Page 152 of Chosen Road

“What did they say?”

She looked uncomfortable. “I explained as little as possible, they thanked me for bowing out, and promised me a glowing letter of recommendation.”

I blew out of breath. “That crazy bitch just cost you your job.” It struck me then that it was actually me who affected her job. My eyebrows hit my hairline as I pointed to my chest. “I cost you your job.”

“No, Gus,” she said firmly. “Bill cost me my job, because Bill has a little dick.”

I burst out laughing for the second time that day. After a minute, Amber joined me.

She leaned in and pressed her laughing mouth to mine. “You know, as long as we’re okay, nothing else matters.”

“Good. Then I can tell you I met with Nick today. He brought HR and Jacqueline into the meeting, and I invited Caden. Jacqueline cried and asked me to reconsider having a relationship with her and twice she tried to get to me. HR is dealing with her, and I told them that if she approaches you, me, or any member of our family, I’d be taking out a restraining order.”

“Holy shit,” she whispered. “They’re both nuts.”

I opened my arms and pulled her against my chest. Taking a deep breath, I breathed in her scent.

“I’m sorry about your job, honey.” More than sorry, I was furious. She put her heart and soul into that job. “What are you going to do?”

“Considering the circumstances, they’re going to pay out the rest of my contract, which is six more weeks, but they are withdrawing the renewal I signed in November. So, I’ve got time to look for something else.” She paused, and I felt her muscles tense “There are a few things I might look into. If that’s okay.”

I squeezed her tight. “You take as long as you want. You deserve a break. Amber, honey, you don’t have to go back at all if you don’t want to. Whatever you want to do, I’m good with it.”

Chapter 51: Laughter Reigned

Amber

Sitting on my laurels was never my strong suit.

My first full day at home consisted of approximately seven hours of internet research. At first, I combed job boards, and although there were opportunities available, there was nothing that stood up and shouted to me.

I began researching abandonment issues, and healing from abandonment issues, and in my wanderings, I came across different training courses for those who wanted to specialize in treating these issues.

Could I afford to take time off to do a few courses? There were options. Courses specific to treating adults, others for teens, and still more for children and toddlers, especially those affected by adoption.

My brain weaved my thoughts together, a tapestry slowly taking shape in my mind.

I can’t do everything, and I can’t give what I don’t have.

I can’t give peace if I don’t have it.

I can’t teach acceptance if I haven’t practiced it.

I can’t instill self-esteem if I don’t possess it.

I can’t ask for trust if I refuse to give it.

The list of what I couldn’t do was long and disheartening considering it held all the things I so desperately wanted to give, but it was nothing in comparison to what I could do if I put my mind to it.

I could find my peace, accept my wounds, build my self-esteem, and learn to trust. I’d already started. Then I could pass on those lessons.

If I had the training.

I studied my options over the next few days, took Yiayia out for lunch and to the mall, and cautiously planned for the future.

On Sunday, everyone came to our place for family dinner, except for Vander’s parents who somehow got in touch with Vander’s Pappou’s cousin’s son and his wife who lived in Bayview Village, and they were meeting them for dinner.

It’s a small world, but when you’re Greek? It’s microscopic.

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