Standing Strong Read Online Free

queasy.
    She had run out of tears and sadness in the shower that morning. After all, it was only her job she was giving up – she still had Damien. She had briefly felt sad at losing the little cottage that came with her job. She hoped Ethel might put her up for a few days while she found another rental, and she hoped her parents might tide her over financially, if it came to that. She would hate not being independent, but she couldn’t leave Wattle Creek now. Maybe she could get some bar work in the pub.
    Having forced herself to stop with the what-ifs and the self-pity, she now just felt mostly numb, lost, and bewildered that everything could go so spectacularly wrong so quickly, that it was of her own doing, and all because she’d blocked something very important out of her mind.
    But she’d written her resignation letter to Doctor Squire and printed it out. It was sitting in her in-tray – where she kept looking at it – in case any changes came to mind. Doctor Squire had got caught up at the hospital. She didn’t want to give it to Louise and Cecile and risk them opening it, nor did she want to slide it under his door where they might find it first. Anyway, all those options were gutless. She needed to look him in the eye and ’fess up to her crime like the adult she was. She’d considered begging him to keep her on as an unregistered counsellor, but had decided she’d leave him to make that suggestion if he wanted to. She was the one who had done the wrong thing – she had no right to ask for any concessions. If he wanted to offer them, then that was up to him. Though, knowing what little she did of Doctor Squire, she figured he’d be keen to wipe his hands of her as quickly as possible. Jacqueline was startled from her thoughts by a knock on the door. She hoped it wasn’t Louise or Cecile wanting her to head out for lunch. They both knew she was there, so there was no hiding, and no being rude. She plastered a smile on her face to help her voice sound cheery and called, ‘Come in.’
    The door opened and there stood Damien. Dear, sweet Damien with his brooding eyes and floppy dark hair, wearing what she knew was a joey in a pouch on his chest. Beside him was Squish. She couldn’t help but beam at the scene, it was so cute. And yet also a painful reminder.
    â€˜We’ve come to have lunch with you. If you don’t already have plans?’ Damien said, carefully leaning across her desk to kiss her.
    â€˜No, no plans.’
    â€˜Excellent,’ he said, placing two white bakery bags on her desk. He pulled the two chairs in front of her desk closer. Squish leapt onto one and sat there looking very pleased with himself. Damien went to sit down, but appeared to change his mind. ‘Actually, do you mind if I hang this little one over the chair? I think she’ll fit.’
    â€˜Go right ahead.’
    Jacqueline looked on with amusement as he set about organising the bundle. Finally he settled in his chair.
    â€˜Right, egg, lettuce and mayo or ham and salad. Your choice.’
    â€˜Egg. Thanks very much.’ Ham and salad was Damien’s preference, she knew that – he was just being polite.
    The joey’s head popped out of the pouch like a periscope and she looked around, taking in her new surroundings.
    â€˜Uh-oh, looks like someone’s awake. Damn, I was hoping I’d have another hour or so.’
    â€˜What’s the problem?’
    â€˜She’s going to want to hop out and stretch her legs.’
    â€˜I don’t mind.’ It’s not my office, and I won’t be here for much longer, anyway.
    â€˜Well, there’s nothing we can do about it. If she wants to get out, she’ll get out,’ Damien said with a laugh.
    Seconds later the joey had climbed out of the pouch, found her feet, and begun making her way around Jacqueline’s office to check it out.
    They tucked into their sandwiches –