“Not a problem at all. Andrew has a late night of studying planned and I’m all booked out, so driving you home gave me the opportunity to get out of that stingy library.”
I buckle up and set my bag and books on the ground in front of me as I let out a long breath. “Why does this feel like the longest semester ever?”
“Probably because it’s your last before you go out into the workforce. I’m sure you’re itching to just be done with all the studying. When do you take your exam for your license?”
“The NCLEX? Two days after graduation. I wanted to get it over with.”
“I would too. Are you nervous?”
I look out the window at the freshly budding trees and shake my head. “No, I think my head has been buried in books for four years, and I feel prepared. But the next month is going to be hell when it comes to studying.”
Hopefully Tucker will understand less time will be spent with him and more with my books, but maybe if I’m lucky, he’ll want to help me study. Who am I kidding? There is no doubt in my mind that he will want to, he’s always asking if I need to be quizzed.
“There’s no question about it, you will pass.” Sadie stops at a stop light and turns to me. “I really am proud of you, Emma. You’ve always known what you want to do and you went out and accomplished it.”
“Thanks,” I reply, shyly. The praise coming from Sadie feels weird. Maybe because in the back of my mind, I keep thinking about how I feel like I’m betraying our friendship.
“So what’s the next step after you take the exam? Are you looking for jobs?”
“Yeah.” I fiddle with my shirt as I think about the jobs I’ve started applying to as a Registered Nurse Applicant. “I’ve been talking to a few different hospitals.”
“Really? So you’re not just applying around here? I heard Lourdes is a really good hospital to work for, if you can get in.”
“Yeah, I’ve been in contact.”
“Where else?”
“Syracuse, Scranton,” I swallow hard, “Boston, and Burlington.”
“Oh wow.” Sadie is silent for a second. “I didn’t know you were thinking out of state. I just assumed you would stay here. Gosh, you can’t move.” She laughs, but I know it’s a nervous one. “What are we going to do without our sweet and caring Emma? It’s not going to be the same without you.”
“It’s not like I’m moving there tomorrow. Just trying to keep my options open, you know?”
“I guess so.” She takes a deep breath and says, “Ugh, we need to spend more time together, especially if you might be moving.” When she stops, she points her finger at me, “You’ve been a busy lady lately, it’s hard to get ahold of you.” Maybe because all of my time has been spent in Tucker’s bed. I start to sweat from the thought of it. “Makes me believe you’re in a relationship. It’s how I was when I first met Andrew, blocked off the rest of the world.” I cringe and then quickly turn my face. It’s true; I’m acting just like Sadie when she first met Andrew. “Emma?” The tone of her voice makes the hair on the back of my neck stand to attention.”
“Mmm?” I reply, eyes still focused out the window.
“Are you in a relationship and you haven’t told me? And don’t say no. Your ears are bright red and so is your face.”
Crap! Damn you, ears and face, for giving me away. I really don’t want to have this conversation with Sadie right now, especially since we’re about to pull up to the house. She’ll also know that if I deny it I’ll be lying. Therefore, I go for the evasive answer.
“Uh, sort of—”
“I knew it.” She slaps the steering wheel. “I told Andrew the other day that I thought you were in a relationship, but he said I was just hoping everyone was in a relationship because I’m in one and I’m happy so I want everyone to be happy. Frankly, it was a boost to his own ego, but I knew I was right. Is it that Logan guy you spend all your time with? Did you finally fall in love?”
“No.” I shake my head. Boy, Tucker would not like that assumption. “Logan and I are seriously just friends, that’s it.” How many times am I going to have to reiterate that to people?
Although, I’m not even sure where my friendship with Logan stands right now. We haven’t really spoken since he told me his opinion on Tucker. For all I know, that friendship could be dissolved.
I really hope it’s not.
“Okay, so it’s not Logan. Is it another nursing student? What’s his name? Is he hot? Of course he’s hot. I mean, look at you. Does Smilly know him? I swear if you told Smilly and not me I’m going to knock your nipples off your boobs.”
“Smilly doesn’t know. No one really does.”
“Not even Tucker? I mean, you are roommates, so I’d assume he would see your new boyfriend.”
Oh Christ. I didn’t know palms could drip with sweat but here I am, wiping my hands on my pants, praying for her to drive faster.
“You know, since it’s so new, I really don’t want to talk about it. Superstitious and all.” I cross my fingers and hold them up to Sadie, which garners an eye-roll.
“You’re still superstitious about things? Please don’t tell me you continue to wear pink underwear on Tuesdays and Thursdays in hopes you will one day marry Chris Pine.”
I chuckle at my ridiculousness. “My Chris Pine-ing days are over unfortunately.”
“So unfortunate.” We pull into the driveway and Sadie puts the car in park and turns to me, hands in her lap. “At least promise me when you’re ready to talk about the new boy you’ll tell me all about him.”
I nod and gather my things, unable to really formulate words. “Thanks for the lift, Sadie.”
“Any time. Have fun finishing up your studying and say hi to Tucker for me.”
Yeah, that’s not going to happen. “Sure. See ya.”
I rush from her car and quickly make my way into the house. It’s quiet when I shut the door but I know I’m not alone. Tucker’s truck is parked out front and his wallet and keys are on the counter. The man is around here somewhere.
“Hello?” I call out.
There is a crash in the dining room that pulls my attention. I set my things down and rush to where I heard the sound. Tucker is standing in the dining room, his hand in his hair, his work clothes still on, and a potted plant shattered on the floor.
“Oh no, are you okay?”
He puts his hand out to stop me. “Don’t come closer, babe. I don’t want you to step on any glass.”
“What happened?”
Hand still in his hair, he looks up at me through his lashes and says on a chuckle, “You startled me.”
“I startled you?” I laugh.
“Yeah. I was trying to get this little herb garden I made into the kitchen before you came home, since you suggested the other day that we should grow our own herbs.”
Freaking melt my heart.
“Aw, Tucker, that’s so sweet.”
“Yeah, well it’s a fucking mess now. Do me a favor, babe? Go into the basement. In the back far right corner, under some blankets, there is a shop vac. Can you grab it? It will be the easiest way to clean this mess up.”
“Sure, not a problem.”