Page 72 of Overachiever
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I’m awake before Owen and take the opportunity to just look at him. It’s funny how it feels like I see him clearer and clearer, this sweet man who makes everyone around him laugh. Funny guys can’t be trusted. One second you’re laughing, and the next your panties are on the floor.
It’s been tough trying to push aside the disappointment and anxiety of what my life has suddenly become, but I’m doing my best not to obsess over the fact I won’t be attending school. Instead, I’ll likely be working with Serena at what Owen has dubbed “the breastaurant.”
Watching Owen’s family and how they function, plus seeing Rachel has helped. They’re all happy. That happiness doesn’t seem to be conditional. It doesn’t matter what’s going on in their lives, they’re making it work. If they can, I can too.
I’ll finish school. I’ll meet my goals and keep working toward a career. But I won’t do it alone. I don’t have to.
“Stop staring at me. It’s creepy, and I feel objectified,” Owen murmurs, without opening his eyes. How did he know?
“I was thinking you look sexy with your hair all messy.”
A grin grows on his face, and he looks at me. “Yeah?”
“Yeah, but then you opened your mouth and ruined it.” My phone beeps with an email notification, and I pick it up.
He stretches and sits up, rubbing a hand over his face. “Funny how often that happens.”
“This doesn’t make sense,” I mumble, rereading the email again.
Owen sits on the edge of the bed. “What doesn’t?”
“I got an email from my advisor to reschedule my appointment and register for classes. It says the Building Hope grant was applied to my tuition, and I don’t owe anything.” Sighing, I shake my head. What a tease. I really didn’t need the reminder. “It must be a mistake. I know I forfeited that when I left early.”
Owen gestures for me to let him read the email, and I hand the phone over. “Rem, it’s a mistake in your favor. Register for classes and see if they catch it.”
“No way. What if they realize it mid-semester, and I suddenly owe all the money back? I can’t take that risk. I have to take the year off. It’s just how it is.” It’s still hard to accept, and I need a few minutes by myself. “I’m going to take a shower.”
The hot water feels amazing, and I let myself think about how the next year is going to go. One thing I know about myself is I need some intellectual stimulation. Working at a restaurant, being with Owen, hanging with friends won’t be enough. I love to learn. I’ll have to find a way to fill that gap.
This has also made me rethink my long term career plans. Rather than being a practicing psychologist, I may want to focus more on research. Trying to gain a deeper understanding of human thought and behavior to discover new treatment techniques sounds more fulfilling. The few minutes I spend reminding myself that all of that is still in my future helps, and I’m in a better mood when I return to the bedroom where Owen waits.
An odd expression sits on his face. Expectant, like he’s holding in something he’s dying to tell me. He’s on his feet as soon as I walk through the door. “Okay, don’t get mad.”
Not a promising start to whatever this is.
“What did you do?”
“I called one of the J’s. Our bosses from Building Hope? I wanted to see if he knew anything about the email you got. They’re the ones who officially sign off on the volunteers, but Meyer is the one who decides which volunteers met the requirements.”
Why isn’t he letting this go? It’s just making it harder. “Owen, I left.”
“Yeah, but Meyer didn’t report that. The company signed off for you to get credit.” His grin is sheepish. “I may have called him too. Anyway, listen, he said to tell you, and I quote ‘You’re a good kid with a bright future, but please don’t go into the construction field.’”
This is too good to be true. I left. I screwed up. I’m supposed to have to pay the price for it. Can I even accept this when I know that? “I can’t…Owen, I didn’t earn it.”
He lays his hands on my shoulders. “Meyer thinks you did. He gave you a favorable performance review. Rem, you qualified for the grant. You don’t have to take the year off school.”
The truth sinks in, and Owen pulls me into his arms when a sob escapes my chest. “I’m sorry,” I tell him, laughing and crying at the same time. “I’m just relieved. I was trying so hard to be okay with a year off, but it was killing me.” I’m struck by a sudden realization. “Oh my god, I need to schedule the appointment with my advisor. As soon as we get back, I have to get my books. I don’t even know what the assigned reading will be and…”
My rant is cut off with a kiss.
It’s magic the way his kiss can stop my racing brain in its tracks. There’s nothing to worry about when I’m in his arms, and it’s the sweetest relief. Everything’s going to be alright. Even if things hadn’t gone my way this time, I know I would’ve been okay.
Running my fingers over the nape of his neck, I look him in the eye. “Do you remember when you said you could love the hell out of me if I decided you were worth the risk?”
He nods, and I kiss the corner of his mouth. “You were always worth it, Owen. You’re worth any risk. I love you so much.”
