“That’s right. We’d want to create an entire ecosystem around the hospital,” William said. “And part of that is having affordable homes in a community that’s inviting to young and middle-aged professionals.”
William continued, “I’m working with the mayor of Creekstone right now to make some improvements to the schools because that’s a big part of attracting families.”
My ears perked up a little. “How would you do that?”
“Similar strategies,” William said. “It’s important to have high quality teachers, so teacher pay is a big issue—but so are resources. We’re looking at proposing a local option sales tax to help fund both structural repairs and updated materials in the schools. The tax would target goods and services accessed by visitors so that locals wouldn’t feel the burden of the tax too much.”
“Of course, the hospital foundation is working on raising money for local schools as well. I just saw a message go out about making donations to help promote medical career pathways,” Aunt Rita chimed in.
“Yeah,” Vernon noted. “I sat in on a meeting with the college and high school staff about recruiting students as early as middle school.”
“Wow,” I said sitting back. “Is that really early?”
“Not at all. It’s important to get students into STEM fields early so that they get a good foundation in math and science. It helps the students see where they could end up in the medical field. It makes it all feel more possible.”
“Sounds like a lot of positive things happening in Creekstone,” I said.
“Truly, for the first time in ages, it feels like we have momentum going in the right direction,” Aunt Rita said. “Your mom would have loved to have seen this.”
I felt William’s hand on my back again, and I turned to see his comforting smile.
Aunt Rita said, “Vernon and I will put this food away. You two kids go on and enjoy your evening.”
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“Absolutely positive,” Vernon said.
“After we clean up the kitchen, I’m going to Vernon’s to watch the new show,The Pitt. Everyone says it’s as good asER,but with better medical accuracy!”
William and I left the dining room and headed into the kitchen. I stopped at the fridge and pulled out two beers for us. We headed into the front room to watch TV. I sat on the sofa in my usual spot, picked up the remote, and navigated to my list of holiday shows. William sat in his usual spot on the other end of the sofa.
I turned. My jaw dropped. I gave a scornful look at the sofa cushion sitting empty between us.
Laughter burst from William, and he said, “I’ve been wanting to do this for months.” He reached across the sofa, hooked an arm around my waist, pulled me toward him, and perfectly enveloped me between his chest and arm. I stretched my legs out so that I was comfortably propped against William.
I instinctively rested my head against him, and he leaned forward to whispered in my ear, “Last night was perfect, and Icannot wait to have you again.” I felt the warm tingle in my lower belly as his low voice passed through me. I rubbed his thigh with my hand. He continued, “But this, Kit. Holding you just like this. I’ve never felt this before. I can’t even begin to describe how good this feels.” ?
I sighed. I couldn’t have agreed more. I couldn’t believe how amazing it felt to finally be in William’s arms. I put my hands on his chest and looked up at him. He leaned forward and softly kissed me. “Happy birthday, Kit.”
Chapter 16: William
The next two weeks were like a dream. Kit and I spent every second we could together. Mundane tasks became exciting because they were spent with Kit. Everything from grocery shopping, meal prep, laundry, hell, even brushing our teeth, became something I looked forward to simply because Kit was there. My daily routine revolved around her schedule. I went with her on her morning runs. We made breakfast and went to work at the same time. Usually, I had lunch meetings for work. But every afternoon, I would stop by the library and bring her an iced coffee, just the way she liked it, ridiculously sweet, just to get to see her. Most evenings, I met Kit when she was finished with her shift, and we enjoyed a slow walk home together, soaking in the last of the daylight and warm spring air.
My favorite part of everyday was sitting on the sofa with Kit after dinner. It was the most familiar part of our day. Much like before her birthday, Kit and I would watch our shows, but now Kit leaned against me as we watched. I would drape my arm around her. While she watched TV, Kit would run her hand lightly over the back of mine, almost as if she didn’t realize she was doing it. I especially loved the way she’d sit up slightly andturn her face to me whenever she had a thought she wanted to share. Every single time I looked down at her my heart swelled, and I wanted to kiss her.
I’d dated plenty of women, and while those relationships shared some of the same rhythm as what I had with Kit, they always felt like a means to an end. I always felt comfortable telling those women to take it or leave it when I decided to draw my boundary, and when they inevitably left, I felt some relief. But this was entirely different. I had gotten myself into uncharted territory. I wanted to go further, but I didn’t know what that looked like. I didn’t want to push Kit faster than she wanted to go. And this nagging voice in my head, eerily like Meredith’s, kept reminding me this could all implode my career.
Meredith had decided to come to Creekstone to check on me before the board meeting. She called to say she’d meet me for lunch. I suggested we meet at The Pub. I knew Meredith was going to give me the third degree about the project and my relationship with Kit, but seeing her face when she walked into The Pub was well worth it. The Pub had its usual mix of a lunch crowd. The Blues Traveler song “Run-Around” played on the jukebox. Meredith slid her sunglasses down to the tip of her nose. I saw her chest rise and fall as she realized she didn’t have a choice. I watched Meredith with her thin lips pressed together as she scanned the The Pub until she saw me seated at the bar. I gave her a little wave. She rolled her eyes and marched over. Meredith hoisted herself onto the barstool next to me and placed her bag in the stool on the other side. I gave her a moment to smooth her dress out and adjust her hair.
Ray appeared, handed Meredith a menu, and walked away without saying anything.
Meredith sighed. “Is anything edible here?”
“You’d be surprised. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. You should order the steak salad,” I offered. “It’s my favorite thing on the lunch menu.”
Meredith’s lips were pushed down in a deep grimace as she looked over the menu and sarcastically muttered, “This place has a lunch and dinner menu. I guess Ididunderestimate it.”
Ray appeared, and I ordered my lunch and a beer. I turned to Meredith who said, “I’ll have the same. Thank you.”
