Learning to Trust

by Cynthia P. O'Neill

  Cynthia P. O’Neill

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  There were only three weeks left until graduation and I was working feverishly to complete my senior project in the bio-engineering lab. Things were running smoothly until I noticed reflected movement in the mirror across from my workstation.

  The university was notorious for bringing benefactors around to view the students’ work and to hit them up for funding major projects within the department. I tried focusing on my work and tuning out the movement around me, but I felt a pair of eyes boring into me.

  My head lifted towards the mirror to see his reflection locked onto mine. I wasn’t sure if he was looking at me, since he was staring through the large glass window of our laboratory, but any attempt to move within my station found his eyes following me.

  He was breathtaking, standing roughly six feet tall with a light tan complexion and dark, sandy blonde hair falling past his ears, reminding me more of a surfer than a businessman. His sculpted face had a light splattering of bristle, showcasing a close-kept beard and mustache. His sparkling emerald green eyes held me captive, piercing me to the very essence of my soul.

  His lips lifted in a brief smile, sending a shiver to my core, something I hadn’t allowed myself to feel for some time. Before I could return his gesture, the gentleman next to him tapped lightly on his shoulder, causing him to look away and break the spell. I returned to my project and continued to feel the heat of his stare until the group moved on. I sighed, knowing I would never see him again.

  I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, trying to figure out why he’d been looking at me. I always considered myself somewhat of a Plain Jane. I used to tan, but was quite pale lately from spending all my spare time in the lab. My hair was wavy and auburn-colored, with a few natural blonde highlights, falling halfway down my back, although today it was pulled back into a loose ponytail at the back of my neck; I didn’t want it to get caught in the mechanics of my project. I rarely wore makeup, only when I had to, so I always figured I looked like the stereotypical pale science geek. That guy couldn’t have been looking at me; I figured my imagination was playing tricks on me.

  Several days passed without incident, but my nights were filled with visions of him and the intensity of those sparkling green eyes. I wondered what it would be like to have his arms wrapped around me and his forehead pressed against mine as he stared deeply into my amber eyes, before capturing my lips with an intense kiss, parting them with his tongue and devouring my mouth with his.

  “Laurel? Wake up!” my roommate, Hannah, called to me as she shook my shoulder.

  I bolted upright in my bed. “What? What’s wrong?”

  “Are you okay? You were groaning in your sleep.” She looked amused, a smile spreading across her face.

  “I was?”

  She nodded, walking back to her desk to continue studying for her finals. “I’ll take you groaning in ecstasy any day over your usual nightmares.”

  “I’ll admit it’s nice not to wake up screaming my head off in terror.”

  Hannah sat her petite, lean frame down in her chair, pulled her obsidian hair back into a ponytail and turned my direction. “So, what was all that about?” Her fair face and blue eyes lit up with curiosity before I could respond. “Did you finally meet someone?”

  I sat on the side of the bed shaking my head. “We had some benefactors come through the department a few days ago. I made eye contact with a flaming hottie and haven’t been able to get him out of my mind since. I don’t know what it is about him, but it’s the first time I’ve been interested in anyone since the attack.”

  “Maybe it’s your mind’s way of letting you know that you’re ready to move past what that bastard Chase did to you and finally open yourself up to feeling again.” Hannah slammed her book shut. “It wasn’t your fault, Laurel. What he did to you was unspeakable. Personally, I hope he rots in Hell!”

  I smiled at Hannah’s irate tone. “I can’t argue with that last part, though I don’t think Hell would accept him. He’d probably give the devil a run for his money.” We shared a brief laugh; my first in almost a year.

  “At least, now that he’s graduated, the notes and threats have stopped. You’ve had nearly six months Chase free.” I hadn’t bothered to tell her that the notes hadn’t stopped until a couple months ago.

  The images of what happened with Chase came flooding back and tears rolled silently down my cheeks. I buried my face in my pillow. “How will I ever have a normal relationship, Hannah?” I moaned.

  She ran over to my bed, wrapping her arms around me. “Shh,” she whispered, smoothing my hair. “You’ll be okay. Let’s not think about that loser. Let’s focus on graduating and getting as far away from this place as possible.”

  “You’re right. I need to let go of the past and focus on my future.” I paused for a moment, looking at the clock. “Speaking of which, I need to get out of here or I’m going to be late for class.”

  I was thankful to find Dr. Leonard’s back to the class when I got there, hooking his laptop up to the large flat screen up front. As I took my seat, I heard the words, “Miss Hart…may I remind you that class starts precisely at 10:00 a.m. Please see me after class.”

  I flushed in embarrassment, thankful the lights were off so no one could see. During the course of the discussion, mainly a review of what we had learned the past several months, I found my mind wandering, thinking only of those mysterious green eyes.

  Once class was over I waited for everyone to disperse before I made my way to Dr. Leonard’s desk. “You wanted to see me, sir? I do apologize for my tardiness and assure you it won’t happen again.”

