Page 99 of Let's Talk About Love
Alice pulled up the website for Cass Community College. On one side of the paper she listed out all the bills she had to pay (rent, her phone, Internet, bus pass, her share of the electric bill, Dr. Burris’s fee, and groceries) and how much each one cost. Then she subtracted that from her average monthly wage.
CCC was cheaper than her university, but it wasn’t inexpensive and she’d also have to pay for her books. She was under twenty-five and not legally emancipated, so she didn’t qualify for financial aid—her parents made too much money. Tuition fee waivers were also out because they used parental income as well. Why did the government automatically assume parents would help their kids? She knewshe had brought this on herself, but what about those who didn’t? This was so unfair.
But she could apply for a financial-hardship scholarship that would cover up to six credits. The cutoff was in one week—she’d have to make time to write the essay—but there was no guarantee she would win.
If she lived on nothing but ramen for a month and used her paltry savings, she could afford to pay for nine credits upfront.
If she continued to work the afternoon/evening shift at the library, her mornings would be free for school.
If she took Takumi’s sister-in-law up on her offer, she would get paid to babysit the twins every Sunday night.
Alice got up, chewing on her lip, continuing to run numbers and think while pacing from the kitchen to the balcony and back again. It would be hard, but she would make it.
She could do this.
CHAPTER
32
Alice and Takumi were set up right in front of the library doors, sitting at a table with a bright blue banner, plenty of pens, key chains, and clipboards. Their task was easy enough: check in the registrants, find out what field interested the job seekers, and either have them a) fill out their info on a clipboard for library sciences or b) promote the upcoming career center the library planned to launch at the beginning of the New Year.
Truthfully, Alice couldn’t care less about what she was supposed to do. It wasn’t like the library was hiring. They had a maximum of six staff members at any given time. What she wanted was to practice her people skills. Greeting everyone, making eye contact, remembering names; doling out compliments was integral to her success.
She knew how to make a person feel like the universe revolved around them within seconds—her dad called it her charm magic.
In the future, when Alice graduated with the degree that would bring shame upon her family, when she got the job that was a perfect fit for her, this skill would come into play. She knew she was good withpeople. Knew how to charm them. Her future clients would adore her. And then recommend her to all their (wealthy) friends.
At the end of the day, she didn’t even try to hide the proud bounce in her step and the song in her heart. This moment, after the last few weeks she’d had, was everything. She was triumphant. Success incarnated. Finally, she’d not only done something right, but excelled.
It feltsogood to do something right.
(Finally.)
“It’s Family Night,” Alice told Takumi as they headed to his car. “I have to go home.”
“I’m not jealous,” he said. “Nope. Not at all.”
“I think I’m rubbing off on you.” She laughed. “Feenie will come around. Ryan’s helping me wear her down. Before you know it, you’ll be able to join us.”
In the car they sang along to a pop song on the radio—one of the few artists they both liked.
He watched the road.
She watched him.
God, did Alice want to kiss him. She had always liked kisses, small ones here and there. She wanted to kiss his cheeks and temples and the tip of his nose and his jaw and below his ear and every other place he would let her. She wanted to kiss him like he was the darkest night sky and her lips had the power to make stars.
Alice had already sort of, kind of, maybe decided to confess. Tentatively. She had the plan and the words, but the courage had yet to get on board.
When Takumi pulled into her parking lot, Alice clutched the plastic bag she had carried all day.
(What was she doing?)
(Was she really about to do this?)
“I bought you something,” she said, taking off her seat belt.
Takumi cut off the car, turning in his seat to face her. Waiting. She slid the bouquet of purple and blue carnations out of the bag and held it out for him.
