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Chapter 23
Jasmine
In my car, I take several deep breaths in an attempt to center myself prior to my interview at the nursery.I’ve already chatted with the owner, so nerves aren’t warranted, but tell that to my clammy palms.
I know about plants.I love teaching kids.This job is a perfect fit.
Just as I reach for the door handle, my phone buzzes.
Tyler:You’ve got this.
He follows his text with a kissing emoji.
Then I sit in the car an extra minute to clear away my tears.
Me:Thank you.Just walking in.But I’m soooo nervous.
Tyler:No reason to be.You are perfectly qualified.
I send a heart, then hurry in before my nerves take over.I am qualified.It’s nice to have someone else remind me when old ways of thinking pop up.
Sarah, the owner, is standing near the register.“Jasmine, you’re right on time.Come on back.Sorry we had to bump our appointment.”
I was disappointed when she’d called to reschedule, and with Daisy’s wedding a few days away, I’ve been extra busy.But that busyness helped me not focus on the wait.
“That’s fine.I hope everything turned out okay with your unexpected trip.”I try to find the balance between being friendly and sounding like I’m prying.
“Yes.It all worked out.My daughter’s car was stolen, and I had to go up and help her sort that.They found it, and the damage wasn’t too bad, but it was a hassle.”
“Oh, no.That’s terrible.”
“That’s the big city, I guess.”She laughs and drops into her desk chair.“My thoughts have been buzzing since we talked.And I think the summer classes will be a big hit with parents in the area.I want to keep the price low to encourage attendance, but it should be enough to cover the basic supplies.But your main job would be handling our landscaping customers.The plantscapes, as I like to call it.”She leans forward.“There was a gentleman who bought a ranch not far from here, and we did all the landscaping along the front of his house and around his pool.I have a pool guy I work with as well.Anyway, the ranch owner ended up marrying his interior designer.And the house was featured in a magazine layout.The focus was on the interior, but there were a few shots of the pool area.After that, business skyrocketed, and I’ve been looking for just the right person.When can you start?”
I blink, shocked that I’ve been offered the job without having to pitch myself, but then before it gets awkward, I remember to smile.“Well—”
She slaps her forehead.“Cart in front of the horse, I guess.You probably want to know about pay and benefits.”
“Sure.”Topping what I make at the preschool won’t be hard, especially since I’m down to two days a week.And benefits are an added perk.
She rattles off the particulars, and when she’s done, I’m more excited than when I walked in.
“That salary and the benefits are fine.Great, actually.As far as when I can start, I’d like to give my current job two weeks’ notice, but I can work part-time next week, learning your process, getting to know the other staff members.”
“Great.Let me know what days you’re available.And the next time you come in, I’ll have all the new employee paperwork ready.”She stands and extends her hand.“I’m excited.You’ll be perfect.Exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
I shake her hand, then float out of the office, eager to share the news with Tyler.Even though I’ll see him at yoga in a bit, as soon as I get to my car, I shoot off a message to him.
Me:Finished the interview.
It almost feels wrong calling it an interview.My being offered the job wasn’t in question.Just whether I wanted to accept.
After waiting a minute without a response, I leave the parking lot and head back toward my house.I need to change before yoga anyway.Ignoring my phone when it buzzes isn’t easy, but safety first.I’ll be home in two minutes.
I turn onto my street, and all those feelings that flooded me the night of the storm are back in force because Tyler’s white truck is parked in front of my house.When I park, he jogs over and opens my door.
“You’re smiling.That’s a good sign.”He catches me as I launch toward him.
“She gave me the job.I start part-time next week, then full time when I’m done at the preschool.”
