Page 77 of His Last Shot
I laugh out loud. “I tried. It doesn’t work.”
“Anyway, said that I was to tell you to read that before you left.” She stands from her chair and pulls out a box of chocolate-covered strawberries from the bottom drawer. “To sweeten the deal, he gifted me these.” Her eyes light up with excitement. “I’ll be right in the next room enjoying my treat and give you some privacy.” She exits out the same door she entered through.
Reluctantly, and with my stomach in knots, I sit in a chair that lines the wall behind me. With shaking hands, I run my finger over the words he has written on the front.
My Love.
Paper ripping echoes through the small office space as I pull out a hand-written letter.
From Johnny.
Rachel,
If you are reading this, then I know that my new friend Cindy came through for me. I knew I could count on her! I also know that you are scared. And that’s ok. It’s ok to be fearful of the big things. The things that will afford a change in our lives. I know this because you scared me.
That day I walked into Dexter’s and saw you behind that bar, my world turned upside down. Talking to beautiful women always came easy for me my whole life. But you … talking to you scared me. But I did. And man, am I glad I got out of my own head. You changed my life, Rachel. For the better.
Now please, let this opportunity change yours. Do you remember our first night under the stars when you told me you always wanted to be a nurse? Your face was brighter than the moon above us that night.
That’s what I want for you. To see you pursue this and shine like the stars. So this letter is my last loving push. Don’t do it for anyone else but yourself. Just know that you deserve this. You are smart and so capable. And tell those self-loathing thoughts in your head right now to take a hike. Let your actions today become louder and more powerful than those voices that are lying to you.
I love you, and I am rooting for you. No matter what you decide, I will forever be by your side.
Love,
Johnny
P.S. Oh, and one more thing. I have two more surprises for you. One is included in this letter. The other is for when you walk out of that building registered. You’ll love it, I promise.
I reach inside the envelope and pull out four tickets. For the Pittsburgh/Chicago baseball game. And the seats are right behind home plate. I smile. He knowsme so well.
With tears streaking my cheeks, I fold the letter and hold it to my chest. How did I get so lucky? This man, this huge force of a man, loves me and believes in me. It’s time I believe in myself for once.
As determination swells inside of me, Cindy walks back into the room, full of smiles and hope. “So … what’s the verdict?” she asks as she laces her fingers in front of her, waiting for my answer.
As I wipe away my tears, I stand with conviction. “Hi, Cindy. My name is Rachel, and I am here to register for nursing school.”
Cindy grins. “Well, alright then.”
Thirty minutes later, I am walking out of the registration building with an ONU tote bag full of goodies and a brighter future. Cindy and I became fast friends as she told me all about her nursing journey. As I open the exit doors, with Johnny’s letter tucked in my hands and Cindy’s stories fresh on my mind, I know I am making the right decision.
I have never been more proud of myself. I’m strong, confident, in control of my life for the first time, and ready for this next chapter.
As I walk down the steps, Johnny’s truck idles, still parked in the same spot. Another sign that he will never leave me alone. He’s sitting in the driver’s seat, scrolling on his phone.
He must sense my presence because his head pops up. A huge smile follows. As I get closer, he rolls down the window. “Wait right there,” he commands, halting me in my tracks. Which disappoints me some because all I want to do is hug the man. His arm dangles out of the window, and I notice that it’s bare. Which is odd since he was wearing a short-sleeved dress shirt when we got here. “How did it go?”
“You are looking at the newest student of the ONU nursing program!” I say, as I jut out my chin, and puff out my chest with pride.
He slams his palm onto the side of the truck door. “Yes! I am so proud of you!”
“Well, I have to take some pre-req classes first and pass an entrance exam, but if that all goes well, then it’s official.”
“You will. No doubt.” Pride fills his response.
“So what’s my surprise?”
“I’m so glad you asked,” he says with a smirk.
