had been trying to ensure how I could get an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
“How long have you wanted to be a doctor?”
Neri shrugged, “For about the last two years. As soon I was old enough to really consider what my options were.” I sat back, shaking my head. This kid was fifteen? She had more focus than half the people in my college. Who ‘considered their options’ at thirteen?
“You are so driven.” Ara commented, mirroring my thoughts. Neri blushed. “No, don’t be embarrassed. Be proud that you know exactly what you want.” A small smile appeared on Neri’s lips. Secretly, I think she loved having her hard work recognized.
“What does mom think about you becoming a doctor?” I asked softly, not wanting to ruin the moment, but curious as to how much encouragement she’d received at home. The smile disappeared and was replaced with a frown.
“Not much. She never really took much of an interest in school. So long as I went, and I passed, that was all that mattered.” Her voice hinted some sadness at mom’s lack of interest in her future.
“Neri, I’ve no doubt that with all the hard work you put into school, you will be an amazing doctor in ten years. You are definitely a special girl. This Jeremy fellow is lucky to have someone hot and smart.” I teased. Neri covered her face with her hands, but I could see she was smiling at my dig.
It had been a long day for everyone, so when the kids had gone to bed just after the movie, I wasn’t at all surprised. Alone in the living room, Ara joined me, handing me a beer.
“So, how are you?” She asked.
“I’m good. Better than I thought.” I admitted. Strangely enough, I really liked having the kids here with me. I knew it would take time for them to settle in, but the first day had gone well.
“They are great kids.” Ara commented, reaching for a handful of the nuts she’d just set on the coffee table, “I can’t believe Neri is only fifteen.”
“I know.” I agreed, “It’s kind of scary, how focused she is. I hope she doesn’t forget to be a kid while she still can.”
“I think she’ll be fine. Look at us. I’m always home, pining over my boyfriend, and all you do is work and study.” I rolled my eyes, wanting to argue that wasn’t true.
Unfortunately, it was.
“You should have seen this detective, Ara.” I sighed dreamily. Ara giggled, raising her eyebrows.
“Kait has a crush? Who’d have thought?” She laughed as I rolled my eyes. She made it sound like I never had boyfriends. “Admit it, Kait. You haven’t exactly been fawning over the opposite sex lately. Or any sex, for that matter.” She giggled. “And picking up the odd guy for a one night thing doesn’t count.” She cut in before I could reply. I closed my eyes, knowing I had no come back for that.
“Shut up and let me enjoy this.” I grumbled, propping my feet up on the coffee table.
“Fine, so what does detective hottie look like?” Ara held her hands up in defeat.
“He is so great.” I sighed, closing my eyes and picturing his face in front of me, “His eyes, Ara, are just so damn sexy. He has the most wonderful smile. And his body, god don’t get me started on his body-.. What?” I stopped abruptly when I realized she was smirking at me.
“Nothing.” She shrugged, her eyes dancing with amusement. “I’ve never seen you like this over a boy, that’s all.”
“Like what?” I argued. “You asked me what he looked like.”
“Yeah, and look at you. You’ve gone all swoony and lovely dovey. You’re like a big bag of mush.”
“I did not go all lovey dovey.” I retorted, color creeping into my cheeks. Ara rolled her eyes.
“You did too. It’s cute.” I knew she was teasing, but I couldn’t help but bite.
“Like you can talk! I hear you on the phone with Luke. Talk about lovey dovey.” I grumbled. Ara giggled and nodded her agreement.
“Hey, I’m not embarrassed about it. I’ll gladly admit that Luke and I never got past that cutesy stage. As soon as you admit you have the hots for this detective.” She added.
I narrowed my eyes at her. Why couldn’t I just appreciate his attractiveness? Why did I have to be crushing on him?
“Night Ara.” I stood up and kissed her head, ignoring her giggling as I went to my room.
Chapter Five
Waking up to a five year