Page 82 of Hesi-Dating
"I know I keep saying this, and I hate to sound like a broken record, but you can't sit here and waste away in depression because some guy didn't call you. That's my move, not yours. You've been dateless for months."
"Maybe I'll go on a date this week."I should've called Seth or emailed or something.At least I could've yelled at him for not checking on me. I had changed phones so he couldn't have messaged me, but he did have my email.
"What are you going to do today?"
I shrugged. "I'll have lunch with Gino. We might get our nails done. Might look for a new job. Thinking I'll try something other than reception."
Amber clicked off the TV. "Please call him. Figure out what happened. I found him intimidating as hell. He's one of those people who keeps it all bottled up inside. He has a lot of strength, discipline and… basically he's the opposite of you. Maybe that's why you guys could work. He was nuts about you."
"Was. Not anymore. It's been five months.Five. I think that ship sailed." The box of Seth memories popped open in my head. "Do you think I should see a therapist?"
She sighed. "Are you ready for that?"
"I need to figure myself out before I get involved with someone new. Ever since the incident I don't want to go out on first dates. I don't want to deal with all the crap that comes with any of it. Gino has a therapist he recommends."
"Does Gino have as much complicated shit to work through as you?"
"Probably not."
"Maybe that therapist is a starting point?" Amber's phone dinged. She read the message and uttered a curse. "Can you do me a favor today?"
"Sure. What?"
"It's a big one."
"Name it."
"The late doctor who was supposed to cover the end of my shift has the flu. They want me to stay until 11 tonight since there's no other doctor available. The Foster Fund Gala is tonight. Can you go in my place? I promised to help with set up and clean up and whatever else they needed."
"I already planned to go. I can do that. Is Amanda still running it?" I wanted to ask Amanda about reading therapy since she worked as a learning disability specialist in public schools. When I talked to her about her job in the past I hadn't been brave enough to ask how I could get help. Maybe this was my sign.
All four of us siblings were heavily involved in the Foster Fund in our own ways, be it mentoring, volunteering for events, assembling welcome backpacks, or tutoring. Of course, I didn't tutor. That was all Amber. We'd talked about bringing in foster kids to stay with us. We'd be good for those that needed temporary housing, but our life was so hectic. Amber thought they'd never place a kid with us since we were four twenty-something single adults.
"I'll text her you'll be there," Amber said. "It's their annual black-tie event, so dress up. It starts at 6:30 but you need to be there at 5 for set up."
"I got this." The jolt of excitement over the thought of dressing up was new and somewhat invigorating. New was good.
* * *
Lunch with Gino got postponed due to a wildfire up north. CNN asked him to cover. I couldn't be prouder of him being promoted to the big time.
My black gown might've been a clearance buy from a few years ago, but its classic lines kept it relevant. The sleeves hid my scar. Not ready for spaghetti straps yet. I didn't want to talk about the scar. Still didn't want to remember that day. I wore modest heels since I'd be running all night. After helping set up for the event, I'd been assigned the silent auction table. This was the fund's big annual event. People loved giving to the foster program. It provided great PR for all its big donors.
Music from a big band era ensemble played a slow song in the background. A few couples braved the dance floor out of the hundreds at the event. I recognized a B-list actor couple chatting with one of the foster kids serving hors d'oeuvres.
"Everything okay?" Amanda asked as she perused the item bids. Her years as a triathlete kept her lean. We'd attended the same foster kids' programs when growing up. She'd become galvanized to improve the system. Her foster parents had been wonderful examples of what it should have been like. They'd even adopted her.
"I had to break apart two couples fighting over the Thailand Four Seasons package. I got one of the couples to go for the Scotland tour instead." I pointed at the Scotland sheet.
Amanda's eyebrows shot up. "That's quite a bid."
"I'm quite the salesman." I grinned.
"Thanks for helping tonight."
"No problem. I'm sorry Amber couldn't be here. I know she would've been good visibility given her TV celebrity status from the show."
"It's fine. I'm glad to have you here."
