with credit. My parents didn't have much, and I couldn't bear the thought of pressuring them or leaving them burdened by my dreams. So, I'd told them I'd work my way through college, cover it myself

eant to be a dig or just his usual blunt honesty, but it struck a nerve. I'd spent my entire life here, in the small town where I grew up. Apart from my college years, Florence had always been home. And I loved it. It was where I felt comfortable. My roots ran deep here. I didn't need the world's wonders; I had my job, my friends, my family, and even a fair share of admirers-plenty of women eager to keep my nights interesting. What more could I ask for? Before I could answer him, Ruth, the nurse, entered the room in a flurry of movement and perfume. She handed me a folder of paperwork, and I couldn't help but shoot her a sly, flirtatious smile. "Thank you," I murmured, meeting her sparkling blue eyes. "See you after the appointment to discuss bloodwork, okay?" It was our little code, a subtle exchange only we understood. From the glimmer of excitement in her expression, I knew it was game on. By the end of the day, Ruth and I would find a quiet, private corner to continue our "discussions." She wasn't the long-term type, and neither was I, but together, we were a lot of fun. As Ruth sashayed o