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Jake: Now that you mention it, I have some ideas. They all include you.
I swallowed hard, my pulse quickening.
Natalie: Nah, I don’t want to be the reason you can’t focus on work.
Jake: You already are.
My pulse was out of control now.Good grief.I’d already agreed to dancing with him. If we kept texting, who knew what else I’d agree to do?
I pocketed the phone when my turn came to order. After buying a cup with two scoops, I walked home.
Once inside, I headed straight to my small porch in the back. Sitting in my chair with a huge pillow in my lap was my comfort spot. I finished the ice cream regretfully only a few minutes later.Why didn't I buy more scoops?I was tempted to rush back and get some more, but it was enough for one evening.
I messaged Jeannie with photos from today’s venue, and then instead of relaxing until she answered, like I’d planned to do, I opened the email app. I was still waiting to hear back from a few venues I wanted to check out for Jeannie’s party.
My stomach dropped when I saw the first email. It was from my recruiter.
Dear Natalie,
I regret to inform you that the position is no longer available. Among budget cuts this year, it was decided the job would be discontinued. Please call me when you get this, no matter how late it is.
What the hell?Anger simmered inside me. I grabbed the phone tightly and immediately dialed the recruiter's number, bringing the phone to my ear. It was 9:00 p.m., but she did say to call her.
"Hello, Natalie," she said. "I was waiting for your call."
"What do you mean, they decided to cut it? They wouldn't have strung me along for two months of interviews if they didn’t plan to hire someone."
It was the only promising lead I had until now.
"A new CEO took over last month, and CEOs always need to cut budgets to feel like they're being productive. I'm really sorry. This is only the third time this has happened in my whole career."
I pressed two fingers between my eyebrows. My head ached.
"But I don’t have anything lined up,” I said. “I thought you said this was a sure deal, so you haven’t gotten me any other interviews.”
"I know. I’m really sorry. I was overconfident that this would work out."
"Maybe they have another position in the company they could offer me? Something similar?"
"I already tried that. I like to fight on behalf of my clients, but they couldn't find anything."
I swallowed hard. I couldn't believe it. "So, I'm going back to the drawing board."
"Yes, unfortunately. Do you want me to put out some feelers?"
"I'll be fine on my own."
"Look, I'm really sorry."
“I understand that it isn’t your fault that they cut the budget, but the fact that I now have no prospects at allis, and that’s unprofessional.”
"I'm sorry you feel that way. If you change your mind about our collaboration, feel free to call me. Have a great evening."
"You too."
As soon as the call disconnected, I rose to my feet, walking from one side of the porch to the other one. My mind was spinning.
Oh God, what am I going to do?My savings were drying up, and my party-planning gigs were nowhere near enough to cover my costs. I hadn’t sent any applications ever since I got to round four of interviews—I’d assumed they were seriously interested. They’d even told me they didn’t have other candidates, that they just wanted to make sure I was a good match.
