Coreopsis 3

     Jack sat in the dimly lit lab turning the letter over and over with trembling hands. He could tell nothing from the outside. It just looked like any other letter. But it wasn’t. It was from her. His stomach churned at the thought of what she had written. No, she couldn’t come. With nervous energy, his knee bounced. Yes, she would come. He covered his mouth to stop himself from throwing up. 

     He shouldn’t have done it. He never should have drug her into this mess. With courage, he straightened his back. She said no. Yes. Her answer was no. But. He sank back down in the chair. All those years ago, he should have told her the truth. It took every ounce of courage he had to not offer her the opportunity to go into practice with him. That decision led him here. He shook his head at the thought. That decision led him here. 

     True, he could have anything he wanted. Not true. He couldn’t have her. 

     Jack looked up to see Rao standing in the open door. Instantly, he jumped to his feet. As if she had caught him doing something naughty. 

     “Sit back down.” She seemed to float into the room in the pale light. “I’m being nosy. Indulge me please. Is your friend coming.”

     Jack opened the letter. “Yes, my queen, she is coming.”

     “Thank you Jack for asking her.” She gently laid her hand on his shoulder. 

     “She’s the smartest person I know.”

     “You put a lot of faith in her.” Rao removed her hand. 

     He smiled a sad smile, handing her the letter. Nothing was said that would betray how he felt. “Yes, my queen.” 

     “Two weeks. That’s fantastic news.” She sighed. “I will make all the arrangements.”

     “Yes, my queen.”

      He watched her leave. Slowly, he re-read the letter. Carefully putting it back inside the envelope before tucking it away in his vest pocket. “She’s coming.” He patted his chest where the letter lay. “She’s coming.”