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I smile, thinking back to finding the job while I was scrolling last night. I’m glad Audrey was in the shower. I haven’t told my sister about my job hunt. I wanted to wait to see if I’d get any interest before telling her.
“Charlotte?” Tabby asks.
“Yes, I’m here.”
“How is three thirty this afternoon? Our CEO Susan is who you will be meeting with.”
“Yes. I can be there at three thirty.” I glance in the rearview mirror, and my smile is a mile wide.
“Perfect. When you come into the building, you’ll see a reception desk. Just ask for Tabby. I’m the human resources manager. I’ll be down to greet you.”
“Thank you so much, Tabby.”
“You’re welcome. I look forward to meeting you.”
The call ends, and I do a little dance in my seat. I’m so excited. This is a big deal for me. I want to call my sister, but she doesn’t even know I’ve been looking. My next thought is to tell Spencer. That could solve this constant nagging feeling that I’m doing something wrong. But I don’t want to tell him yet either. Not until I know for sure. With a huge smile on my face, I grab the envelope and make my way into the hospital, following the signs to administration.
“May I help you?” a lady with salt-and-pepper hair pulled back into a bun asks me.
“I’m Charlotte Krause. I have some documents for Mr. Pennington,” I tell her.
“Oh, Charlotte.” She stands from her chair and offers me her hand. “I’m Cheryl. It’s so nice to meet you.”
“Hi, Cheryl.” I shake her hand. “It’s nice to put a face to the name.” I offer her a genuine smile that she returns.
“Spencer is in his office. You can go on in.” She points down a hallway. “His is the last door on the right.”
“Thank you, Cheryl.” I give her a small wave and head down the hall. When I reach his door, it’s open, but he’s not alone. There’s a woman standing next to his desk. I start to step out of the doorway because I don’t want to interrupt him, but he sees me before I can.
“Charlie?” There’s surprise in his tone.
Already busted, I walk the short distance to his doorway and step into his office, staying by the door, and wave awkwardly. “Hi.” I clear my throat.
“This is a nice surprise.” He pushes back from his desk, moves around the woman, and makes his way to me. He surprises me when he bends and places a kiss on my cheek, giving my waist a gentle squeeze before pulling away. “What are you doing here?” He smiles down at me like my visit has made his entire day.
My eyes dart to the woman in the room. He turns to face her, placing his hand on the small of my back. “Lucia, this is Charlotte Krause. She’s the administrator of the pediatric practice we’re buying,” he explains.
“Nice to meet you,” Lucia says, her tone telling me it’s not nice to meet me at all. “I’ll be your boss,” she blurts out.
“Lucia is the Director of Physician Services. You will be reporting to her, and Lucia reports to our COO, who is out of town, which is why she’s here seeking me out. Right, Lucia?” There is something in the tone of his voice. A warning, maybe? Whatever it is, Lucia’s eyes widen, and she nods.
Spencer turns his back to her and gives me his full attention. “What are you doing here, Charlie girl?” he asks softly.
“I have some paperwork for you from Dr. Phillips. He said that you weren’t expecting it until later in the week, but he got it today and asked me to drop it off to you.”
“Thank you. Have you had lunch? I was just about to go grab something.”
“I thought you were too busy to eat?” Lucia pipes up.
Spencer’s shoulders stiffen as he turns to look at her. “I think we’re done here, right, Lucia?”
Her face turns bright red as she nods and gathers the notebook sitting on the chair next to her. She glares at me the entire time as she walks toward where we’re standing just inside the doorway.
“I’m so sorry,” I say once she’s out of earshot.
Spencer reaches over and pushes the door closed. “There is nothing for you to be sorry about. She’s out of line. She’s been out of line for weeks, and it was time I nipped that in the bud.”
“She’s going to know about us.”
