Ronnie dialled the number on the bottom of the email, double checking each digit. When it started to ring, she paced across the living space, twirling a strand of hair with her spare hand, needing something else to be at.
"Hello?"
"Hello," said Ronnie. "Is this Sadie?"
"Yes, this is she."
"Hi Sadie, it's me, Ronnie. How are you?"
"Oh Ronnie! I'm doing great. I've just finished work for a couple of days. I hope you're calling me with some good news?"
"Yeah, I guess I am." Ronnie smiled into the phone. "I'd like to take the job Sadie, if the offer is still there."
"Of course it is! I'm delighted Ronnie. When would you be able to start?"
"As soon as you need me really?"
"How about next week? Or is that a bit soon with you needing to organise accommodation? You wouldn't believe how understaffed we are at the minute...which is probably a bad thing to be telling you."
Ronnie laughed in chorus with Sadie feeling like it was necessary. "It's ok. I don't mind staying in a hotel or somewhere for a wee while to start."
"Brilliant! I can help you find a nice flat once you get here." Ronnie said that would be a great help. "In the meantime, can you send me an email to say you're taking the job and then I can send you the contract with all the details. Does that sound ok?"
"Sounds great. I'll do that as soon as I get off the phone."
"Super. Enjoy the rest of your day Ronnie and I look forward to seeing you real soon."
"Yes, you too Sadie."
The hum of the phoneline rang through Ronnie's ear like it was part of the conversation as she watched Zac's red truck gliding upon the road. Her heart tripped when he past her lane. She wondered where he was headed.
*
The chapel sat on the far side of Bell Buckle. The car park was empty. Zac pulled the keys out of the initiation, the sun colouring the graveyard with a soft golden tone as it leaned towards the mountains. He let the driver's door close easy, preserving peace in the quietness.
The path speered down the middle, the headstones humble, all equal in height. Zac followed it to the end, meeting a rickety fence. He turned left and scanned the names like he was reading the headlines in a newspaper, finding Dena Sánchez at the far side - the first in line. A bunch of flowers lay on the soil. Zac picked them up. Wrapped in pretty pink foil, their smell imitated summer. Helen was the only culprit. Placing them upright against the headstone, Zac looked over the neighbouring plots like Dena was the only one among them who didn't belong there. The sun's decline poured warmth upon him as it slid out from behind a cloud. Zac's need so desperate, he almost believed it was Dena's doing. A broken smile crawled onto his face. He was ready to leave now.
YOU ARE READING
Meant To Be
General FictionRonnie and Zac had love all figured out until life got in the way, and when their paths cross in Tennessee, survival is the only thing on their minds. Paediatrician Ronnie Gormley told her husband they would have children when they turn thirty. No...
