Page 18 of Loyal
“Divorce isn’t acceptable, huh?” I ask softly.
She shakes her head slowly. “Not in their eyes, no. Happiness isn’t something they get.”
“I’m sorry.”
She shrugs. “It’s okay. Their loss.”
I couldn’t agree more, but I keep that to myself.
“What made you become a nurse? How did that happen?” I ask, trying to talk about lighter topics.
It does the trick. She lights up.
A smile crosses her face. “I always loved helping people. Despite having Farrah when I was sixteen, I never let it stop me. Billy never understood and tried to talk me out of going to college. He thought it was a waste of time and money, but I did it anyway. Now I’m happy that I did. I chose labor and delivery because I remember the woman who helped me deliver Farrah. She was so kind and supportive. I wanted to be that for others, so here I am.”
“Why didn’t he support you?” I ask, even though I know she probably doesn’t want to talk about it.
“Billy is just one of those guys who doesn’t care about anyone else. He thinks he comes first. It’s all about him. He wanted me pregnant and in the kitchen our entire marriage. He never understood why I felt the need for birth control.”
“He’s selfish,” I murmur.
She nods. “Honestly, it’s amazing that we lasted as long as we did. I never wanted to marry him, but felt like I didn’t have a choice. Then when I left, I second-guessed myself the entire time, but I’m out now, and that’s all that matters.”
“You are and you’re better for it. As far as I’m concerned, Sami, you’re one of the strongest women I’ve ever met. It’s clear you don’t need anyone, but I hope you’ll let me stay around.” I caress the back of her hand.
“I will for now.” She winks, making me chuckle.
I lift my drink, and she reaches for hers.
“To new beginnings,” I say.
A pretty smile crosses her face. “To new beginnings.”
What she doesn’t realize is that she just gave me a little more insight on what she’s looking for in a relationship, and I’m going to use it to my advantage.
When he said he was going to give me the best first date ever, I didn’t know what that meant.
I do now.
The night flowed easily. We got to know one another on a different level. Without all the walls holding us back, I felt I was finally myself for the first time in my life. It was liberating.
I don’t want this night to end. I don’t think he does either.
“It’s the first date so I should leave you here,” he whispers, holding my hands as we stand at my front door.
“That is what first dates usually consist of,” I admit, not wanting to let him go.
He brushes my cheek with his hand before he presses a kiss to my forehead. “I had a wonderful night,Mami. Can I see you again?”
I laugh. “Of course. We are dating now, right?”
He hums. “Yes, but this is a first date. I should be working for a second.”
“You can have a second, third, twentieth.” I lean in closer to him.
“You should go inside. I’m trying to be respectable,” he tells me.
I hate it, but I’m willing to play his game.
