’t hold my interest. Or—knowing how obsessed I become with her books, I won’t risk digging it out and getting lost in it either. I’ll spend the evening thinking about my book rather than living in the moment with Damien.
So here I sit, flipping through the channels and not one holds my interest for more than a nanosecond. Vince had insisted on upgrading the cable when we moved in because he wanted all the sports channels, but out of the gazillion stations, I can’t tell you what one of them features in this moment.
Eventually, I hear the garage door open, and the patter of little feet zips through the house. Vince reminds her to walk, but it’s pointless. She’s eager to see her momma, and I couldn’t be happier.
Standing to greet her, she takes it as an invitation to launch herself into my arms. “Momma, I had the best day today!” she exclaims as I squeeze her tight. Like any five-year-old, she’s oblivious when I hold on an extra moment, reveling in her child-like scent and octopus-like hug.
“You’ll have to tell me all about it,” I offer, setting her down before pulling her back to my chair with me.
Julia beams with delight as she prattles on about how much fun daycare was. It has a built-in preschool, and I’m proud to say Julia’s enthusiasm for learning makes it easier to leave her each day, so I can focus on my own classes. It helps that she’s been there since Vince and I started attending Columbia River University, and the staff has practically become a second family to us over the years.
Eventually, Vince interrupts her explanation of a science experiment with straws to say, “Hey, Jules, put your backpack in your room and go potty before Syd and I take you to the movie. We have to leave in a few minutes to pick up Syd, so we can grab dinner and watch our movie!”
“Yay!” Julia squeals as she jumps from the couch and rushes to her room. “I can’t wait. Unks, did you know…” she gasps then continues, “Jonah was talking about it at circle time today? Weneedto see this movie.” The way she exaggerates the word need has me covering my mouth with my hand to keep from laughing at her utter cuteness.
As serious as he can manage, my brother raises an eyebrow in her direction. “Well, if you don’t get moving, we’ll be stuck here all night.”
With that, she scoots to her room faster than most would consider walking.
Vince uses this time to check in. “How were classes?”
Not wanting to get into specifics, I shift the subject to him.
“Have you talked to Sydney yet?” I arch a brow, wondering if he’s asked her to move in.
When he shakes his head, I offer him a quick out. “Don’t stress over it, Vin. Just ask. The worst that happens is she says no.”
Shrugging, he agrees, “True.”
Julia’s feet pound down the hall as she enters the living room. She visibly slows to call, “You ready, Unks? Syd’s waiting.”
“That she is, squirt. The bigger question is—are you ready?”
Rolling her eyes, I’m quickly reminded of future conversations with a teenager. Please let her stay little for a long time.
“Give me a kiss, and you can go,” I offer the room, though my intent’s on Julia.
Vince beats her to me with a side-arm hug and says, “Have fun. You deserve a night to yourself.” Before he can let go, Julia squeezes my waist eagerly.
