Chapter 3
Stroke of Luck
Hillary Beck
“Ican’t believe it! You got the job!” Erica shouted, jumping gleefully up and down.
“Yes, I got it!” I shrieked. “I start next week!”
“This calls for a celebration! I am going to call all the girls and tell them!” Erica said, bounding off.
I flopped down on the couch and closed my eyes. Finally, things were working out for me. Having recently graduated from university, I was desperate for a job. Life had been very difficult, especially after I had finally mustered the courage to leave him. He had supported me financially for so long, that after him, I had no idea what to do with myself.
It had taken me a year to get a handle on my life, complete my degree, and find a job. Now that I had one, I hoped that things would be on the rise from now on.
“The girls will be here soon with drinks!” Erica said, running in. “I know this is a bit expensive, but such moments are rare, so we decided to splurge a little.”
She ran around, cleaning up the dingy apartment we both lived in. It was small, with sparse furniture and a single bedroom that we shared. It was shabby and in need of repairs, but I didn’t mind. At least I had a roof over my head.
An hour later, I sat on the couch with Erica, Christie, and Julie, laughing with them.
“Guess what?” Julie said. “Since this is such a special occasion, I thought we could party!”
She pulled a champagne bottle from her over-sized purse, and everyone cheered. When you lived on a small paycheck, champagne is always a luxury. The bottle was uncorked, and the drink poured into the long-stemmed glasses that Christie had brought over. The pizza was ordered, and the girls sat down to have a good time.
“So, Christie, how is it going with you and Hans?” I asked.
“We’re thinking of moving in together, actually,” Christie said. “We managed to find a small apartment downtown, and we are going to take it.”
“That’s wonderful!” Erica and I screeched, and Julie laughed.
“Actually, I also have something to tell you all,” Julie said. She smiled sheepishly and said, “Val and I are expecting.”
“Expecting?” I asked. “Expecting what?”
“A baby, you dodo!” Erica exclaimed.
Everyone burst out laughing, and I joined in. Erica was right. I was rather a dodo at times.
“Congratulations!” I cheered. “Is that why you haven’t been drinking with us?”
“Yes! I didn’t know how to tell you!” Julie said.
“And Erica and Joey are going steady!” I said. “I’m glad that we are all doing so well, girls.”
“Well…” Christie began. “Have you thought about seeing anyone, Hillary?”
“Yeah, Erica said that she knows a guy who would be great for you,” Julie said.
I groaned. So that’s what this was all about. Erica must have told them, and now they would all be on my case.
“We’re just worried about you,” Christie said. “You have to get over this fear and open your heart again.”
“We want you to be happy,” Julie added.
“Iamhappy!” I snapped. I finished my drink and poured another.
“And we’re very happy that you are, but this isn’t healthy. You’ve built barriers in your heart, and you’re keeping yourself away from love,” Christie said softly.
