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I would start applying for openings right away, but from experience, I knew these things took a while. It would probably take closer to three or four months before I’d get another job. I pinched the bridge of my nose, drawing in a deep breath and exhaling very slowly. Usually this helped in calming me down, but right now, it simply felt like a waste of time.
I heard my phone buzzing and hurried to the armchair. Maybe it was my recruiter again and she had another solution. No, it was Jeannie. I answered immediately.
"Hey, Jeannie," I said.
"Hi, Natalie. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"No, not at all."
"Are you sure?"
“Yes.”
Was it my impression, or was she disappointed?
"Did you have a lovely evening?"
"Yes, I did."
"Were you out on your own?"
"Yes.” What an odd thing to ask. ”I went for ice cream after I saw the location I messaged you about. I'm still waiting to hear from some others I want to see this week."
"Oh, there's no need for that," Jeannie said. "The one with the huge garden from yesterday is simply breathtaking. Is it available on our date?"
"Oh, yes. Yes, of course. I only went to see the ones that were available."
"Then that's the one.”
“Great. Do you want to see it in person before deciding?”
"That would be lovely, but for now, I don't want to leave my Abe alone."
My heart filled with affection at the love in her voice.
"That's understandable. I’ll go there myself and make all the necessary arrangements."
"You are wonderful, my dear. Thank you for accommodating me. I have to say, even though you don't have any official experience, you’re one of the very best planners I've worked with."
"Oh, thanks for saying that. It means a lot to me." I hesitated for a few seconds before deciding to be direct. No one was going to take care of me; I had to take care of myself. "By the way, Jeannie, if any of your friends or anyone at all needs someone to plan an event, I'd be happy to do it for them."
"But I thought the job you applied for starts soon."
"Turns out it doesn't," I said, sitting back in my armchair. Not even the sight of my beautiful tiny garden was going to lift my mood. "It's been cut." I sounded bitter, but why cover it? This was a blow.
"That's so unfortunate," Jeannie said.
"Yes, it is."
"So, what are you going to do now?"
"I'll start searching for a new job, though I'm probably going to have to expand my geographical area. Possibly even widen my search area outside of Boston. But I know from experience how long it takes to get a job, so I'll be around for a while, in case anyone needs party planning."
When I’d chosen my major, it had been hailed as having great career prospects. And in some ways, it did. It paid well, but the competition was huge. And my last employer refused to give me a recommendation, which put me at a disadvantage, even though I had five years of work experience.
"I'll tell that to my book club. Those old hags love to throw a party. Each wants to brag more than the other about how great they are. I'll talk you up. As soon as they know I snatched the hottest party planner in town, they'll be clamoring to get you."
I laughed despite everything. “You make me sound like quite a catch, Jeannie."
