Chapter One
Melissa
The loud ring of the phone pulls me from my thoughts. I place the glass of wine down on my new coffee table and answer it immediately when I see it’s a number I don’t recognize.
“Hello? This is Melissa,” I answer coolly.
“Melissa,” a soft, feminine voice replies. “It’s Stephanie at Eastbridge Medical Center. How are you doing this evening?”
I sit up tall, knowing this is the call I’ve been waiting for. “I’m doing great, Melissa. How are you?”
“If I’m being honest … I’m tired. Ready to go home,” she says in a hushed tone like she’s trading a secret.
I chuckle into the phone. This is why I liked her when she interviewed me the other day. She’s very real. Honesty is refreshing after the last couple of years I’ve had.
“I can imagine. It’s late. I’m sure you’ve had a long day.”
“It’s been intense—I won’t lie. But that’s obviously not why I’m calling.”
She pauses, and the nerves in my body are on high alert as I wait for her to continue. I begin to crack my knuckles, which I do when I need to distract myself from my own emotions. This is what I’ve worked toward relentlessly for two years now.
I thought it would take me four years to get here, but I’ve put in the blood, sweat, and tears to do it quickly.
“Why I actually called is because I’ve given it some thought. The position was down to you and another very experienced oncology nurse who wanted to move from LA to New York City.”
That’s it. There’s no way I got the job. Not against an experienced oncology nurse. I begin to formulate my response in my head, thanking her for taking the time to interview me.
Then she continues, “On paper, the other candidate would get the job with her years of experience. But there’s something you have that she doesn’t.”
I hold my breath.
“You excelled as an ER nurse. You have references that praise how you stay present. You listen. You stay calm.”
My throat tightens, but I don’t interrupt.
“That matters more on this unit than perfect oncology credentials. We can teach protocols. We can’t teach steadiness.”
A moment of silence stretches between us.
“We’d love to have you join our oncology team, if you are still interested.”
Emotions flutter to the surface as the words wash over me. This is it. This is what it was all for. I almost don’t believe I heard the words correctly. Because how can this be possible?
In an effort to remain professional, I take a long, deep breath as tears threaten to spill over my eyelids.
“I am absolutely still interested. It would be an honor to work in this department. Thank you for the opportunity.”
“I am very excited to bring you on board. I know you will fit right in with our team. Trudy can’t stop singing your praises.”
I bite on my nail as a laugh escapes. “Trudy has been such a wonderful friend. She’s supported me through this entire process.”
“Trudy is one of a kind. If she speaks highly of someone, I listen.”
I place my hand over my heart as I think of how grateful I am that our paths crossed in this life. She made those nights in the hospital bearable.
“I am excited to start. Again, thank you for the opportunity.”
“Of course. I look forward to working with you.” She pauses. “We are looking to have you transition from trauma to oncology within the next week. Trauma has your replacement ready and eager. You will need to set up a time to meet with HR to get all the details worked out.”
