Then Came Alexandra (Southern Love #1) by E. L. Todd Read Free Book Online Page B

story? Did you have a bad breakup?”
    He sighed. “In fact, yes I did. She ripped my heart out.”
    Alexandra saw the pain around his eyes. The lines around his mouth were tight, like he was grimacing. “I’m sorry.”
    “It’s okay. It’s been a while now.” He cleared his throat. “She was my high school girlfriend, and my first. I thought she was the one. The only reason why I went to college was so I could marry her and support her. She had other plans…”
    “That doesn’t sound good,” she whispered.
    “She was more interested in other men. Let’s put it that way.”
    Automatically, Alexandra placed her hand on top of his. “I’m sorry, Gabe. But she’s stupid. You’re obviously a great guy.”
    He smiled at her. “That’s what I’ve been saying.” He pulled his hand away. “So, what do you do for fun?”
    She shrugged. “I read a lot.”
    “Sounds fascinating,” he said with a laugh.
    “I know I’m lame.”
    “I didn’t say that,” he said quickly. “But do you have any hobbies?”
    “Not really,” she said. “Like I said, I’m pretty boring.”
    “You should try running. It will help clear your head. And the pastures are beautiful. It would be a lovely sight.”
    “Well, I wake up at five every day to help in the fields. I couldn’t imagine running too.”
    “You help your aunt?” he asked in surprise.
    “She threw out her back so she’s struggling.”
    “Oh,” Gabe said. “I’m sorry about that. Let me know if you need anything.”
    “Thanks,” she said with a smile. She opened her laptop and checked her email. When she saw a message from the hospital, she clicked on it immediately. When she read through the lines, she realized she had been selected for the position. “Gabe, can I borrow your phone?”
    He raised an eyebrow. “You don’t have one?”
    “Uh, it’s a long story.” Actually, it wasn’t that complicated, but she didn’t want to discuss it.
    He took it out of his pocket. “Knock yourself out.”
    She dialed the number. On the third ring, a woman answered. “Dina from ER.”
    “I’m calling back about a position I was selected for. I’m Alexandra Wade.”
    “Oh yes,” she said. “I was surprised to see that you were applying for the position with your credentials.”
    Alexandra was mute, letting the silence drag on. “I’m just looking for something less stressful.”
    “Well, we shall see you on Wednesdays, then.”
    “What?” Alexandra blurted.
    “Your shift is on Wednesday.”
    Alexandra was confused. “I assumed it was a full time position.”
    “Actually, it’s per-diem. You work four times a month.” She paused for a moment. “Did you still want it, Ms. Wade?”
    Alexandra needed a full time job so she could get her own place, but a part time job was better than no job at the moment. “Of course.”
    “Do you have scrubs?”
    “Yes.”
    “I’ll see you then, Ms. Wade.”
    “Thank you.” Alexandra hung up then handed over the phone.
    Gabe stared at her. “Did you just get a job?”
    She sighed. “It’s part time. I thought it was full time.”
    “Are you working as a nurse? What else would you need scrubs for?”
    “Uh, no. It’s for a tech position.”
    Gabe nodded but he still looked confused. “Okay…”
    “I need to find a full time job so I can move out of my aunt’s place. I feel like I’m eating all her food.”
    He smiled. “I’m sure she likes having you.”
    “I still dropped in with no announcement. I feel totally guilty.”
    “We all fall down and need someone to help us back on our feet. There’s no reason to be ashamed.”
    She smiled. “Thanks.”
    He looked at the time. “I should get to class. We are going to Rob’s Bar and Grill later if you want to come.”
    “Well, Lana is my ride so I don’t have much of a choice.”
    Gabe laughed. “I’ll see you then, Alex."
     

9
    Alexandra ran into Hannah when her last class was over. “Hey.” She tucked her hair behind her ear then