17. Sara

Chapter seventeen

Sara

Robert's words are encouraging.

I don't know if he truly feels the same way, but it's nice to hear him say it. I smile, feeling his walls continue to come down.

"I appreciate it, really."

"Of course."

"No really," I insist, looking up at him. "It hasn't been easy. I haven't had much support. My parents always thought that my obsession with animals was dumb. Even to this day, when I tell them that I want to help animals instead of having kids, they insist I'll change my mind."

Robert rolls his eyes. "Of course they do. Almost every parent holds out hope for grandkids."

"Yeah, and I've told them time and time again that I want to help these animals. It hasn't worked out well for dating either," I admit.

I cringe remembering Quinn, my ex-boyfriend. Robert looks at me, curious about what I'm thinking about. I sigh, shaking my head.

"There was this guy I dated during my first year of college named Quinn. He was a factory worker, but we got along well. When I told him that I wanted to run an animal sanctuary, he seemed on board."

"Let me guess, he wasn't?"

I shake my head. "Nope. He complained about how much time I was spending with animals rather than with him. He thought that I should be at his beck and call every day."

"That's excessive."

"You're telling me," I retort, grimacing as I remember the way he acted. "The guy would always get so mad when I said that I loved animals and he always thought it was stupid how I'd think animals are better than people."

"In a way, they are, though."

"I'm glad you think so," I chuckle, looking at him. "You're the first person to actually get it."

"They are, though. Animals aren't interested in betraying you. There's no hidden meaning in everything, and I'm not going to lie; if I could spend my days just riding Orchid instead of going to the office, I would."

"That would be the dream," I lament. "It would be amazing just to run a place like this."

"That's fair. I mean, it's obvious that you don't do it for the money, Sara."

I shake my head. "I'd be in a much richer field if I had other, more lucrative, goals," I joke.

He laughs, nodding. "Yeah, I know how it can be. But you've got to do what you've got to do, right?"

"That's for sure."

The night sky sits before us. Since the only light is from inside, the stars shine brightly. I look up at them, spotting the Big Dipper among the many dots.

"It is nice to finally say this to someone and not be laughed at. Katie supports me, but I don't think she really gets it."

"What's there not to get?" Robert asks.

"A lot of things. Like how I spend my days with animals over people and how I count the hours in my shift till I get to see the animals here."

He shrugs. "That's easy. You don't want to be a barista forever. You've got goals."

"Yeah, but people don't understand the dreams of others plenty of times," I reply, looking down. I remember the teasing and torment from others simply because I was different. "When I was younger, I told a teacher about my dreams, and they thought it was silly to think this way. Eventually, my parents let me do this because they knew I wouldn't and couldn't stop the thoughts.

Sometimes, though, I wish people would understand better. It's not like I'm doing anything wrong—"

"You're not. You're just doing what makes you happy," he retorts.

I nod. "Yeah, but I've had issues trusting anyone with this part of myself. It's been kept away for a reason."

I've cocooned these dreams for as long as I can remember, pretending that they don't exist. Robert's hand tightens, and I'm reminded that he's here. I look up, seeing his blue eyes fixed on mine.

And he gently tells me: "Then don't hold back, Sara. I'm not going to mock you for something that brings you happiness. Dreams are treasures and something personal. Besides, I'll be here. I'm glad you told me about this instead of hiding it. I want you to be a hundred percent open because I like hearing about you and how you really feel."

"You do?"

He nods. "Yes. You clearly love what you're doing, and there's a beauty that comes with it. I want you to hold that passion dearly. And no matter what, remember you're not alone. I'll be here, by your side, in order to help you follow your dreams. And Sara, I mean for the long haul if you want."

His words resonate deep within. I like hearing them. It's different, especially with the shallow way things have been with others in the past.

"I'm glad I can say this," I admit. "It's like a weight's been lifted off my chest. Maybe as time comes on, I'll be able to tell others." Oh, it's almost nine, I realize and stand up, placing the lemonade glass on the table. I turn to Robert, grinning. "Thanks, Robert. For everything. I love being able to talk with you so honestly about how I feel."

‘It's not a problem. I'm glad too."

Before I say anything else, he reaches for me, holding me tightly against him. My arms wrap around, and I rest my head against his warm, taut chest. It feels so right. He tilts my chin up, our lips are inches away.

I want to close the gap, to kiss him. Robert has managed to make me feel better about everything like he really cares. He presses his lips to my forehead and smiles.

"If you need anything, just know I'm here for you."

"I know I can count on you, Robert." But inside I realize that the one thing I want right now is a deep and passionate kiss, and not on my forehead. He's more reserved, but when he touches me, I feel my desire for him growing. I kick myself for not at least trying to kiss him. But I don't know if he wants to go that route yet.

We stay in this warm embrace as the lights dim and nighttime falls over the sanctuary.

And right now, this is exactly where I want to be: In his arms and by his side. Even if his kiss didn't reach my lips, my heart is thumping wildly, and I realize that my dream is changing. Robert is right in the middle of it.

I hope that's a dream to come true.