Heartless Hunk - Ann Omasta Page 0,45

been.”

“What is?” she asked, pausing for the first time all morning.

“You,” I tried, but she rolled her eyes. Deciding to go all in, I said, “But as far as my career goes, I’ve always wanted to be a paramedic.”

I waited with bated breath to see what her reaction would be. I’d never told anyone about my secret desire to provide people with emergency care.

She sat down on the edge of the bed, giving me her full attention, so I elaborated. “I was in a minor car crash with my parents when I was eight. No one was critically injured, but the calm, professional way the ambulance workers took care of us really stuck with me. I wanted to be just like them when I grew up––helping people when they need it most. I went so far as to take some E.M.T. courses at night for a while, but then the show happened and brought fame––err, infamy––with it, so I let that dream go.”

She took my hand and looked directly into my eyes to say, “That’s a wonderful dream. Most people run from the tragedies of others, but you want to help. You’re truly a decent, caring human being beneath your tough exterior, Oliver.”

“No one ever looks that deeply at me––especially since the show.”

She was steadily chipping through the giant block of ice that surrounded my heart, and for the first time in my life, I wanted to let someone in. I wanted to completely trust Vi with my heart, if she would have it.

Quickly slipping back into all-business mode, Vi said, “You can do anything you set your mind to. If you want to become an E.M.T. and eventually a paramedic, then you need to start taking classes right away.”

I was impressed that Vi already seemed to know the difference between the two certifications. Many people used the terms interchangeably.

Smiling over her confidence in my ability to make this dream a reality, I said, “You know, I think I will look into it.”

“Today,” she said in a no-nonsense tone.

“Yes, ma’am,” I answered before pulling her in for a kiss that made us both forget about work for a bit.

37

Violet

I was late for work. I was never late anywhere––especially not work. Normally, it would have stressed me out to no end to not be on time, but Oliver’s soothing, relaxed demeanor was evidently rubbing off on me.

Since I was already running late anyway, I decided to stop to pick up a box of donuts on my way in. No one could be mad about my tardiness, if I came in carrying sweet treats, right? As I smiled to myself in my subway seat, I decided to add that to my list of life hacks for this morning’s show… when late, bring food for instant forgiveness.

Normally, I was a serial texter, but this morning, I decided that I needed to speak with Soraya directly. There was too much for us to discuss in my short subway ride to accomplish via text.

I was pleased when she picked up on the first ring. Her silky voice answered, “I thought Oliver was going to be a weekend tryst. I didn’t think you’d bring him home, or I wouldn’t have been there to console you.”

“I thought he was just a fling, too,” I answered honestly, before adding, “But it has turned into so much more than that.”

“I’m so happy for you,” Soraya said. Her warm tone conveyed sincerity.

“Me too,” I answered, practically bouncing in my seat. “I never dreamed I would find this again, especially not with a man-whore, like Oliver.”

“It sounds like he might be changing his ways with you.” I could tell by her tone that she was cautiously optimistic. Soraya had my back, so it would probably take Oliver a while to fully convince her of his sincerity.

I appreciated her watching out for me and said as much before admitting, “I’m almost scared to be this happy. It’s like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

“You can’t live your life like that,” my friend advised. “Enjoy your time with him for what it is and make the most of it for as long as it lasts.”

I could tell by her sage words of wisdom that she didn’t fully believe that my relationship with Oliver would be a long-term success. Honestly, I couldn’t blame her. If the situation were reversed, I would be worried about Oliver breaking her heart, too. But something in my gut said that he and I were the real