Page 28 of The Trauma Response
“I’ve been trying to land the Cornerstone contract for months. When I reached out to them about you, they were already familiar with you.Youare what tipped the negotiations in my favor, Tulip. They want you spearheading this project, and they won’t take no for an answer. So you see, you’re actually doingmea favor by taking this job. Please, will you work for me?”
“I’m sorry, can you explain that again? They want me? Why?” I press my hand against my chest in complete surprise.
“They know your reputation, and they want someone familiar with the ins and outs of the medical field. You’re actually the perfect choice for this, so I can’t help thinking God sent you here at just the right time. What do you say? Will you help me get Cornerstone off to a great start?”
Tears slip over my cheeks and stain my blouse. I cover my mouth to hold in the sob threatening to burst forth at any moment. Instead, I swallow again, forcing the massive lump down. “Christian, I have no idea how to market. How can I possibly do this?”
He shrugs. “I’m told you manage projects on the fly really well. At least, that’s what Caiandyour former boss said.”
“My boss?”
“I told you, I vet people.” He shifts his weight to face me. “I’ll put people on your team who are experts at what they do. All youhave to do is manage scheduling, be a voice for the client, help tailor plans to suit the type of work they do. You know what I need you to know for this job, and the rest you can learn.”
“Are you sure?” I’m still so flabbergasted by this turn of events, I’m not positive it’s not a dream.
“I am. Can you start on Monday? I have a lunch meeting with Dr. Mathison, and I’d love for you to be there to get things started.”
With another cleansing breath, I nod. “Yes. Yes, I’ll do my best.”
“That’s all I’m asking. Welcome to the team, Tulip.”
Welcome to the team, indeed. I realize I’ve just signed myself up for many nights of deep studying into the field of marketing, but it will be worth it. Cornerstone will be worth it, and being a part of something so important will give me purpose again. I know it, and it’s all thanks to Cai.
Chapter fourteen
With a multitude of calls at the station, I haven’t been able to call Whits to see how she’s doing. Christian told me she accepted the job but said nothing more, though his hesitancy to discuss the interview said a lot. Something is off, and since this is my first free moment in a couple of days, I decide to drop in on Whits and see how things are going. The last time I dropped in didn’t go too poorly, so I’m banking on this visit going just as well. Assuming she’s in a better mood than she was that day.
I pull into her driveway and park my bike, which she must have heard coming from a mile away. She opens her front door with her usual sunshiny smile and bright eyes. This is the Whits I’m used to seeing, but I can’t help worrying it’s all fake for my benefit.
“Hey there. I wasn’t expecting you today.” She leans on her doorframe and watches me stroll up her walkway and onto her porch.
I tuck my helmet under my arm and remove my gloves. “I thought I’d drop in on you again and see how things went withChristian. I mean, I got your text and his, but no details since I’ve been busy at the station.”
She steps aside and motions me inside.
“Well, it went.”
I pause walking and turn around to look at her. “What do you meanit went?”
She bites her lip and winces almost as if I might be disappointed with what she’s about to say, but truthfully, I’m not sure there’s anything she could do that would disappoint me. Except give up completely, but there isn’t a “roll over and die” bone in her body.
“I went to the interview, freaked out, ran out of his office, and broke down sobbing in the lobby. You know, that kind of thing. Fortunately, he really likes you so he chased me out, we chatted in the main corridor, and he offered me the job.”
I take her hands in mine and fully face her. “Whits, I’m—”
“Hey, it’s okay. I think I needed a good cry, and he was kind to me. You were right about him being a really nice guy.”
I swallow the lump in my throat and search her face. She needed to cry? She was so upset, she cried in front of him instead of reaching out to me? “But why? Why did you need to cry? Why didn’t you call me?”
A frown steals her smile. “I should have messaged you as soon as I found out but I had my doctor’s appointment before the interview. There is no reason to hope that I might regain feeling in my hand. There’s no improvement, and there should be by now if there ever will be. I mean, there is always asmallchance, but it could take years.”
I squeeze her hands and pull her into a hug. “I’m so sorry, Whits. I’m truly sorry that you won’t be able to do what you love.”
She snuggles against my chest and I remember how amazing her hugs have always been. “It’s okay. I mean, I guess it’s notreallyokay, but working for Christian will be fun. It’s all thanks to you.”
Yeah right. There isn’t a person alive my Whits can’t charm. It was all her, no doubt about it. “Nope. He likes you. I have no doubt you charmed him despite the hiccup in the beginning.”
She breathes deeply and releases me. “Well, either way, I guess I’m getting a crash course in marketing for the medical sector. He’s been working to get a new medical office as a client, and they said they’d be all in if I run point. He’ll set me up with a team who can help me. I guess God worked it all out just right.”
