Chapter 38
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
juniper
email notification
SUBJECT: Research Assistant Job Offer
The grin that spread across my face made my cheeks hurt as I scanned the email Kelly Daniels, the hiring manager from the research lab, had just sent me.
The starting wage was higher than I’d ever expected, and from everything I’d learned in the interview a couple weeks ago, the company seemed to have a great environment and atmosphere.
My mind wandered back to the interview.
Despite being nervous out of my mind for it, everything had gone well. I’d told them about the experience I’d gained at SGU, and when the time came for them to ask when I’d be able to relocate should I get the position, I’d told them I could as soon as I was able to secure a place to live.
I dialed Kelly’s phone number and hit the call button, turning it on speaker phone.
My fingers tapped the kitchen counter as though they had a mind of their own. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t calm myself down. I didn’t know why I was nervous. I had the job offer, I just needed to accept it.
If Mikey was here, he probably would have cracked a joke to ease my stress. He’d have known how to lighten the mood, even if it were at his own expense.
I shouldn’t have been thinking about Mikey Tucker.
The phone rang three times before Kelly answered. “Hello?”
“Hi, Kelly, this is Juniper Ray.” My voice shook a little, but I cleared my throat to compose myself and continue. “I got your email, and I would love to accept the job offer.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful to hear! We’re thrilled to have you join the team.”
My heart swelled a bit at the validation. “Thank you. I’m looking forward to working with you all. I’ve been looking at apartments, and I think I should be able to be out there within a few weeks.”
“Good to know. Keep us updated, and we’ll send over some onboarding information and documents to complete in the meantime.”
“Sounds good. Thank you again. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
“It’s my pleasure, Juniper. Take care now, and we’ll hopefully see you in a few weeks.”
The low tone rang in my ear as the call ended, and I closed my eyes, sucking my lower lip between my teeth.
This was it. My ticket out. This was what I wanted. A brand new start away from Montana and all the pain it’d caused me in the last six months.
So, why did it feel like there was a gaping hole in my stomach?
I opened my laptop next, opening the website I’d saved for an apartment complex located just outside of the city with single-bedroom units in my budget.
They still had units available, so I quickly submitted an application, taking a deep breath and letting the universe take care of the rest.
Needing some air, I drove downtown, planning to browse through businesses and clear my head.
Funny, because nearly five months ago, I was doing the same thing, albeit I was looking for a job instead of celebrating one.
I was perusing the racks at a clothing store when the bells on the front door jingled and the sound of boots clacking against the floor got my attention.
“Juniper?”
I recognized Ellison’s voice and turned around. Sure enough, she was standing there in a black polo with the Veterinary Hospital’s logo on it, denim jeans, and cowboy boots.
“Hi.”
“What are you up to?” she asked, walking over to look through the same clothing rack. “This shirt is cute, do you think?” She held up a light-blue blouse with a tie front.
“Yeah, I like that. It’ll look good with your eyes. I’m just clearing my head.”
“Ah, retail therapy or whatever Isa likes to call it?”
I laughed. “Something like that.”
“What’s going on? I won’t claim to be a therapist or anything, but I can listen.”
“Oh, it’s nothing bad, all things considered. I just…” I took a deep breath. “I got a job position at a research facility. For cancer research.”
“That’s amazing, June! Congrats! Why’s that bad?”
I shifted awkwardly on my feet. “It’s in Minnesota.”
Her face fell a little, but she recovered quickly. “Oh.”
“Yeah, I just put in a housing application. Once they approve it, I’ll be leaving. Probably soon. In the next couple weeks, most likely.”
“I’m happy for you. I’ll be sad to see you leave, but it sounds like this is something you’ve wanted, right?”
I nodded.
“I’m glad you’re sticking to it and following your dream.
” She hesitated for a moment, like she wanted to say something else, but then changed her mind.
“Well, I’ve got to go, but it was good seeing you.
Take care, June.” She waved as she went to check out.
When she left, the bells on the door once again jingling, I huffed out a long sigh.
I didn’t know why I hoped she’d say something about Mikey, but I did.
I needed to stop thinking about him. If not for my own sanity, then for the fact that I was leaving.
Natalie parked the car in one of the few spaces on Main Street.
Tonight, the entire town gathered in the community park for the Fourth of July fireworks show.
Well, the entire town minus a group of rowdy cowboys who I knew would be out of town.
That was one of the few reasons I agreed to come out to the festivities. If I’d seen Mikey, I would have caved.
A month had gone by and he hadn’t reached out to me, so I felt like it was safe to assume we were over.
Truly over.
Liv and Nico both gave me a hug when we met up with them.
“I’m so glad you came out!” Liv exclaimed.
I plastered on a fake smile, hoping I was convincing enough. “I wouldn’t have missed it.”
“Well, we’re glad you’re here, Junie. Especially since you got that job offer and are going to be leaving us soon!” Nico pretended to pout.
“I know, I know. It’ll be good, though, guys.” I couldn’t decide if I was trying to convince them or myself.
We chatted a little while longer, and before long, Liv started resting her head on Nico’s shoulder.
I guessed after our conversation, he finally gathered up the courage to say something to her.
I was happy for them, really. At least one of us out of our friend group deserved to be happy and have a relationship go right.
Behind us, a few townspeople were gossiping about the Silver Creek cowboys. I managed to tune it out for a while, but curiosity got the better of me and I started to eavesdrop.
“Colter Carson and Reid Lawson will definitely win the world this year. Have you ever seen them in person? They’re incredible.”
“Colter’s wife did a few lessons with my niece. They’re good people.”
“It’s a shame about that bull rider. Nobody knows how long he’ll be out for. He was having such a good season, too.”
My brows scrunched in confusion as I turned my head, interrupting their conversation. “What do you mean?”
“You didn’t hear? Mikey Tucker isn’t competing. He got injured a couple weeks ago.”