Passed on the job?Lauren’s breath tumbled from her lungs. Her grip tightened on the phone.“What?”
“Your call back in August... You were very clear about staying in Pinehaven.”
“I was...?”No.She had not given up that job. It wasn’t possible. She had to take it all back! If only her lungs were functioning properly. “Listen, Olivia, I should explain. I don’t even remember making that call. I had an accident in September that resulted in a concussion. My entire summer is gone. There’s a four-month memory gap.”
Another long pause followed. “You don’t remember calling me?”
“I don’t remember anything that happened from May to September seventh when the accident occurred.”
“My goodness. I’m so sorry that happened to you. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine now—except for those lost memories. But the important thing is that I still want that job very much. I can’t imagine what I must’ve been thinking to give it up. Have you already found a replacement?”
“Oh dear. What a mess. I’ve been interviewing for the position, and yes, I’ve found a capable candidate. I’ve all but promised her the job.”
Lauren grimaced. No, she couldn’t lose her dream job this way. “I’m so sorry for the confusion. I have to ask—is there any chance you’d still consider me for the position?” She pressed her palm against her chest and waited, each second drawing out like a terrible nightmare.
“This is very unexpected, Lauren. To be honest I’m a little caught off guard. And I have a meeting in just a few minutes.”
“I understand. Would you at least think it over? I have every intention of returning to Boston as soon as I’ve filled my commitment here. The position at Glitter would still be the ideal situation for me.”
A sigh sounded through the phone. “All right, I’ll think about it over the weekend and call you back early next week. I can’t make any promises.”
“I understand. Thank you so much.”
Lauren disconnected the call, her thoughts whirling. She’d given up her dream job—and she might not get it back! Sydney had told her she’d been considering it, but Lauren never dreamed she’d actually turned down the job! Positions rarely became available at Glitter, and for good reason. And now she might have burnt her bridge with the CEO of the company.
She sucked in a deep breath, but her lungs wouldn’t seem to fill all the way. Her pulse raced. Heart thumped. Panic swept over her, enshrouding her with a sense of impending doom.
She was dying—or something even worse. She paced the length of the deck, trying to distract herself from the awful sensations lighting up every nerve cell in her body. Graham whined, but she couldn’t think of anything but the horrible anxiety strangling her like a malignant weed.
Breathe. Just breathe. It’ll pass.
This had happened at the hospital. Carson had helped her. She struggled to remember. Slow breaths. Counting.
She slowed her breaths and counted backward from one hundred. Ninety-nine. Ninety-eight. Ninety-seven. Ninety-six.
But still, thoughts crashed in. She was counting on that job. It was the only reason she was here. And she’d already signed a lease for an expensive studio apartment near Glitter’s headquarters. Would she be able to get out of it? She wouldn’t be able to afford it without that big salary.
“Lauren?” Meg approached from the direction of the lodge. “You okay?”
Lauren nodded but continued pacing and counting.Please, God. Please, God.
“What’s wrong?”
She finished the inhale. “Pa—panic attack.”
“Oh, honey. What can I do?”
Lauren shook her head. The shroud of panic was slowly receding. She continued counting, blocking out Meg and Graham. In two... three... four, hold two... three... four... out two... three... four.
It’s okay. It’s passing. You’regonnabe fine.
A few minutes drew out, slow and agonizing. Then finally the anxiety was gone, leaving her feeling like a fruit loop under Meg’s concerned gaze. Her face heated. “I’m fine now. It’s over.”
“Are you sure? Sit down. Let me get you something to drink.” Meg passed her and headed into the cabin.
Lauren was grateful for a minute alone. She had to shake that panic attack. While she liked Meg a lot, they hadn’t yet returned to the intimate friendship they’d apparently shared over the summer.
