Construction noises carried through the forest, the sounds of progress making her almost giddy. “Come on, buddy!” She patted her leg and Graham left some fascinating scent in the leaf pile to trot alongside her through the woods. “What did you find back there, huh? Some treat from Saturday’s bonfire?”
Graham gazed adoringly up her, making her go soft inside. “I wish I could remember finding you.” Meg had told her about the day Lauren found him all matted and scrawny. And about how Jonah had gone to bat for her with their parents. Hearing that had made Lauren go all soft inside.
“You must’ve been a pitiful sight, but you’d never know it now.” His coat was soft and shiny, his nose cool and damp, and his eyes were bright with curiosity. He was devoted to her, following her around like a delighted shadow, ready and willing to do whatever she asked. Over the past couple months Lauren had fallen in love with him quickly and easily.
Her phone vibrated in her pocket and she checked the screen. Olivia.
She stopped in her tracks.Oh, God. Please, please let me get this job.
She took a steadying breath, then accepted the call. “Hello, Olivia. How are you?”
“I’m doing well, thank you. How was your weekend?”
“It was busy. We were fully occupied for the weekend. All the peepers arrived to enjoy the fall foliage.”
“Sounds lovely. We had a storm over the weekend that took most of our leaves down. Winter’s right around the bend.”
“I was thinking the same thing a few minutes ago.”Come on.This small talk was about to kill her.
“Likewise, the beginning of the year will be here before we know it. Losing Ella will be difficult. She’s really poured her all into the company.”
“I’m sure that’s true. If you’re willing to give me another chance, I’ll be just as devoted to Glitter. As you know, it’s always been my dream to work for your wonderful organization.”
“Yes, of course. I did a lot of thinking over the weekend. The other applicant I’m considering for the position has considerably more experience than you.”
Well, Lauren was fresh out of college—everyonehad more experience than she. “I see.”
“She has enthusiastic references and turning the position over to her would be very easy for me.”
Lauren waited, breath held as she sensed abutcoming.
“I like your passion, Lauren. I like your grit—you’ve worked your way through college, holding down a full-time job for a demanding boss. I sense you’ve got what it takes to be a successful event planner for Glitter.”
“Thank you.” Lauren sensed anotherbutand this was a terrible place for one.
“But your indecisiveness makes me a little hesitant. When you reached out back in August, you gave up the position—reluctantly, but you gave it up. And then suddenly weeks later you want to be considered again.”
“I assure you I’m not normally indecisive. It was the accident.” She could hardly be blamed for her memory loss!
“I understand and I even sympathize with your situation. But for whatever reason you gave up the positionbeforethe accident. You didn’t exactly give an explanation and it’s really none of my business. But you conveyed you were staying in Pinehaven indefinitely.”
Her dream job was slipping right through her fingers! “I can’t even tell you what I was thinking at the time, Olivia. But I promise I haveevery intention of finishing well at Pinehaven and returning to Boston at the end of the year. I’ve enjoyed working here—and as you said I would, I’ve learned a lot. But I want that position with your company more than ever.”
“I can’t help but wonder if that might change if you get your memory back—there is that possibility? That you’ll remember exactly why you passed on the position?”
Lauren wasn’t getting into her private life, but there was zero chance she’d find herself in love with Jonah again. Zero chance she’d give up her career for him again. “It’s been more than six weeks. I haven’t had a single memory return and I don’t expect to. Regardless, I can’t envision being so foolish as to refuse such a great career opportunity for the second time.”
A long silence had Lauren squeezing her phone so tightly she feared she’d shatter the glass. Had she lost the signal? “Olivia? Are you still there?”
“I’m here. I’m just thinking.” A heavy sigh followed. “I didn’t become CEO of this company by accident. It took hard work, determination, and reliable gut instincts. And my gut feels good about you, Lauren. I’d like to extend that offer one more time.”
Her breath rushed out. “Thank you, Olivia. You won’t be sorry.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I’ll finish well here in Pinehaven and I’ll check in regularly if you’d like.”
“That’s a good idea. Let’s keep in contact.”
