The only conversation they had was with the baby, not with each other.
Everything seemed still too raw and the possibilities of how badly the previous day could’ve gone still weighed heavily on them both.
He ended up staying home from work and she eventually left, hoping to nail this interview.
Hope was pretty much all she had at this point. What she clung to.
The door opened and a woman strode in, wearing heels and a very light scent which filled the office space. Not cloying but fresh.
Jemma stood and they shook hands. Georgette Anthony introduced herself as the regional director of the hospice organization, then moved around to the other side of the desk and they both took a seat.
The brunette appeared super-polished with her makeup, her nails, her posture. She was well-spoken. Flawlessly dressed. Completely professional.
In contrast, Jemma felt like leftovers a raccoon dragged out of the trash.
After a little bit of small-talk the director got right to the crux of things. Jemma, too tired for unnecessary conversation, was relieved.
“Let’s get right to it. First off, your resume is impeccable. Honestly, this interview was unneeded, but required by the board.” She leaned forward, like she was about to tell Jemma a secret. “Truth is, I’m extremely short-handed. I have patients who desperately need our help and I don’t have time to nitpick about what we women are forced to do to protect ourselves from over-eager hands.”
Jemma opened her mouth to defend her actions.
Georgette lifted a well-manicured hand to stop her. “No need to explain. Been there, done that. I have the pink-slip to prove it. We have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to that kind of behavior. I don’t care who it comes from.”
Georgette dismissing the false accusation that Jemma sexually assaulted the doctor made her sit back and relax a tad. She figured what happened to her out in Cleveland would be her biggest hurdle.
Thank fuck it wasn’t.
“You haven’t burned out yet?”
Jemma hadn’t expected that question and Georgette studied her face, waiting for her answer. Burnout was common with hospice nurses due to the nature of the work.
“No, I... I need to do this. I watched my uncle die from cancer, but I also watched his hospice nurse help ease his way into his next life. That’s what made me want to take this path. I do it for him and others like him.”
The director nodded, looking pleased at Jemma’s answer. “While the work can be gratifying, it can also be hard on your psyche. Unlike working elsewhere where you can help a patient get better, see them heal and walk out of the hospital, in hospice work, you are helping a patient to the end. There’s no getting better. No miracle. No happy ever after. You’re only twenty-seven, Jemma, you haven’t been doing this as long as I have. But just know, within our organization, we have opportunities to move up once you’ve proven yourself, to get out of the trenches when it becomes too much.”
“I love dealing directly with the patients and their families. Of helping a patient spend their last days at home, surrounded by familiar things and their loved ones. But, if needed, having other options would be wonderful.” None of that was a lie.
“And you’re willing to travel to wherever we need you?”
“Yes, I have no...” Family. Jemma’s heart raced and the pressure on her chest became almost unbearable. She pinned her hands to her lap so she wouldn’t rub at it. “I have no problem with that.”
Georgette smiled. “Well then... How soon can you start?”
Jemma returned the smile, though hers wasn’t as big or as bright as Georgette’s, who stood. Jemma rose to her feet, too.
Was the interview over already?
Georgette held out her hand and Jemma shook it. “Expect a contract in your email later this afternoon. Look it over. If it’s acceptable, you can start Monday. You’ll spend your first day with HR to get your paperwork in order, get your ID and some of the staff will go over our policies and procedures. Then, on Tuesday, we’ll place you with another nurse and once you get to know that patient, you’ll be on your own.”
What?
Monday? Today was Thursday.
That meant she had three days to get organized and find a place to live in Williamsport. She might have to find a motel temporarily. Where she settled also depended on where the majority of her patients would be located. So much to think about. So much to plan.
She took a deep breath. She also needed to break the news to Cage.
Fuck.
She had warned him to prepare. He didn’t. He had arrogantly assumed she’d stay no matter how many times she told him differently.
But still...
Dyna.
After a few last words with Georgette, she walked out of the office building and back to her car. She climbed in and sat in the driver’s seat.