Destiny Gift by Juliana Haygert Page A

to talk to me.”
    We sat in silence while I ate. It wasn’t an awkward silence though.
    “Thanks,” I said after I devoured three rolls. I was feeling better and cozy. I guess it was Cheryl’s presence, her sure self and kind smile.
    “You’re welcome.” She offered me a mug of coffee I had missed earlier. “So, what is this all about?”
    Where to start? Or, a better question, would I even tell her? Here I was, in the privacy of my room, with a woman who was both a friend who wanted to help and a psychologist. I could take advantage of this opportunity and open up for the first time ever. But was I brave enough for that? I wasn’t sure.
    I decided to give it a shot, to open my mouth and let the words come out naturally.
    “I-I …” I stuttered, not ready to confess how insane I was out loud. I tried another route, not far from the truth. “I met a guy.” I swallowed hard. “I feel very, very attracted to him, but he has been sort of rude to me. He hasn’t let me get close.”
    “Hmm. All of this because of a guy?” She smiled. “Tell me about him.”
    I stood and smiled. “He’s gorgeous. Perfect. His hair is dark blond, and he is very tall. And his body …”
    Cheryl chuckled. “It’s easy to see when you are nervous or excited.” She pointed to my hair. “You start doing that thing with your hair and don’t even notice it.”
    I looked down at my hand near my shoulder, where my finger was entwined in a strand of my hair. I hid my hands behind my back, holding them together to stop my nervous habit and to steady their trembling. Still smiling, she beckoned for me to continue.
    I took a deep breath and plunged on. “Well, I just feel this pull, this incredible need to be near him. I talked to him on Tuesday.”
    She seemed surprised. “How was it?”
    My brows contracted. “He was rude actually. And that’s why I’ve been hiding in here. Maybe my reaction was a little childish.”
    “Oh, Nadine, if you feel like you should be with him, then don’t give up. Go after him. Show him you are a great girl. Show him what he’s missing.” Cheryl sounded like a motivational speaker.
    At her tone, a reluctant smile appeared on my face. “Cheryl, I’ve never heard you speak like that before.”
    “Well, I believe that when you think you found the one, you shouldn’t give up easily.”
    I had always wondered if she’d ever been in love. I started whirling my hair again, but stopped a second later. I had to stop with this habit. “And you, Cheryl? You’re talking like you know the feeling, but I’ve never seen you with a guy, and you’ve never spoken of anyone special.”
    Her silver eyes became dull. “I lost the love of my life many years ago.”
    “Oh my God! I’m so sorry.”
    “I’ve never told anyone. I don’t think I’m ready to go looking for another romance. The truth is I don’t think I’ll ever be ready.”
    I reached for her hand and squeezed it. “I think I understand.” If Victor kept rejecting me, I figured I’d become bitter and alone fast.
    “The past is past.” She perked up. “Now, we must do something about your case.”
    I chuckled at her renewed spirit. “What do you suggest?”
    “Find out where he will be, what he will do. Be there, stare at him, practice some provocative moves with Raisa. I’m sure she knows all about those. Nadine, you have to try.”
    My chest still ached from Victor-not-Victor’s rejection, but what Cheryl said was true. I had to try. I truly felt like he was the one for me—at least the one from my dreams—and until I was sure this Victor was not the one I thought he was, I wouldn’t give up.

Chapter Ten
    Somehow, Adam found out I was feeling better and, after talking to our manager, informed me I was to work double shifts on Saturday and Sunday to compensate for the days I’d missed during the week.
    As a result, when I arrived home Saturday night and was invited by Raisa to go to the club with her, I had to refuse. I felt