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Karolyn came past the desk then and raised her brows in question. Stacey shrugged and continued on with her shift.
The afternoon was long and not as satisfying as the morning. Moms were more irritable, dads seemed on edge, and babies were whiney. It could have been the vibe Stacey was giving off also, as she was not one hundred percent focused. She kept thinking about what Nancy could possibly want. There were plenty of times when they just talked. Nancy’s known Stacey most of her life, but with all the changes going on now, she wasn’t sure.
Stacey took a much-needed break at dinner to grab a bite and some rest. She wasn’t alone long before Karolyn joined her and wanted more details about her amazing time spent with Tristan.
“Girl, he sounds amazing. Remember, happiness is a gift, and we need to make sure that when we find someone who makes us happy and lights us up, that we cling on to them and see it as a blessing because they are.” Karolyn paused. “You’re glowing, Stace. Everyone can see that.”
She was right. There was a difference in her, and it was a good thing. She felt herself flush.
Karolyn reached over and grasped her hand. “I know it’s hard for you to put your heart out there, but remember, your parents would want you to be happy.”
Stacey changed the subject and found out that Karolyn had her meeting with Doctor Hensley over the weekend. They found her a job that only required day shifts and occasional weekends. She was able to put her family first and not have to worry about missing Saturday ball games.
Other nurses talked about what their plans were when the department closed. It seemed decisions were being made for everyone but Stacey. Soon, she was heading for Nancy’s office.
She knocked and let herself in.
Nancy sat behind her desk. She held her finger up and pointed to a chair. Stacey closed the door and sat down. Her heart leaped in her chest, and suddenly, her hands started sweating. She wiped her hands on her scrubs. She hated this nervous habit.
Nancy hung up the phone and smiled. “Thank you for coming.” She walked around her desk and leaned against it.
Stacey nodded and gave what she hoped looked like a sincere, not creepy, smile.
“How are you doing?” asked Nancy.
Small talk? Do we really have time for small talk? “Good,” answered Stacey.
“I’m glad. Have you thought any more about what you’d like to do?”
Stacey laughed under her breath. Honestly, she hadn’t given it any thought all weekend. Her mind was in other places. “Unfortunately, no. But I told you and Doctor Hensley, I’d like to work at Tri-City Hospital or North Star.”
Nancy sat down in the chair opposite Stacey. “I know, and I’ve been making phone calls on your behalf. There are no positions available at either of those hospitals. I’m sorry. I really am.”
Stacey could tell her words were true, but she couldn’t hide the fact that hearing that was disheartening. She felt herself deflating a little. The big hospitals have great working atmospheres and more opportunities for upward growth but are so impersonal from a get-to-know-the-patient point of view. They’re so busy, it’s like they have a revolving door, and no time to become a part of the family.
“Mrs. Trowder, what do you think I should do? You know what I like. Where would be the best place for me? Honestly, I don’t care what thegreat doctorsays. But I’ll listen to you.” She couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her words.
Nancy chuckled. “I understand, Stacey, but honestly, without moving, there really isn’t another hospital except the ones in the city. The rest would be a drive.”
They were interrupted by a loud rap on the door, and Doctor Hensley entered. “Well, hello again, Stacey. Have you made a decision?”
Stacey’s stomach suddenly felt heavy. How could just the presence of someone change the atmosphere of a room so drastically, and not in a good way? She studied the woman intently. She walked so straight, that Stacey pictured her putting a rod in her ass to keep herself from bending over. Her skirt and blouse were impeccable, there wasn’t a wrinkle to be seen, and even the strands of hair that were free from her tight bun had a purpose and a place.
“No.” Stacey’s tone was flat when she spoke. “I just asked Mrs. Trowder for advice. I really don’t know what I should do.”
The good doctor placed her hands behind her back and stood even straighter. How was it possible? Stacey couldn’t figure it out. But she did. “You have too much talent to waste at one of those small hospitals. Summit Woman’s Center has an opening and would love to have you. Your pay would almost double, and you would have a pick of your schedule. I have a contact there who is interested in talking with you.” She stopped, and her gaze bore into Stacey.
Stacey fidgeted in her seat.
“Ms. Kempt, all you need to do is let me know, and I will get you an interview before the week is out. You can be working there by the end of the month.”
Stacey felt privileged that they would consider her to work there. Summit Woman’s Center was the best hospital to have a baby. She had been on their Labor and Delivery floor before. A friend of hers recently had her baby there. It was nice. It was fancy. It was large.
“Stacey, it’s an amazing opportunity.” Nancy broke into her thoughts.
She was right. It was an amazing opportunity. Stacey nodded.
Doctor Hensley clapped her hands. “Great. I’ll get you an interview set up for Friday. It’s settled.”
