AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Well, guys, I'm an author's note virgin, so... how are you guys doing? lol

I just wanted to say "Hiiiii...," and that I really and truly appreciate you guys reading my book. It's my first book as well, so I have been pretty easily thrilled so far. Like when I got to 25 reads, I was like, "OMFG, some people looked at my STUFF!" Sounds funny, but seriously - every inch of this has been celebrated.

Now I have over 900 reads and my fingers are crossed that I'll make 1000 and beyond. I always wanted to write, but the reads, votes, and comments really help motivate me, cause I'm a major procrastinator. For real. You have NO idea. HA

So do ya'll think Sherry will get the job caring for the elderly person?

Any votes and comments are appreciated. I love to know what you guys are thinking. xoxo

dedicated to Nialls_obsession

Thanks for reading and commenting like crazy. I appreciate it so freaking much.

*****

"Well, I was blinded by his good looks. It was like staring into the sun. Once I looked at him, I was unable to see anything else."

My comment offered in defense ended up coming out as a revelation. Dammit. He's not even present and I'm thinking about those big green eyes that still seemed full of wonder. He was the complete opposite of me. I would just ruin him.

*****

Sherry's POV

Kate let me take her car to my interview on Thursday. Using my GPS for guidance, I couldn't help but think about Harry on the way there.

Monday after Kate and I were at the coffee shop, I went home and immediately sent an email regarding the transcription job. I also called the number for the elderly caretaker position, and I had to leave a message since it went directly to voicemail.

Wednesday morning, Harry wasn't in class, and neither was Niall. Oddly, Paige appeared before class began, had the professor sign something, and then rushed out. Even if she had stayed, there was no way I would have asked her about Harry.

As Kate and I walked back to our nearby apartment, we made a mutual decision that I would send Harry a casual text. He'd missed two classes, so it would just be friendly concern, right?

I had texted a simple: Did you drop Cavanaugh's lit class? Was Moby too much to handle? lol

He didn't reply right away. Or an hour later. Or even by Thursday when I was driving to my damn interview. I don't know why this bugged me so much. I guess I just thought he seemed different. Even if nothing were to happen between us, even if he got back with Paige, I thought he was mature enough to at least send me a note saying so. After all, he was the one who had scammed my number wanting to text me. So why the fuck didn't he?

Finally, I found my interview destination. Whoa. This was a fancy place...almost like a mansion. I wonder if it had a gazebo in the back so I could dance around and sing "16 Going on 17" from The Sound of Music.

I park in a huge circular driveway lined with shrubs that had been pruned into various geometric shapes. After checking my appearance in the rear-view mirror, I exited the car, made my way to the huge double-doors, and rang the bell.

When the door opened, I was greeted by a man who was somewhat hefty. He wore glasses, had grey hair, and his beard and goatee were salt and pepper grey as well.

"Hello, I'm Sherry Parks," I introduced myself, "I'm here to meet with Mr. Twist regarding the caretaker position?"

"That would be me," he smiled and extended his hand, shaking mine firmly. "It's lovely to meet you. Please come inside." He stood back and held the door open, allowing me to enter.

I handed him a copy of my resume and certifications as we walked through the large foyer. I was surprised in a house this big he didn't have any kind of domestic hired help.

"When it's just me here, I don't keep any hired staff - I don't see it as necessary except for the weekly maid service. But since my mother will be staying here soon," he paused awkwardly, clearing his throat, "I will be hiring a full-time person to do the cooking, cleaning, and what-not."

That'll be nice, I won't have to prepare meals or anything, I thought to myself as I wondered about what my duties might encompass.

I smiled and nodded appropriately, commenting on the beauty of his home as I was escorted to a downstairs office.

"So it is your mother that needs the caretaker?" I inquire, since the ad offered no details.

