Learning to Live

Chapter 7

Shana drives me crazy and that was a fact. My world is better when she's around. Lately, the air felt lighter and smelt like flowers. Being trapped in an elevator with her was the best night of my life. With months of constant bad news and let downs from this cancer, Shana was the one positive thing in my life.

On chemo, some days just felt like endless emptiness but today was different. Minus the throbbing headaches and nausea. Today was definitely different...I was in a better mood.

I went into my building with a little smile on my face. My employees all look at me like they've never seen me smile before. Lian greets me at her desk. "Good morning Mr. Somers."

Usually, I'd shrugged or grunted at her good mornings but today I greet her with a smile. "Good morning Lian. How was your day off?"

Her mouth drops open and her words get stuck in her throat. "Oh. Um...uh it was great Mr. Somers thank you." She said, nervously grinning as I entered my office.

After I close the door, I texted Jon.

"Hey Jon, coffee at Joe's later?"

He replies shortly after.

"Yeah, sounds good."

I have to tell Jon about Shana and how amazing she is. He'll be happy to hear that I have someone in my life to take my mind off 'things.' My morning started great and nothing was going to change that.

kNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK...KNOCK.

"Yes, Lian."

She opens the door and peeks inside. "Mr. Somers there is a Ms. Shana Dante here to see you."

Speaking of Great Mornings.

"Send her in."

Shana walks in, I was so happy to see her again. I tried to control my over-excitement, so she won't think that I was a weirdo or a creep. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail, revealing a cute little heart-shaped birthmark on her temple. She's wearing a grey blouse with ripped jeans. "Hi, Ian." She brightly said, greeting me with her usual smiley mannerism.

"Hi. Anything I can help you with?"

She clasps her hands. "My shift doesn't start until two." She steps closer, rubbing her thumb against the other. "So, I came by to talk about what happened last night."

Oh my god. Was it the kiss? Was it that bad for her?

"What about last night?" I asked, walking closer to her.

"I've called that tire repair service for my car and they said that it wasn't registered there."

I tilt my head and narrow my eyes. "Oh your car, I forgot to tell you that I didn't call them. I told my mechanic to handle it instead. I'll call him, he'll bring it to you. Sorry about that."

She let out a breath of air. "Whew! Thank you. I thought someone stole it." She laughs, reaching for her purse, "how much do I owe you?"

"No. It's nothing." I sit on the edge of my desk and held on to it so hard, it probably left its print in the palm of my hands. "Listen, uh..." I rubbed the back my neck, "instead of coffee later...how about dinner?"

"Dinner? That'll be great. After work? I get off at seven. So you can probably pick me up at eight."

"Perfect, it's a date." The way she fiddles with the hem of her top, made me think about what's underneath and how much I wanted her. I squeeze the edge of my wooden desk again, even harder, trying to control myself.