Page 96 of The Boyfriend List
"I've taken a look at your resume," Shannon says, typing in her computer password and pulling up a file on her desktop. "I have to say, we don't get many defectors from big law firms like McMann and Ma. Most law students—and lawyers—would dream of working for them and practicing corporate law. What made you want to apply for Healing Hearts?"
I take a deep breath. "It's a bit of a long story."
Shannon glances at the cuckoo clock on the wall. "You have half an hour, so tell me as much as you want."
"My cousin, Eddie, back in the Philippines, lost his mom in a hurricane a few years ago." The familiar guilt that comes with those words doesn't crush me this time, so I keep going. "Fortunately, his uncle adopted him, but I've always felt for the children who weren't as lucky. The ones who lost everything—and everyone—they had in one horrible day. When I saw the position for Healing Hearts open up, I felt it could be a way of giving back somehow. I went into law school because I wanted to help others andpursue justice. But in my position at McMann and Ma, I'm defending big corporations against lawsuits for defective products—lawsuits they probably deserved in the first place."
Shannon nods, taking in my words. "I see. So, you want to make a difference with your job, not just maintain the status quo?"
"Exactly," I say.
She makes a note in her computer file. "We work with a lot of government and adoption agencies at Healing Hearts. Do you have any experience with that?"
"I've done a lot with tax law and ethical compliance, but not as much with adoption agencies," I say honestly. "I'm a quick learner, though."
"Can you tell me about a time that you overcame a challenge, whether it was personal or professional, with the help of others? We do a lot of collaborative work here, so even if you're the only lawyer here, you'll have to work with HR and our other departments, like finance," Shannon says.
I start telling her about one of the times that London and I worked on a case together, leaving out his name. We had worked together to help one of the corporations I was representing with a taxation issue they were dealing with.
Shannon’s brows rise in approval. “That’s good to hear. Another thing I should let you know upfront is that we don't exactly have regular hours at Healing Hearts. Some days may be 9-5, but on other days, you might have less work than others, or be called in at odd hours. And we also work with children a lot here, so you'd need to get a police check to work with minors.”
I nod. "I've already taken that into consideration."
"And do you have any questions for me?"
"What do you love about working at Healing Hearts?" I ask.
Shannon looks slightly taken aback by my question. Hopefully, my question stands out from the other candidates’. "The sense of purpose I have withmy coworkers—knowing that we’re all here because we care about the same cause: helping kids who other people overlook, whether it's in the foster care system or otherwise."
"That's awesome," I say, finding it's true.
"That concludes our interview, then," she says. "Thank you for your time."
"Thank you for seeing me," I say, then want to smack myself in the forehead because it sounds like I'm talking to a doctor.
"Of course. Have a great day." Shannon walks me to the door.
I drive back to the office, feeling hopeful for the first time in a long while. Before I've even made it halfway back to McMann and Ma, I get a phone call from a number that's not in my contacts. Frowning, I decide to take it since the number looks familiar.
"Hello?" Connecting the phone to my car's Bluetooth speaker, I pick up.
"Hi, Gloria, this is Shannon from Healing Hearts. I just wanted to let you know, we had another applicant who was supposed to come in after you, but he cancelled. After reviewing all the candidates, we've decided that you are the best person for the job. Would you like to accept?"
I wish I could cover the receiver and break out into a happy dance, but I'm stuck in the middle of traffic and my phone is on speaker. So instead, I say, "Yes, I'd love to."
"Perfect. When can you start?"
My mind flurries with activity as I catalogue the things I need to do. Submit my two-week notice, tell my family, tellLondon—
London.
"I can start two weeks from now," I say, taking a deep breath.
"That sounds great. I'll send you the offer of employment tonight, please reach out if you have any questions." She confirms my email address is correct, and we exchange a few more pleasantries before she hangs up.
I got the job!
And all I want to do is run to London, wrap my arms around his neck, and tell him that while he flings me around in a circle in the middle of the office.