"Yes. Have a seat," Mr. Twist gestured toward a chair as he walked around and took a seat at his immaculate desk. "Umm. She was involved in a bit of an accident. Took a tumble, so to speak. She has suffered a spinal injury and recovery may not be an option."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," I offer my sympathies. "How is she dealing with this emotionally?"

"Well," he sighs, "At this point, we don't know if there are any surgeries available for this specific type of injury. So she isn't going to recover on her own, however, at her age I don't think it's realistic to expect her to go through an intense operation and recover from it like a younger person would."

"I completely understand," I nod.

"Her attitude is iffy at this point. It just happened. She is going through stages of grief somewhat as to be expected. He - I mean," he stumbles over his words, "I mean, she...I'm so sorry, this has all been quite stressful," he confesses, resting his face in his hands momentarily.

"I can only imagine how difficult this has been for you," I offer. I barely know this man, yet I feel a little twinge of emotion for him. This isn't good. Caretakers need to stay professional and removed from the situation, especially when older people who could soon die are involved. Geez. Why get all friendly and then just miss them when they're gone? "I'm here to help you in any way I can," I assure Mr. Twist.

"Here's what we need," Mr. Twist spoke, composing himself, "I want to give her hope, but not too much. I do not want to destroy her spirits. I want her to think she's going to be fixed up, even if she isn't." He paused, "At least until we understand fully what we're dealing with."

"Alright. I can do that."

"She's currently in the hospital while we prepare for the transition home," he continued. "We are getting a downstairs room setup. You're a student at the university, I'm assuming?"

"Yes. I'm planning on entering the medical field at some level which remains to be decided," I smile at my own indecision. I don't want to lie to him and tell him I'm going to be a surgeon or something when I really just don't know that yet. "I have had experience with babysitting, the HOSA program I was involved with in high school, as well as helping my mother extensively with my grandfather's care after he suffered a stroke."

"That sounds perfect, Sherry. I get the feeling from you that are compassionate, as well as resilient based on things you've been through?"

Ah, an intuitive one. "You would be correct, sir," I smile warmly. I like him, and that's rare. I don't like a lot of people.

Mr. Twist returns the smile, flipping through my paperwork. "I see most of your classes are during the day?"

"They are for this semester, yes. If you let me know your desired schedule, I could work around that for next semester?"

He pauses, thinking. "I think that will be fine. Here's what we'll do. Caring for someone twenty-four hours a day is not an option for anyone. I am already working with a nurse at the hospital to check home-nurse availability. I will hire a nurse to be here during the daytime, and you will be here for the evening shift. Does that sound alright to you?"

"Certainly. Of course," I nod, hiding my excitement. It sounds like I got the job?

"Right now she has a broken arm from the fall as well, hence the need for the full-time nurse instead of just a drop-in to check on her a couple of times during the day. As healing progresses with the arm, we expect her to become somewhat more self sufficient, depending on her spirits."

"I would like to arrange a time early next week for you to come to the hospital, work with the nurse to make sure you are aware of all duties and how to perform them fully. At this time, you will also meet," he stops for a breath, "my mother."

"I look forward to it, sir," I reply as we stand.

"Please understand she may be temperamental off and on during this transition, and I apologize in advance. Also know that you're employment here and its conditions are entirely up to me, and no one else," he clarifies, "so don't be afraid to stand up to her if and when necessary."

I smile and shake his hand, "I'm sure it will be fine," I assure him as he walks me to the front door.

"One thing before you go," he said, rubbing his chin. "The only obstacle you may be presented with is my ex-wife. Unfortunately we still have some common interests, so she will probably be around on occasion. Do not let her bullshit get to you. If you have any question about anything she should tell you, please come to me with it?" He raises his eyebrows, a bit concerned.

"Of course. You have my word," I state. "Thank you so much for this opportunity."

"I'll be in touch regarding when you should come to the hospital next week and meet with the nurse," he smiles and we shake hands once more before I go.

On the drive home, I wonder briefly about the ex-wife before basking in the joy of my new employment.