Page 87 of Barbed Wire Fences
I sigh. “Well, it doesn’t matter anymore since Rhett wants nothing to do with me. I can't figure out why he hasn't returned my texts or any of my phone calls.”
Jasmine pats me reassuringly on the back as she gets a page and jumps up. “My patient needs me, but I’ll catch you later.”
I remain seated at the station, continuing to think as I absently eat the candy she left behind.
What do I want? What am I doing here?
It’s been a whole month since I left Whitewood Creek behind and yet being back in Richmond, I don’t feel the way I used to feel about living here.
It used to feel familiar, comfortable but now everywhere I look I miss the corn fields, the clucking of the chicks at the Marshall’s farm and the comfort of knowing Rhett was always nearby.
Why hasn’t Rhett called or even texted me back? Has he made peace with this always being short term?
Lost in thought, my floor manager rounds the corner to find me seated on the desk. “Jael, just who I was looking for. I’ve got something for you.”
“What’s that?” I ask as she hands me a folder revealing another traveling nursing contract.
“The emergency department doctor at Whitewood Creek Community Hospital liked you so much that they want you to come back and do a special week-long training course for their staff on Advanced Cardiac Life Support. It’s just a week, but they’re willing to pay you ninety dollars an hour to be there.”
“Whoa. That’s great money.”
“I know,” she smiles. “And I’m hoping it makes it up to you for canceling your contract early. Look Jael, you’re great at your job, and I know from what little you’ve shared, your hometown isn’t your favorite place to be, but I’d be remiss not to pass this offer along to you now that the end of the summer rush has stabilized a bit. We’ll save your position for when you get back, but I think you should take it.”
I chew on my bottom lip, thinking about facing Rhett again when he’s clearly been ignoring me. “When would the training start?”
“Next week.”
It would give me the chance to look Rhett in the eye and tell him how I feel. To give each other the closure that we both deserve.
Maybe Rhett never wanted something long term. Maybe I misread those special nights that we spent together last month and thought that they meant more.
“Okay, let them know I’ll be there.”
Chapter 29 – Jael
It's only my second day back in Whitewood Creek, but I still haven't worked up the nerve to try calling Rhett again. I finished my shift training the new nurses at the hospital and slipped out quietly, dodging any familiar faces in the parking lot.
Thank God the hospital's tucked away, far enough from the main street to keep me out of sight and away from the gossip mill. Small towns are notorious for their chatter, and I definitely don’t need my return becoming the latest topic.
Being back in town has me second-guessing everything. Is it weird that I missed it after only being gone for a month? Ten years away and I never once cared to come back, but now I’m smiling at the small coffee shop in the town square that uses way too much sugar, and driving with my window down, the warm breeze full of fresh peaches and cornstalks filling the air.
I made it clear to Christopher that we were done, and I’ve opened the door to whatever might be between me and Rhett. But the fear of facing him again? It eats at me. Does he feel the same, or has too much time passed? Can he forgive the past, or will my heart take another hit?
My phone buzzes in my pocket, Lainey’s name lighting up the screen. My eyes dart around the full parking lot, panicking that someone’s spotted me and already told her I’m in town.
“Hey Lainey, how are you?” I answer, trying to keep my voice level and calm.
“Why does your voice sound like that?”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re running from someone.”
I laugh. “I just got off work. I’m not sure.”
“That’s it. You were probably yelling all shift.”
I laugh. “Something like that.”
