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“Are you still working at Cherry’s?”
“You know I am.”
Marsha’s never judged me for the work I do to make money, but she’s also never been a fan of the hours. I appreciate her concern, but it isn’t necessary. It’s not my job that’s keeping me awake at night.
Viking has invaded my mind and my dreams. Over and over again he’s made himself right at home in my brain, and in my fantasies. It’s infuriating, and the most action I’ve seen in a while.
Marsha sighs. “Just make sure you’re taking some time for yourself. I hate to see you like this.”
“You sound like my mom.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
I chuckle. “As you should.”
“Are you ready for your exam tomorrow?”
Not so much.
“Of course,” I tell her. “When have you ever known me to not be prepared for a test?”
“Never. But I’ve also never seen you as worn out as you are.”
I dismiss her concern with a flick of the wrist. “I’ll be fine.”
“If you say so.”
“Hey, have you heard any more about that position at the museum in Ireland?”
Marsha shakes her head. “Not a word. I know they’ll be taking several things into consideration when making their decision. Any applicant must supply their transcripts, their final thesis paper, as well as an essay on why they feel they’re the best candidate for the position. Pretty standard, really.”
I’m not planning on applying, but if Viking remains in town or in my head for any length of time, I might have to just to escape. He’s way out of my league, and despite not wanting to, I can’t shake Sarah’s warning.
He and his friends seemed nice enough, like I said, but that doesn’t mean they are.
“I hope your interest means you’re considering applying,” Marsha comments, pulling me from my thoughts. “It’d be a shame for them to miss out on someone like you. You’d bring so much value to the position.”
“Thanks. And honestly, I want to, but you know why I can’t.”
“I know. But let me ask you something.”
“What?”
“Do you think your dad would want you to put your life on hold for him?”
I can’t stop the snort that escapes past my lips. “If it meant giving up childhood fantasies, as he puts it, he might just be okay with it.”
“Aw, I doubt that. He loves you and wants you to be happy. I know he does.”
Smiling, I nod. “I know. And I’m not putting my life on hold. I’m simply adjusting my original plans.”
“Uh-huh.”
I rise from the chair and sling my bag over my shoulder. “On that note, I better be going. I want to get some studying in at the library before I head back home.”
I don’t have to work today, so hopefully I can put Viking out of my thoughts long enough to prep for my exam. Otherwise, I’ll jeopardize my GPA, and now isn’t the time to fuck up.
11
