Page 15 of Capacity
“Thank you, Mr. Cunningham,” I nodded. Hearing his last name, he shifted the tie at his neck then looked at the papers in front of him.
“You’re welcome, Ms. Foster.” He flipped the folder closed and offered me a professional smile. “The nursing job is yours if you want it. I think you’ll fit in with the Lakeview family just fine.”
“Thank you so much. I accept. I’ll start whenever you want me to.”
“How’s tomorrow?”
“Perfect. Tomorrow is perfect.” I tried not to sound too excited to have a job but my blood was galloping through my veins like horses.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then.” His smile dropped a little. “Ms. Foster,” he ran his fingers through his hair. “I revealed some private information last night about going to an AA meeting.” His brows pinched together. “I’d appreciate if that stayed between us.”
Even though there was an entire desk between us, space seemed to melt. The vulnerability in his voice flowed through me. It mixed with the vulnerability inside of me.
“Oh, of course. I’d never mention something so personal. Honestly, I think the fact that you’re going to Alcoholics Anonymous is wonderful.”
“I don’t know about that but I do know that I don’t want anyone here finding out. Not even Rosie.”
“You have my word,” I promised.
“Thank you. For the kind words and for keeping it between us.”
“Don’t mention it. I think your students are lucky to have a principal who understands what it means to make mistakes and try again.” I meant every word of what I said. Working with Mr. Cunningham would be great because he actually cared and he wanted to help. He didn’t seem to be in it for a check.
“I’m not without my mistakes,” he sighed. “I don’t even know why I told you that. I guess I thought I’d never see you again.”
“Is that why you splurged on that bottle of wine?” I needed to know.
“Kind of. I also wanted someone to enjoy a drink since I couldn’t.” He shrugged his broad, boxy shoulders.
My stomach dipped a little. There I was thinking he was trying to get my number or Coco’s number but he was just going through something. Embarrassment turned my mouth dry.
“Oh…”
“And I thought you were beautiful.” His Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat before he let out a nervous chuckle. “But I swear to you, Ms. Foster, I’m not trying to get in good with you. Not beyond a strong work relationship.”
“I didn’t get the feeling that you were going to try anything.”
God, help me stop looking at this man’s sharp jawline and piercing eyes.
“Good. I know this situation is awkward, to say the least.”
“It is but I’m glad you’re the principal here. At least I kind of know you.” A small smile tried to take root and blossom on my lips. Still, my brain wouldn’t cooperate.
“You know more about me right now than anyone else.”
“I know you’re strong,” I said reassuringly.
“Sure doesn’t feel like it. Honestly, it feels like I’m weaker than ever right now.” The white walls of Mr. Cunningham’s office melted away along with his desk and anything else that bore reminders of the present moment.
“You’re getting help. That makes you strong.”
“It’s hard to see things that way when you sit in a bar while an AA meeting is going on a few doors down.”
“Did you have a drink yesterday?” I asked. I’d only known this man for maybe a total of two hours but I was invested in him. I had faith that he’d pull through his darkness. It felt like I had more hope for him than I did for myself.
“No,” he shook his head. “I wanted to though. Knowing that the desire is so strong scares me. I can’t even celebrate my sobriety strides because all I can focus on is how much I want a damn drink.” The thick desperation in his voice scraped against something in me. I felt a twinge of panic vibrating through him.
“Wanting it and acting on it are two different things. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