  He was my advisor and favorite professor, always encouraging me to push the envelope on my projects. He liked to stand when talking with his students; he was short, so apparently he thought it was more intimidating to stand rather than sit. I was thankful we were the same height so I was able to look him straight in the eye.

  “While I appreciate your apology, Laurel, I asked to speak to you regarding the matter of your future.” He removed his glasses and smoothed some of the graying brown hair away from his forehead before turning his eyes to mine. “Have you had any success with finding employment after you graduate?”

  I was a little puzzled by his curiosity. “I’ve sent in some resumes and had a couple of phone interviews, but no offers yet. Why?”

  He smiled warmly, crossing his arms in a knowing way. “I don’t know if you noticed the people we brought through the other day. Some were here to donate to our programs, while a few were here scouting new talent for the companies they’re employed with.”

  My thought
s instantly went to the sexy guy with those piercing green eyes. Was he here to donate or was he a headhunter? Please tell me I’ll see him again!

  “There are two companies, in particular, who admired the work you’ve done on your senior project and as a result, want you to submit resumes. One will be here for interviews less than a week before graduation. He wants to talk with you and two other classmates for an immediate opening at their location in Florida. He was so fascinated with your work that he personally requested I talk with you.”

  I was stunned by the fact that not one but two companies were interested in me and happy to hear that the offer was as far away from Massachusetts as possible. I couldn’t wait to get away from here.

  “If you’re interested in the position, I need a copy of your resume by the end of the day. You can either send an electronic copy to my campus email or a hard copy via fax.”

  I placed my bag on the desk and started digging through my papers. “Absolutely, Dr. Leonard! I have a hard copy of my resume here with me.” I offered him the copy and shook his hand. “Oh my God! I can’t believe this! Thank you so much, sir!”

  He put his other hand atop of mine, to stop me from shaking his arm off, and squeezed it gently. “No thanks needed, Miss Hart. You have a brilliant mind and will definitely go far in this industry. I see great things in your future. You should be hearing from the Head of Human Resources for Bio-Medical Life Solutions in a couple of days to set up a date and time for the interview. The other company may take a little longer to respond, since they aren’t in any hurry to fill their internship and are taking resumes from many of the universities here in the northeast.”

  “That’s not a problem, sir. I’ll gladly wait for the right position to come along.” I glanced down at my watch.

  “I’m sorry, Miss Hart, I must be keeping you from your next class,” he apologized.

  “No worries, sir,” I said as I backed out of the room. “I think I can make it in time. Thank you again, for everything.”

  The remainder of the day flew by in a flash. I was abuzz with excitement as I entered the dorm room.

  “What’s up, Laurel?” Hannah asked. “You look happy.”

  I knew she was on her way out to her study group, so I gave her the condensed version of the conversation I had with Dr. Leonard. She squealed and gave me a quick hug, suggesting I give my family a call.

  My parents were elated over the possible job opportunity, but disliked that it was so far away; they didn’t understand my reasons for wanting to move. I hadn’t told them about Chase and what happened to me, knowing that they’d either never believe me or would blame me. I was thankful my secret was safe with Hannah and my cousin Grace. I let them believe there weren’t many opportunities for recent graduates and I had to go where the jobs were, which wasn’t far from the truth; I had an opportunity and it was in Florida.

  Mom suggested I give my cousin Grace a call and see what her plans were. She’s one of my best friends and set to graduate with a degree in Health Administration and Marketing a couple of weeks after me. After the attack, I turned to Grace, knowing that she would understand because she went through a similar situation with her boyfriend nearly raping her in high school. We’d always been close, but we’d gotten closer through high school and college—I supported her then and she supported me last year. We talk every week or so and keep each other honest about our healing.

  “I’m so happy for you, Laurel,” Mom gushed. “Know that your father and I are proud of you no matter what direction life takes you. We’ll see you in a couple weeks for graduation. I’ll call you with the time our plane is expected in.” I heard a beep come across the line. “Hold on a minute, dear, I think I’m getting another call.” I heard her flash over to the other line. “Hello?”

  “I’m still here, Mom.” I had to smile; she was still getting used to having call waiting and half the time accidentally hung up on me.

  “I have to go, honey. Your brother’s on the other line and I need to see if he’ll be done with his classes in time to come to your graduation. Call me if you have any news about the job. We wish you the best, dear, and love you.”

  “Love you both, too, Mom. Tell Donny that I miss him and hope to see him soon. Give Dad a big hug and kiss for me. Bye.”

  I took a frozen dinner out of our small dorm refrigerator and started it in the microwave. While I waited, I cracked open my books to study for finals. I knew Hannah’s study group would go until 10:00 PM, so I only had a few hours left to get as much studying done as possible.

