Page 104 of The Love Ambush
Chapter Twenty-Six
Gentry
Everything is okay. It’s okay that all of our furniture, except for what we have in our bedrooms, is now in the garage and our house looks like something out of a fancy magazine, with slick lines and modern furniture. It’s okay that Trisha’s been a tiny bit rude about us keeping the house clean and clutter-free.
All of that is okay because Emily and Sophie are so happy to have our dad back.
I’m not turning a blind eye to his imperfections, and I’m on constant alert for any sign he might take off again, but I will do whatever it takes to keep the peace and give him every incentive to stay.
Wary as I am, I can’t deny how much I missed my dad. Last night, he and I watched one of our favorite movies together and recited all the lines word-for-word.
It’s a weird feeling to know I can’t trust him and to also still love him because he’s my dad. I’m waiting, constantly anxious, for him to leave again, but also doubting all my memories, because he’s been acting like the model father since he moved back in.
Honestly, it’s been nice having someone around to drive Emily and Sophie wherever they need to go.
But I’m still hurt and angry with him for leaving the first time.
A weird maelstrom of feelings. I hate it.
And now I have what Levi said about Dad in the mix. What would Levi have told me if I let him?
I didn’t want to know because I don’t need another reason to distrust and hate my father. But what if not knowing somehow puts my sisters in danger?
“You doing okay?” Noah asks. He’s standing next to my desk in his lab coat and scrubs, a stethoscope around his neck, looking every bit the part of the hot doctor. And he’s as kind as he is good-looking. “Nursing school going okay?”
I swallow hard and brace myself. “I quit.”
He stares at me, eyes wide. “Okay. That’s…”
“You can say it. No one ever thought I’d make it as a nurse. Who wants a nurse who’s a hypochondriac and freaks out at the sight of blood?”
“I never thought you couldn’t do it if you set your mind to it,” he says. “But I did get the feeling you weren’t exactly excited about the prospect.”
“Not excited at all.” I force a smile because I feel like a failure. “And I had to finally admit I’d be a terrible nurse. I hope I can keep working here.”
He startles, straightening. “Please don’t quit, Gentry. I can’t handle trying to find someone else for your job. You’re amazing. Can I give you a raise? A longer lunch break?”
I laugh, warmed by his obvious desire to have me stay. “That came out wrong. I thought you might want to replace me with someone who can actually be a nurse here someday.”
“I can find a nurse. I can’t find someone to replace you.”
My heart rate slows as I relax. “Oh, thank goodness. I love this job, and I really don’t want to have to find something else.”
He nods, but he doesn’t look happy. “So you’re not going anywhere? You don’t have any ambitions beyond working here?” He shakes his head and takes a step back. “Forget I asked that. You love this job, and you aren’t going anywhere. That’s all I need to know. Anything else is your business.”
“I am happy here.” I feel the need to be honest, because Noah isn’t just my boss, he’s also my friend. “But I do have ambitions beyond this job.”
He slumps, his always wild hair falling over his eyes. “I knew it. I just had a feeling, you know, that you’re the kind of person who has big dreams. And there’s no room for upward mobility here.” He holds up his hands. “You don’t have to tell me more. Just please give me two weeks’ notice before you leave.”
I bite back another laugh. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re dramatic?”
He sniffs. “Only you. Every other day.”
“I doubt that,” I say with a smile to let him know I’m teasing. Mostly. “But you don’t have to worry. I’m going to take art classes at the university. I want to be an artist, and the chances of making a living from my art any time soon are slim to none.”
He studies me, his brow furrowed. “You never told me you’re an artist.”
“Because I’m not. I was in art school before Mom left, but I gave it up to take care of the kids.”
