Page 50 of The Only Heart that Matters
Now her eyes grow wide for a completely different reason. “Shit! This is it! Answer it!”
She’s right, this is it.
The security I so desperately need for me and my son hangs in the balance of this phone call. My hand shakes as I push the button.
“Hello?”
“Mia, it’s Dr. Gibbons at High Desert Health and Wellness, happy new year!”
“Hello. Happy new year to you, too.”
“I’ll cut right to the chase. We would love to hire you as our lead nurse practitioner if you’re still interested?”
Wait. Did she say lead?
“Lead?”
“Yes, it really just means extra paperwork and scheduling. Your references raved about your charting, and we hear you’re very organized. We think it’s the right fit and it would pay a bit more. What do you say?”
“Yes!” I blurt out a little too fast. “I’m definitely still interested.”
“Wonderful! I know you need to give your current employer two weeks’ notice, but would you be able to come in this week to discuss your salary and sign your paperwork?”
“Of course, I can come in tomorrow afternoon, if that works.”
“Perfect. I’m so happy this all worked out. We look forward to working with you and getting to know your family.”
Shit.
“Me too, Dr. Gibbons.”
“Great, see you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow and thank you so much for this opportunity.”
All I can do is stare at the phone in my hand once the call ends. I can’t believe this is happening. I just got the job of my dreams and they think I’m married to Angus. My joy and excitement are overshadowed by nausea.
Because I’m a liar.
“You got it, didn’t you?”
“I did.”
She scoots out of the booth to pull me into a hug. “I knew you’d get it! I’m so proud of you!”
“Thank you.”
I collapse in the booth, sore feet be damned, and drop my head into my hands.
“Wait. What’s happening? This is your dream job. Insurance and day care, remember? Why are you upset?”
She’s right it is, but they also hired me in part because of a lie.
“It is all those things, Daisy.” I peek through my fingers to look at her. “But... they... Oh, my God. Daisy, they think I’m married to your brother.”
“Louder please. I don’t think I heard you right.”
“They think I’m married to your brother,” I whisper-shout at her.
