Chapter 10 - THE GIRL WHO CHOSE HERSELF
Paige began her new job at the clinic on a Monday.
The receptionist, a cheerful woman named Rosa, showed her the computer system.
The supervisor explained the schedule.
The staff treated her wrist injury seriously.
No heavy lifting.
No seven-hour stretches without breaks.
No managers shouting because a customer complained.
For the first time in years, Paige came home with energy left.
She cooked dinner.
Read a book.
Called her younger sister in Ohio.
And slept through the night.
Her wrist slowly improved with treatment.
The workers' rights complaint against the Onyx Room continued.
Arthur's conduct was under review.
Paige didn't know what the outcome would be.
But she was proud she'd spoken up.
One evening, Roman called.
"How was work?"
Paige smiled.
"Good."
"Good?"
"Really good."
He laughed softly.
"That's a new sound."
"What?"
"You sounding happy."
She went quiet.
Then said:
"I'd forgotten what it felt like."
Roman looked down at his desk.
"Paige."
"Yes?"
"Would you have dinner with me?"
She hesitated.
"As what?"
"A date."
Silence.
Then Paige laughed.
"You're serious?"
"Very."
She considered.
"Roman, I don't want to be involved in your criminal world."
"I know."
"I don't want guards following me."
"I know."
"And I don't want you paying for everything because you think I need rescuing."
Roman smiled.
"Understood."
Paige paused.
"One dinner."
He smiled.
"One dinner."
She added:
"And somewhere normal."
May you like
Roman laughed.
"I'll do my best."
