“I have over seven qualified applicants interested in this position, and the reality is that most of them are more seasoned than you. All of them are dual certified like yourself but have years more experience. The only thing they’re missing is the connection that got you this interview.”
I gulp nervously.
I knew this was bound to come up, but I didn’t think she’d be so direct about it. This Miranda woman is exactly like Rush described.
Tough.
Eleven
MIA
“You know Rush Bacchetti,”she says in an almost accusatory way.
“Yes, I do.”
“He seems to think that you’re extremely capable of doing this job. In fact, he thinks we’d be making a terrible mistake if we took you out of the running just because of your age and work experience.”
“That was very kind of him to say, and I humbly must agree with him. I love the sport just as much as anyone, I’d be easy to train because I’m not used to another team’s system, and at the end of the day I’m a damn good clinician.”
Yikes, maybe I shouldn’t have said the word damn. Sometimes I get too passionate about things for my own good. I try taking the foot out of my own mouth.
“What I’m trying to say is that there’s a fresh and progressive prospective I think I’ll bring to the job and if you really want the truth, I make friends easily which is the key to successful treatment. When players feel as if they have a connection with their therapist, they are more apt to follow the treatment plan designed for them.”
“Mmm, okay.”
She types again, then asks her next question quite seriously.
“May I ask if the two of you are romantically involved?”
“You mean with Rush?” I practically scoff.
“Yes. I’m not trying to pry into your personal affairs, but decision makers will want to know if you’re in some sort of romantic relationship with one of the players.”
Decision makers like herself, I bet.
Miranda definitely still has the hots for Rush.
“We currently are not nor ever have been in that type of relationship,” I assure her. “He’s basically like the brother I never had.”
“Then I think that’s all I need, Mia. I want to say that it’s been a pleasure talking to you today and good luck to you. It would be lovely to see another woman on staff.”
“I was wondering where do we go from here?”
“I have to discuss our conversation and my notes with my superiors, but I’ll be the one who lets you know what the next steps are.”
“Sounds good. Thank you for the opportunity and have a great day.”
“You as well.”
***
The next day, after a rousing forty-two minutes of singing the entire Michael JacksonThrilleralbum in the shower, I slather some vanilla scented, deep conditioner on my hair, put it up in a bun, and check emails.
Even though I think I had what was a pretty good initial interview with Miranda for the job, I still have several other irons in the fire with local practices and hope to hear about an interview with one of them soon. These bills aren’t going to pay themselves and time is ticking.
My cell phone rings, and my chest tightens with anxiety. It’s my mother, and I know exactly why she’s calling.
“Hi, Mandy.”
