A shiver swept over her. The sleeveless dress was no match for the February chill, and she’d left her wrap inside—where it would stay because no way was she going back in there.
“And thank you for the public humiliation. That was a real treat. I’m sure you can manage an Uber.” He reached for the handle and yanked open the door.
She jumped from harm’s way. He was leaving her here? She tried to process his atypical behavior even while her head swam with tonight’s chain of events.
He turned just before he slipped into the car and aimed an icy stare her way. “Oh, and you’re fired.”
With that his door shut, then he started the car and pulled from the curb, leaving her alone on the sidewalk.
Chapter 2
Almost three months later
The unread email sat at the top of Jenna’s inbox like a beacon of hope. She perched on a barstool at her kitchen island, forgetting her intention to make lunch, and homed in on the subject:Office Manager Position. The line didn’t divulge the answer she sought.
She’d been waiting almost a week for this response. The owners of Renew Physical Therapy were new to town, so they didn’t know Mayor Fleming and certainly hadn’t heard about Jason’s untimely proposal back in February. Nor did they know Jenna had become persona non grata citywide. In fact, she’d hit it off with the husband-and-wife owners and had been waiting breathlessly for this very email.
Her fingers hovered over her laptop’s tracking pad.
Jenna’s BA in business qualified her for many positions, and she’d applied at a variety of local places, including the offices of a CPA, a chiropractor, a dentist, a veterinarian, you name it. But with her recent, ahem, notoriety she’d struggled to land interviews, even though most positions would’ve been a pay cut. But hey, beggars and choosers.
She’d garnered only three interviews but hadn’t been called back or hired. And she knew exactly why: good ol’ Jason. She hadn’t listed him as a reference, but as her most recent employer, they’d probablycontacted him anyway. And she highly doubted he’d had anything positive to say. He’d fired her after all. For rejecting his proposal.
She could sue him for wrongful termination, but to what end? She couldn’t work in his office anymore and she’d probably done enough damage to his heart.
She pushed away the disturbing thought and stared at the new email. She felt good about this. That terrific interview, their connection over their love for the Braves. They even shared the same alma mater.I mean, come on!Bolstered, she clicked on the email.
Dear Ms. Greene,
Thank you for interviewing for the office manager position at Renew. We appreciate your interest in joining our company, and we’re pleased that you invested time and effort in applying for one of our positions. Unfortunately, we’ve decided to move forward with another candidate for this position...
A weight sank like an anchor in her stomach. The letter went on but she couldn’t bear to read another word. She practically had these form letters memorized anyway. Unable to see those words on her screen for another second, she closed the laptop.
This company had truly been her best shot. If anything, she’d been overqualified even though she’d only held two professional jobs. She’d gotten an internship at Dolman Wellness during her senior year, which had led to her first grown-up job. When the place went belly-up three years later, she’d gotten the office manager position at Fleming.
She’d have to go back to the drawing board. Put in more applications. She was all right financially. She had Grandma’s trust fund shecould fall back on, though she’d hate to use that money on bills. She wanted to utilize it for something special. Perhaps to start her own business.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket and a quick peek at the screen made her smile. Tyson Parker beamed from an old photo she’d taken at his graduation from the fire academy. They’d grown up across the street from each other, and his large, rowdy family had become like her own. Though she’d always been closest to Tyson since he was her age. She accepted the call. “Told ya you should’ve worn your lucky hat.”
“Again, Greene, that only works on home games.”
Because yes, the Braves had lost last night to the Giants in a 9–8 heartbreaker. “It can’t hurt though, right? I mean, you could at least do your part.”
“I was on a call anyway. I missed the last inning.”
The mention of his volunteer position made worry tug at her stomach. She tried not to think about her best friend’s dangerous role. “Anything serious?”
“Just Mrs. Ledbetter and her smoke alarms—also her cat. I swear that woman will be the death of us all.”
Despite his irritation, warmth filled Jenna at the thought of her community on Chincoteague, a barrier island along the coast of Virginia. She’d been blessed to grow up in a place where neighbors looked out for one another. “And how is little Luna?”
“She’s a menace, that’s what. But she’s safe for the time being. How’s the job hunting?”
“Less successful than your rescue mission, I’m afraid. I just got a rejection from that interview I thought went so well.”
“Oh, man. I’m sorry. You’ll find something soon.”
“Hope so. It’s getting a little discouraging.”
