I checked my phone. My timer had gone off three minutes ago. I’d been so absorbed in the conversation I hadn’t even noticed.
I opened my notebook and checked the box next toTake 5 minutes alone if you need it.
Hannah was right. I belonged on my list too.
“Come on,” Alex said, unwinding himself from the swing. “Let’s go see your girl and pretend to enjoy Christmas carols for a few more hours.”
“She’s not my—”
“Connor.” He gave me a look. “Save the denial for someone who’ll believe it.”
I didn’t argue. Just followed him out of the sensory room, back into the harsh lights and antiseptic smell of the hospital corridor.
But something felt lighter now, like I’d figured out how to breathe again.
Hannah
Theproblemwithhostinga community event was that the community showed up.
Soon Donnelly’s would be packed with families, their kids vibrating with pre-Santa excitement while parents clutched coffee cups like lifelines. Which meant I needed to finish prep now—hanging the last of the garland, arranging the cookie decorating station, testing the hot chocolate machine to fend off a cocoa-related breakdown in front of forty screaming children.
My phone buzzed against the bar top.
I almost ignored it. I had icing to portion out and craft supplies to organize before the doors opened. But I glanced down.
From: Andrea Jones, Director of HR, The Sinclair Group
Subject: Interview Request - CFO Position
My mouth went dry. I picked up the phone, my hand trembling as I opened the email.
Dear Ms. Donnelly,
Your resume has been forwarded to our executive search committee for the Chief Financial Officer position at The Sinclair Group. We would like to schedule an in-person interview to discuss your qualifications and experience.
The position reports directly to the CEO and oversees all financial operations for our portfolio of companies. Qualified candidates typically have 15-20 years of progressive experience in financial leadership roles, with a proven track record in strategic planning, M&A, and team management.
Best regards,
Andrea Jones
I read it twice. Then a third time.
CFO. Chief Financial Officer. Fifteen to twenty years of experience. I had twelve, eight of those at Callihan & Murphy, working my way up from junior accountant to senior—and I couldn’t hide the way that ended on my resume.
“What are you spiraling about over here?” Teresa leaned over the bar, brushing her red sweater to remove flour from the cookie station.
“I’m not spiraling, I’m… analyzing.”
“Over-analyzing, maybe.” She leaned against the bar. “What’s on the phone?”
I bit my lip, then blurted, “An interview request. It probably won’t turn into anything.”
Teresa squealed loud enough that Uncle Mike looked up from where he was hanging twinkle lights above the window booths. "Oh my gosh, where?"
I cleared my throat. “At The Sinclair Group.”
It took her a second. “Isn’t that where Connor works?”
