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“Your résumé speaks for itself. As I said in my email, it’s quite impressive.”
“I’ve been blessed with some wonderful opportunities. I’ve had a chance to research your clinic and town, and I like what I’ve seen so far.”
Avery suppressed a whoop. “Glad to hear it. I thought, since you covered your career highlights so thoroughly in your résumé, that we might just chat about your goals and ambitions and how you see that going so far. Can you tell me how you’re enjoying emergency medicine?”
Lucy chuckled. “Well, as with any position, there are some parts I enjoy and other parts I find more challenging. I love helping people in need, and I don’t mind the fast pace. But drugs are a pervasive problem here in Baltimore—an incessant problem, I’m afraid. At any rate, I never saw myself in a big city long term. I really miss the small-town atmosphere.”
Avery liked that, despite the doctor’s obvious intellect, she didn’t seem pretentious. That wouldn’t go over well here. “Well, Riverbend has that in spades. What exactly draws you to a small-town setting?”
“I actually grew up in a small town—Nashville, Indiana. I like a place where everyone knows everyone, but I’m also used to towns that draw tourists. And Riverbend is particularly appealing because I love to hike.”
“We’ve got you covered there. And the town is very welcoming. It’s a wonderful place to call home.”
“It sounds perfect.” Lucy went on to explain that her hometown was too small to support a clinic, and she had no desire to run one anyway. She strictly wanted to be a doctor.
All that suited Avery just fine. They talked awhile longer,Avery trying to get a feel for Lucy as a person and as a doctor. So far she liked what she was hearing. Lucy seemed approachable, optimistic, and compassionate. She didn’t seem like someone who would cause drama or alienate team members.
Avery told Lucy a little about Katie, Sharise, and Patti and explained her philosophy on the way she ran her clinic. When she’d exhausted that topic, she knew she couldn’t delay the inevitable bad news. With knots in her stomach Avery quoted the position’s salary, trying to keep her tone and expression confident.
Either Lucy had a poker face or the low salary didn’t come as a surprise. She nodded as Avery continued explaining.
“Of course, we intend to increase the salary with time and growth, and as stated in the ad, housing is included as part of the package. There’s a lovely en suite carriage-house apartment right behind the clinic with beautiful river views—and, might I add, a very short commute to work.”
Lucy’s cheeks bunched as she smiled.
“If all that sounds agreeable, I guess the next big question is, when do you think you want to make a move?”
“Fairly soon, actually. Currently, I’m filling in for a doctor who’s out on maternity leave, and she’s returning in two weeks. My lease also expires then, so I’m hoping to line something up. If you should decide you’re interested in moving forward with me, I’d love to visit the clinic sooner than later. I’d like to scope out the town a bit too.”
Avery thought of the unfinished house and tried not to wince. “I’m definitely interested in moving forward. But yes, this is a big decision and it needs to be a good fit for both of us. I’d love for you to meet the staff as well.”
“Absolutely. I’m off this coming weekend and could schedule a flight for Friday night if that works for you. I noticed you have clinic hours on Saturday mornings, and I’d love to see the place in action.”
But the interior of the carriage house was a mess with the old, ratty carpet and the furniture stacked and covered with drop cloths. The bathroom was still unsightly. Her eye twitched as she grinned through her inner turmoil. “That’s perfect. Go ahead and make arrangements, and please keep me apprised of your plans. I’d be happy to pick you up from the airport and show you around a bit.”
“That sounds great. And in the interest of fairness, I should tell you I’m also considering a practice in Ohio. I’ll be visiting them soon.”
Avery’s stomach shrank two sizes at the mention of competition. “I understand and I appreciate your honesty. If you think of any more questions before your arrival, feel free to shoot me an email or give me a call.”
“Absolutely. And you do the same.”
They said their good-byes and Avery closed out the program as her empty stomach clenched hard. She was more convinced than ever that the clinic needed this doctor.Sheneeded this doctor. Not only for her short-term mental health, but also for the long-term plans for this clinic—if her own health eventually failed, she needed someone to carry this clinic without her. Someone who could take care of this town in her absence. Lucy Chan, with her empathic demeanor, excellent communication skills, and background in emergency medicine could very well be that person.
Maybe it was the adrenaline draining away, but exhaustionsettled over her like a lead blanket. How long had it been since she’d enjoyed a good night’s sleep? Since she’d had a true day off? Doctors were supposed to know better.
Her thoughts returned to the promising candidate and her upcoming visit.
Lucy must assume she would be staying in the carriage house. Avery would just have to clean it up best she could and explain that the rest would be completed—somehow—before she started the job. Why hadn’t she just admitted the place was in the middle of renovations?
Because you didn’t want to scare her away.
Lucy was hoping to make a move soon, and with Wes leaving tomorrow morning, Avery had no hopes of finishing the place in two weeks, much less four days.
Add to her worries, the woman was considering another offer—probably a more promising one than Avery ever could compete with.
She pressed a finger to her twitching eye and prayed for a solution.
Chapter22
