I’ll be accepting.
The only reason I didn’t do it when I met with them was because these types of things truly deserve some thought and consideration, but I have already made up my mind. It’s less money than I am making at my current position, but the cost of living is less here in Cooper Town than in the city, but it’s still a generous nursing salary.
“Hey, Allison!”
We both look over to the two women who approached the table. “Charli, hi.” To me, she says, “Oaklee, this is Charli Miller and Sommer Hughes, two of Cooper Town’s lifers. Ladies, this is Oaklee Daniels. I went to nursing school with her, and fingers crossed, she’ll be working at the clinic with me now that Ruth has retired.”
“Welcome to town,” Charli states, pulling out one of the two remaining chairs and taking a seat without being invited.
“Thank you,” I respond. “It seems like a good place, so far.”
Sommer jumps into the conversation. “It is. I work at the pharmacy here in town, and I just can’t imagine living and working anywhere else. Small towns are the best.”
“I’ve only ever lived in the city, so this is a whole new experience for me. But I’m up to the challenge.”
Allison’s eyes widen. “Does that mean you’re going to accept the job?”
I can’t even fight the smile. “Possibly,” I say, vaguely. If I’m going to accept the job, the clinic should be the first to know.
I’d love to tell Lance, but he’s working at the hospital today, and the text I sent informing him the interview went well, and they offered me the job went unanswered. Not that I’m too surprised by that. I know he’s incredibly busy, but I thought perhaps he might call me during a break or something.
“I would love to be able to work with you,” Allison gushes. “And you’re going to love it here in Cooper Town.”
“So, Oaklee, what’s your story?” Charli asks, her blue eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“Not much to tell, really. I grew up in Anderson Township, a suburb of Cincinnati. I was raised by my grandparents and put myself through nursing school. I’ve worked around Cincinnati since.”
“Why Cooper Town?” Sommer asks, both seeming genuinely interested.
I clear my throat. “A guy, of course,” I reply with a chuckle.
Charli’s eyes widen. “Oh, this I gotta hear,” she states, leaning forward as if to hang on my every word.
Lifting my shoulders, I keep it simple. “I met Lance not too long after I graduated nursing school. He was in med school and doing an internship at the clinic I was working at. We hit it off and started dating.”
“So, he’s here?” Sommer asks.
“Well, he’s in North Ridge. He’s doing his residency there.”
“That would explain why my brother looked heartbroken as he walked away and keeps staring at you with sad puppy dog eyes.” Charli is grinning from ear to ear.
“Your brother?” I ask, confused.
“Cade.”
“He’s your brother?” I ask, shocked by this revelation.
“Yeah, don’t hold it against me,” she sasses with a chuckle. “No, he’s a good guy. He’s the outgoing one, which I’m sure you’ve already discovered. Collin, the other twin behind the bar, is the quiet, broody type.”
Interesting…
“Anyway, I heard he was coming over here to, most likely, hit on you, and now he’s standing at the bar looking like someone kicked his puppy.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m sure he’s fine. His ego is big enough to pad the fall.”
Charli barks out a laugh. “Oh, I like you, Oaklee. We’re gonna be friends.”
I can’t help but smile, noticing how she made a statement, as if there was no other option. Honestly? I think I’d like to be her friend too. She’s outgoing and blunt but seems friendly enough. I’ll probably ask Allison about her, but I can truly see us becoming friends.
