*****
It was toward the end of Haven’s shift when Ms. McKenna finally brought up the elephant in the room. “Since you won’t bring it up, I will. What happened with Dylan last night?”
“Why do you think something happened with Dylan?”
“We’re kindred spirits. I’ve always know when something was going on between the two of you. It’s just sometimes, I mind my own business unless you wanted to talk about it. This time, something tells me that’s not the right thing to do. What happened?”
Haven shrugged even though her tears were close to the surface. She’d already shed way too many of them over Dylan and fought like hell not to let them spill over. “We broke up.”
That was the best news Bertha had heard all year but decided to keep that to herself. Dylan didn’t deserve Haven. She had sympathy for her pain but had to downplay her true feelings. “I’m so sorry. I know you loved him very much.”
“I really wanted our relationship to work.”
“I know you did.”
“I’m struggling with knowing it’s the right thing to do and feeling like an idiot because if he asked me to get back together, I would seriously consider it.”
“Why do you think you’d consider it?”
“Other than I’m weak?” Haven forced a shaky smile on her face. “I don’t know . . . maybe because I moved to Colorado from Chicago to make a life with him, and I haven’t thought past that. I would never have come if I didn’t think he wasn’t it for me. Yet, in a span of a few hours, my entire world has collapsed. I never saw a future without him.”
Bertha covered Haven’s hand with hers. “You might think you’re weak, but you’re strong. Keep putting yourself first. Take care of you, and you’ll get through this.” She patted her hand. “Please know that if you ever need anything, I’m here for you.”
“Thank you, Ms. McKenna.” Haven blew out a breath, no longer able to hide her emotional turmoil. “I should get going. I’ve got a few things to do before class tonight. Thanks again for always being a sounding board.”
Chapter 8
The past couple of weeks had been difficult, but Haven, somehow, had managed to get through them. And did what millions of other people did, she found a second job to make ends meet.
Burning the candle at both ends didn’t leave much time for rest, and it was taking its toll. She’d been with Ms. McKenna for several hours and couldn’t stop yawning.
“I’m so sorry. I can’t seem to stop.”
“That’s because you’re doing entirely too much. How are your classes coming along now that you’ve taken on the second job?”
“It’s a struggle, but I’m managing.”
“Hmm . . .” Concern was etched all over her face. “I’m always exhausted after my checkups, so when Dr. Lawrence leaves, I’m going to take a nap. Since I won’t be available to entertain you, I had Angela freshen up the spare room a couple doors down from me. You should consider taking a nap this afternoon too.”
“Ms. McKenna, after I take my hour break, I think I’ll do something else around the house while you’re sleeping. I won’t allow you to pay me for taking a nap.”
“Pish-posh, girl!” Bertha waved her hand back and forth. “I’m not asking you. I’m telling you to get some rest. You won’t do me any good if you get sick.”
“You’re too good to me. You know that?”
Bertha giggled, and a devilish glint lit her eyes. “Nope. I'm a little selfish. You need your rest, so you don’t get sick. Don’t forget I’m seventy-six years old. If you catch a cold, I’ll probably get pneumonia and die.”
“Ms. McKenna! I can’t believe you’re using your age against me!”
Her nurse seemed to appear at just the right moment. “It’s time to take you up, ma’am.”
“Thanks, Vanessa.” Bertha turned back to Haven. “If you won’t do it for yourself, then do it for me. Just so you know, I’d rather take a nap than being poked and prodded by the damn doctor.” She raised her hands to let Vanessa know she was ready. “Okay . . . wheel me up.”
There was a little bit of guilt roiling within Haven as she watched Ms. McKenna go upstairs because if she were honest, Haven was glad for the break.
She just needed a few minutes to relax and recharge to get through the rest of the day, but unfortunately, she didn’t have that luxury. While she would love to take a quick power nap, Haven had an exam tonight. So, she sat down on the sofa and opened her book to read over the chapters it was going to cover.
Twenty minutes later, Ellis walked into the library and found that Haven’s head had fallen backward, resting on the sofa while a book sat open on her lap. She was asleep. Before he woke her, he took an unguarded moment to admire Haven’s features. She was wearing more makeup than usual to hide the puffiness of her face. Even though the strain of her situation was evident, it still couldn’t hide how beautiful she was.
Her smile could light up any room. He’d seen it. So could those big, round chocolate eyes that always made his heart race just a little when she focused them on him. Haven was the very definition of eyes being the window to the soul. She always seemed to look right through him. It was a bit unnerving. But right now, they were closed from exhaustion.
Ellis didn’t want to wake her because he knew she was getting some much-needed rest but didn’t have a choice.
