Page 51 of A Cancer's Embrace
“Okay, what is it?” Danita asked.
“I just got offered the charge nurse position for the oncology unit! Patrick announced he was being transferred to another unit, and before my director could mention holding interviews, Patrick stood up and nominated me. She agreed because so many people had come to her and sang my praises. Can you believe it?” I asked excitedly.
“Oh, my goodness! Congrats, sissy! I’m so proud of you! We’re celebrating tonight! Shots, shots, and more shots!” Danita shouted.
“Wow! Congratulations, baby sister! You deserve it all. I told you that if you keep working hard and put your all into it, it doesn’t go unnoticed. You deserve it!” Gio praised.
“Thanks, family! I had to share the news with y’all,” I responded, still smiling big.
“What did Jabari say about the good news?” Danita asked.
I froze. I hadn’t spoken to Jabari since the day at my house, nor did I tell them I stepped away from our relationship. Danita would’ve had a fit, and Gio would’ve been thankful. I wouldn’t lie. I missed him badly. I wanted to call and share the news with him because I knew he would’ve been my loudest cheerleader. He probably would’ve cheered even if I didn’t get the job. He would’ve been happy I wouldn’t have to deal with Patrick anymore. The feeling suddenly became bittersweet. I’d always wanted to share my wins and losses with my man, but that wasno longer a thing. Instead of telling them what happened, I came up with a lie.
“Oh no, I wanted to call you all first. He’s probably still asleep. His restaurant is opening soon, and he’s most likely having late nights, late mornings.”
“Facts! I cannot wait to attend the grand opening. It’s the talk of the town. Plus, he’s possibly my future brother-in-law, so I know I’m getting the hookup.” Danita excitedly declared.
I cringed.
“Yeah, bro is cool as hell. Tell him I said good luck on the opening of the restaurant. Let him know when I get back to the States that I expect complimentary entrees since he’s dating my little sister.”
All three of us laughed.
“I will. Well, I have to get prepared for work. I’ll talk to you all later. Love y’all!”
“Love y’all. See you later tonight, Amina,” Danita said.
“Love you both. I will check on y’all soon. Have a good day,” Gio added.
We ended the call, and I stood outside for a moment longer contemplating whether I wanted to share the news with Jabari. I didn’t hate Jabari. I actually missed him bad as fuck. I wasn’t sure how he would respond, but I couldn’t hold the information from him. He knew how hard I wanted to grow in my career, how hard I worked, and what I was up against. I didn’t think we ended on bad terms, so I sent him a text.
Me:
Hey, it’s Amina. I just wanted to share some good news with you. I just got offered the charge nurse position on the oncology unit. It was unexpected, but I’m thankful. Just wanted to share that update with you. Take care.
I locked the phone quickly and tossed it into my pocket. Instead of getting in my head and overthinking, I poked my chest out and walked inside the hospital with my head held high. It was my time to shine, and I was winning.
“Cheers to the best sister,the smartest sister, and the new charge nurse sister, Amina!” Danita shouted as we held our shot glasses in the air.
I laughed as we cheered and took the shot. Instead of going out to celebrate, I invited Danita over to the house for drinks and conversation. Not that I was against going out, but I was tired after having to be up earlier than usual. She ordered us Chinese food and brought over the tequila.
“Girl, you don’t know how excited I am. Like it’s been a long time coming. I’ve worked my ass off, and it showed in the end.”
“Yes, patience is key. I told you to stay the course, and things will fall into place for you. What did Jabari say? Is he coming to break you off with some reward dick?” Danita asked.
“Danita, please,” I commented, rolling my eyes.
“Okay. My bad, but what did he say? I’m sure he’s happy for you.”
I said nothing. I continued to look down at my plate of food. If I had looked Danita in the eye and tried lying to her, I would’ve failed miserably.
“Amina, you told him, right?” she asked. This time, her tone was more serious.
I sighed and finally looked up at her. “I texted and told him, but I’ve heard nothing back yet.”
She shrugged. “Okay. I’m sure he’s busy. Why are you acting weird?”
“He’s probably not texting me back because I ended things with him,” I blurted out.