  The phone rang just as I started to take my first bite of dinner and had gotten into a rhythm of studying for my Bio-Mechanics 2 final. “Hello?”

  “I’m looking for Miss Laurel Hart?” I didn’t recognize the male voice on the phone, but it reeked of sweet seduction.

  My mind began to gather its composure. Deep breaths, Laurel. “This is she. Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?”

  “The pleasure is entirely mine, Miss Hart.”

  The way he said my name made something stir deep inside me. Good grief, am I so hung up on Mr. Green Eyes that I’m reacting to a telemarketer?

  “My name is Garrett Andrews. I’m the Head of Human Resources for Bio-Medical Life Solutions. I apologize for the lateness of this call, but I received your resume from Dr. Leonard today and couldn’t wait to speak with you about scheduling an interview. Is now a good time to talk?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He laughed slightly. “You’re very proper; I like that. However, there’s no need for formalities here, Laurel; please, call me Garrett.”

  “Okay, Garrett,” my voice cracked.

  “The reason for my call is to ask when you’ll be through with your senior project and finals. Also, what day do you graduate?”

  His voice was soothing, but some of the questions he was asking made me wonder if these were protocol for his company. I’d never been asked such specifics over the phone; nor had a prospective employer ever called after business hours.

  “My senior project only requires a couple of modifications; it will be done later this week. My professor will be grading them on Monday; which happens to be when my finals start. Finals end on Friday and our graduation date is set for the following Thursday, May 20th.” I paused for a moment, before deciding to be bold. “May I ask why all the questions?”

  “Sorry if I’m a bit forward,” Garrett said. “I just want to ensure that our interview won’t interfere with your studies. Looking at the calendar, we could do one of two things; I can interview as early as Friday, after your exams are completed, or we could wait until the following Monday. My schedule has some flexibility, so the choice is yours, Laurel.”

  “I could make either, sir; I mean, Garrett.” I heard him chuckle at my mistake and wondered if this would count against me. “I can meet anytime on Monday, but my last final on Friday is at 4:00 PM.”

  “Sounds like you have a busy week and may want to go out and let off some steam come Friday. I know I would after all that.” He chuckled again. “Why don’t we arrange to meet at 11:00 AM on Monday? I’ll talk with Dr. Leonard and see if there’s an available classroom or office where I can conduct interviews and I’ll give you a call back with the location.”

  I wondered if his statement had been made to assess my personality and desire to be a serious employee, so I answered honestly. “If you would prefer Friday, that would be no problem. I’m not one that typically likes to party.”

  “I actually have a phone conference that I’ll need to participate in during the time you’re available on Friday, so we’ll stick with Monday at 11. Please bring a hard copy of your resume to the interview. I’ll have Dr. Leonard show me the final results of your senior project.”

  There was a brief moment of silence before he ended with, “I apologize for the time and length of our conversation. It has truly been a delight, Laurel, and I look forward to seeing you soon.”

  “Thank you for calling, Garrett
. I’m thrilled to have the chance to interview with your company.”

  “Goodnight.”

  Before I could reply with the like, he had hung up.

  My mind wondered what all that was about, since it wasn’t typical for someone to call so late and ask such forward questions regarding where I would be and when. But I didn’t have the time to overanalyze things, as my focus was on preparing for finals and making sure the final adjustments to my project were perfect.

  A couple of days and endless hours of studying had passed, my roommate was busy with her study group again, and I was all set up for a much-needed Skype session with my cousin, Grace.

  “Hey, Grace. How are you doing with finals?” I said, smiling into the camera and making a lame attempt at trying to sound upbeat.

  Concern was etched across her face. “Something’s different about you, Laurel. Are you all right?”

  It was then that I noticed. Grace had been into a strange phase where she wore her hair two-toned, darker on top and lighter on the bottom, but tonight she looked like the Grace I grew up with, all beautiful golden blonde. “I’m fine, but you’ve changed your hair!”

  “Thanks for noticing the hair,” she said, shaking it back and forth like the girls in the shampoo commercials. “I decided if I was going to be serious about marketing and healthcare, I might as well look the part. So, have you found a job yet?”

  “That’s the reason I wanted to talk with you, to see if you had any offers yet. I’ve had a couple of phone interviews and had a professor request a copy of my resume to send into a company’s HR guy. Apparently he liked my senior project, along with two other student’s projects and he’s offering us all interviews for potential placement with the company.”

  Grace squealed in delight, bouncing up and down in her seat. “I wish I had your luck. I’ve submitted at least twenty resumes and only had one phone interview. So where’s this prospective job? Someplace good, I hope, so I can come and visit you.” Her mouth turned up in a smile at the idea of a visit.

  “I think you’ll like the location, it’s in central Florida.” I had finally arrived at the reason behind our conversation. “Have you tried applying anywhere in that area? I remembered you always wanted to live in Florida and was wondering if you might want to hook up as roomies there, should I luck out and get the job?”