A Change of Heart

Chapter 20

The next day I go to work. The package is already in my cubicle. Great. I just want to go home on time.

Work is uneventful, like it used to be before that fancy dinner. I'm not being sent to Joanna's office, nobody has tried to kill themself, it's perfectly normal (for a workplace that doesn't give their workers breaks or holidays).

This life is so much more peaceful. I'm working like any other employee. I feel a tang of regret. For ever asking her out. It's brought more problems, and confusing feelings. I vanish that selfish thought.

I'm doing this for my best friend's sister. It's not fair that she's been trapped who knows where because of my dumb choices. Speaking of which, I'll check on Joanna again on my way to deliver the package.

At 7pm, everyone leaves. I drive to the mall and walk to her house. I knock on her door. The old maid opens.

"Howard, you might be Joanna's most frequent visitor," she smiles. I've only been here 3 times.

"Is Ms. Clieves awake?" I ask.

"Yes she is. Come in," she smiles. I walk behind her to Joanna's room. She knocks on the door.

"Come in," Joanna's voice is a bit smoother. We head inside. She looks better than 2 days ago, but it's still a slow recovery.

"Hello, Howard," Joanna says. I walk over to her, sitting on the chair next to her bed.

"How are you feeling?" I ask. I know it's pretty obvious based on the state she's in, but I don't know what else to say.

"Better than before," she answers.

"I'm glad you're resting," I smile.

"If it gets me back to work faster," Joanna says.

"Well, I have a package to deliver. Get well soon," I say. I head back to my car and drive to the guy's house. He's already on his front porch.

"You're later than usual," he frowns.

"I didn't realise the time I came mattered," I answer. He walks up to me. Please don't squeeze my hand again!

"Howard, I'm a very impatient person. I'd like my packages as early as possible," he says. He puts his hand on my shoulder. His fingernails dig into my skin. I hold my breath, trying to look calm.

"I'm sorry, I'll come on time," I tell him. He lets go of my shoulder. I think he left a mark. 

I give him his package and drive home. That guy is crazy. I drive home and head to bed.

It's been a week. Joanna is back and I took a walk around the park with Anne. I haven't been called to her office in a while, which I'm glad about.

"Howard, Ms. Clieves wants to speak with you," her PA says. Spoke too soon. I walk into her office. I sit across from her.

"I want to... thank you. For getting me to rest so I can come back to work," Joanna says. It still gives me chills when she says 'thank you.'

"As long as you're better," I smile.

"I called you here because a friend of mine is having a dinner party. Since we've been going out, I'd like to invite you to come with me," Joanna explains. Even if it wasn't for the mission, I wouldn't be allowed to say no.

"Of course," I answer. The thought of going to another rich party makes me want to throw up. The fake compliments, competing to see who's life is better, starting unnecessary drama. The only good thing there is probably the food. I got lucky the last time she dragged me to one of those. Most of them didn't even care who I was.

But for a house dinner party, now I'll have to talk to them. It's going to be an even longer night.

"The party is this Sunday," Joanna tells me. God, is this a joke? I'll be spending my Sunday at a lanky dinner instead of watching my sermon recording?

"The theme is the red carpet." Looks like I'll be asking Arthur for another suit. If I keep this up, he'll probably start renting them to me.

"Is that all?" I ask.

"Yes, you are dismissed," she says. I walk out of her office. Just when things were going back to normal. I call Arthur when I get home.

"What's up?" he yawns.

"You sound tired, something wrong?" I ask.

"I didn't sleep today. Charlie was sick so I've been working all day," Arthur groans. Arthur owns the grocery store, but he works from 6pm to 6am. The other 12 hours are worked by his employee, Charlie.

"Sorry about that. I called because I need a fancy tux," I explain.

"Dude, buy some good clothes," Arthur complains.

"I think you forgot that I make $750 a month. I blew most of last month's money on that dark suit," I remind him.

"Can't you wear it again?" he suggested.

"I can't risk it. If someone from that other dinner is going, Joanna won't be happy with me wearing it again. Rich people don't repeat clothes for big events," I reply.

"That woman is a nut job," Arthur grunts.

"Tell me about it," I sigh.

"Fine, pick it up first thing in the morning," Arthur says.

"Thanks, man," I smile.

"Yeah, yeah. I got a customer. So, bye," Arthur hangs up. Right then, I get a message from Anna.

Anna: Hey, would you like to come over to my house (well, my brother's house) tomorrow? I can cook dinner. 

It'll be nice to go to a dinner I'll actually enjoy.

Me: Sure, I'd love to see what you make.

Anna: Goodnight 😊

Me: Night

I turn off my phone and go to bed.