Page 93 of Chasing Hope

As the day progressed, it became evident that I made the right career move. The majority was spent walking through the training program that’s to come, paperwork, security clearance, and basic policies. But the thing that truly made me realize I made the right decision was the excitement that filled me. I can’t remember the last time I felt excited to work or even learn. Maybe during my freshmen year in college, but as I dove deeper into my financial degree, that spark winked out.

However, I’m most excited about the on-site training that occurs after the initial seven-week classroom course. We’ve been allocated mentors to shadow, and I just so happened to be assigned to Angel. Although, by the wink she sent my way in passing later on, that wasn’t fate at all.

Something tells me that girl gets everything she wants and then some.

Perhaps I sound naïve, but I have a feeling I could learn a lot from Angel, how it is to stand in your power and be so confident in who you are. I can tell I’m coming back to myself but a part of me feels like I’ll never be who I was before.

Maybe I shouldn’t be.

That girl allowed people to walk all over her.

Carter really did break me, but in a beautiful way, now I’ve grown from the ashes he wilted me into. And because of it, I’ve risen stronger than ever before. Best believe that I’ve vowed to myself to never let any person in my lifeevertreat me with such disrespect again.

I’m no longer accepting poor behavior. I’m only allowing things and people into my life that fill my cup, and I won’t tolerate anything less than I deserve.

Hopefully when those calls come through, I can be a beacon of light in other people’s lives. I’m going to be the light that I was never given. I’ll be the voice that believes them when no one else does.

And I’ll do everything in my power to help those who feel helpless.

Chapter 30

Matteo

MATTEO

hope your first day is going great

let me know when you’re done!

you’ve got this Dove

I believe in you

Irving plops down beside me on the couch, the popcorn he was carrying flying in all directions with the movement, some of it hitting not only me but Johnson in the face, earning a growl from the old bastard. “For fuck’s sake, Irving! Go away, sit somewhere else.”

Irving takes his grumpy mood in stride, smiling and popping a piece in his mouth. “You love me. I bring light and humor into your life.”

“More like daily fucking headaches.”

Kieran snorts out a laugh as he continues fiddling with the TV. “Admit it, Johnson, you adore him. He’s like a Chihuahua, always there incessantly barking, but if you turn your head to the side, you can see the cuteness appeal.”

Irving’s nose scrunches up. “I see myself as more of a poodle.Loved by everyone, great for even those with allergies, appeals to a broad audience.”

The guys on the team pause their conversations, everyone turning to face Irving.

“You know what, I could see that,” Mitchel adds. “Maybe more of a cavoodle though.”

“Cavoodle?”

“Yeah, you know, the little brown ones with the fluffy hair.”

Irving bounces in his seat until Johnson slaps a hand on his shoulder to stop him. “Yes, a cavoodle! They’re so cute. Definitely me in dog form.”

“Who’s in dog form?” Cap says by way of greeting as he strides into the room. He’s got a shit-eating grin on his face that he’s trying to hide, and as he takes a seat on the end of the couch, he can’t stop tapping his foot.

Looking between Kieran and Grayson, I know something’s up. They’re avoiding eye contact, but there’s no tension to suggest they got in a fight. Besides, Grayson appears far too happy for that.

I don’t want to touch that with a ten-foot pole.