A/N: Hi! I probably should have mentioned this in the first chapter, but, if you need a little background on Paul and the rest of the pack as I see them, I encourage you to read my first fanfic - Ordinary Creatures. You can follow this story fine without reading it, but I think it could give you some extra insight :)
Anyway, thanks for reading :)
Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear your comments :)
As soon as Robin slid back into her car, her fingers still jittery, she fumbled with her phone and dialed Claire's number. The call connected almost immediately.
"How'd it go?" Claire's voice crackled through the speaker.
"I got it," Robin exhaled, the words escaping in a relieved sigh. "But it's just on a trial basis for now."
Claire's triumphant cheer nearly pierced Robin's eardrum. "Yes! I knew it! You did it!"
"I did. Thanks for the pep talk," Robin chuckled.
"Well, now that's out of the way, hurry back! You have to come see the house! It's exactly like the pictures. I'm standing in the living room right now, and it's awesome."
Robin's spirits lifted at the news. "Really?"
"YES! So here's the plan: we move in tomorrow. The landlord has given us the green light—and the keys. But first, you need to see it. I've got a reservation at a motel for tonight. We'll check in, freshen up, and then hit the bar. We'll party tonight and tackle the move tomorrow!"
Robin's weariness lifted. "Sounds like a plan. I'll head over now."
"Perfect! I'm so glad we finally found a place. See you soon!"
Robin ended the call, her smile lingering as she started the engine. As she drove, she let her mind wander. It raced through images of La Push. She imagined herself working long hours in a clinic that was understaffed and underfunded. What if it didn't work out? What if she wasn't good enough? She took a deep breath, shaking off her worries. No matter what, she needed this job. And no matter how daunting it seemed, she was determined to make it work. It's going to be fine, she steeled herself. Don't worry in advance.
The road seemed to stretch on forever, a winding path through the dense forest, but it felt lighter as she pictured the house—two bathrooms, ample space, and the promise of a new chapter.
Approaching Forks, the town's charm unfolded in cozy, well-kept homes. Robin parked in front of Claire's new find, pausing to admire its welcoming facade. The house, a calming shade of light blue with crisp white trim, stood at the forest's edge, neat and inviting.
Robin stepped out and stretched her legs before heading up the walkway. Claire greeted her on the porch, her face glowing with excitement.
"Welcome home!" she called, waving energetically.
Robin laughed, a blend of relief and joy. "Hey! This place is even better than I imagined."
"Right? I think I fucking nailed this moving thing," Claire said, throwing her arms in the air. "Call me Madame Real Estate."
"Okay, Madame, calm down. Don't let it go to your head. We still haven't moved in; there's plenty of time for things to go wrong."
"Wow, always the optimist. Can't you just once admit I fucking did amazing?"
"You fucking did amazing," Robin conceded with a small bow.
"That's more like it. Well, do come in, my dear," Claire said in a terrible British accent.
Claire guided her inside, her enthusiasm bubbling over as she showed off the spacious kitchen, the cozy living room with its large windows, and the backyard, ready for summer gatherings and lazy weekends.
"Can you believe we're going to live here? Isn't it amazing?" Claire asked, her eyes alight.
"It really is," Robin agreed, throwing her arm over Claire's shoulders. They stood there for a while, admiring the space, until Claire clapped her hands together.
"Alright, now for the best part—let's get settled at the motel for tonight and then head to that bar to celebrate! We can delay the hard work until tomorrow."
Robin's smile widened. "Lead the way. Let's do it."
As they locked the door, Claire patted it fondly. "Bye, house. See you tomorrow."
Robin and Claire arrived at the motel just as the sun dipped below the horizon. The neon sign outside flickered intermittently, casting a soft, pinkish glow over the parking lot.
Inside the lobby, the decor was a mix of retro and charmingly worn-out. The walls were adorned with old photographs and local memorabilia. The clerk, a friendly older man with a bushy mustache and a welcoming smile, stood behind the counter. He greeted them with a hearty "Evening, ladies!" and handed over the room key, which jingled slightly with a tiny, attached charm.
The motel room was just as quaint, with its vintage furniture and floral-patterned bedspread. Despite the slightly worn furnishings, the room was clean and cozy. A small window overlooked the parking lot, and a retro lamp on the bedside table cast a warm, inviting glow.
As Claire rifled through her suitcase, she found a sequined top and held it up.
"We need to make a statement tonight," she declared.
Robin laughed. "Alright, Madame Real Estate, you do you. I'll just try not to look too out of place."
"A, pa, pa, pa," Claire tutted. "No can do. I said WE need to make a statement. That means you too. You're wearing the red top."
"No, I'm not."
"Don't ruin the fun! Wear it, wear it, wear it…" Claire chanted.
Robin groaned but took out the red top, giving in. "Fine, fine. But I'm not doing the lipstick."
Claire's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Oh, you are. I'll make sure of it."
The bar was just a short walk from the motel. The neon sign outside buzzed softly, casting a vibrant red and blue glow that spilled out onto the sidewalk. Inside, the warm, amber lighting created a cozy atmosphere, while the walls were decorated with vintage beer advertisements and local sports memorabilia.
As Robin and Claire stepped inside, the clinking of glasses and hum of conversation greeted them. The bar was bustling with locals enjoying their evening, and a live band played a mix of classic rock and upbeat tunes in the corner. The smell of fried food and beer mingled in the air, adding to the homey, welcoming feel of the place.
Claire led the way to the bar, her sequined top catching the light with every movement. She waved energetically at the bartender, who greeted them with a nod.
"What'll it be?" the bartender asked, wiping down the counter.
"Two gin tonics, please!" Claire said with a grin.
As they settled into their seats, Claire clinked her glass against Robin's. "Here's to new beginnings," she said, smiling broadly.
Robin raised her glass, her smile own smile widening. "To new beginnings," she agreed.
The day had been long, but the night was young, and for the first time in a while, everything felt just right.