I almost tripped, stepping over the threshold into Al’s office and grabbed the doorjamb hoping he didn’t see.
The office was empty, and I didn’t see anyone in a uniform as I walked down the hall, not even the new security guard, so I was a little confused.
He closed us in and waved to a chair across from his desk. “Have a seat.”
“Everything okay?” I asked, robotically. I wasn’t really hearing anything he was saying because the buzzing sound of guilt was filling my head.
“I think so.” He took his seat and smiled. “As you know we’ve built a facility in Colorado Springs for research and development in order to raise awareness about some of our more endangered animals.”
“Ah-huh,” I muttered.
Research building. Rehab facility. Letti, get with the program.
“Yes.” I cleared my throat. “It’s almost done right? And you’re doing rehab there?”
“Yes. Six weeks.”
“Oh, wow, that went fast,” I murmured.
He grinned. “I feel like it dragged, but that’s what you get for being part of the entire process from the beginning.”
I chuckled nervously. “Right.”
I glanced to the door, getting myself mentally ready for the po-po to crash through it.
“There’s a full-time position there that I think would be perfect for you.”
“Huh?” I said, focusing back on Al.
“A position. At the research facility,” Al repeated.
“Oh, really?”
He nodded. “I know how much you love the rehabilitation process, and you’re so incredibly talented with the hurt and sick animals. They seem to know you’re helping them and you’re able to keep them calm. That’s a rare gift.”
“Wow, thank you,” I said.
That was high praise coming from someone who loved animals as much as I did.
He slid a piece of paper toward me. “So. This is the job description. The pay is a little higher, but not much. I tried for more, because I think you deserve it, but we just don’t have the budget. I’m hoping the fact you won’t have a long commute will help offset that.”
I nodded, reading through the job description, trying hard not to jump up and down and squeal like a schoolgirl.
Oh my god! The pay was five thousand more than I was making, but the commute meant I’d be at work in ten minutes instead of an hour or more. That was worth a million dollars to me.
“Why don’t you take a couple days to think about it?” he said. “Take the rest of the day and tomorrow off and let me know on Monday.”
“I really don’t need to think about it, Al,” I said, my heart starting to beat at its normal rhythm. “I’m humbled that you have that kind of faith in me, and I’d love to take the job.”
He grinned. “Perfect. I’ll get the paperwork together. Go ahead and clear out your locker, and by the time you’re done with that, I should have something for you to sign. They don’t need you to start until Wednesday, so get some rest and enjoy your family. I’m sure they’ll keep you busy over there.”
“Wow. This is really amazing.” I shook his hand. “Thank you so much.”
He smiled. “You earned it, Letti. I’ll see you in a few.”
I nodded, and left his office, heading to the staff lockers. After grabbing a box and dumping all my stuff in it, I checked in with Al, signed the paperwork for my new job, then shook his hand and headed out to my car. Setting my stuff in the trunk, I climbed into the car, and called Aero as I pulled out of the parking lot.
“Hey, baby, you good?” he asked, answering immediately.
