Page 31 of Through the Snow Globe
“I understand.” Mr. Powell talked to Diana over his shoulder. “That’s one thing I like about you. It doesn’t matter what kind of day you’re having, you’re always at the job. Some employees would call out for breaking a nail. Men included.” He grabbed a mug from where it sat upside down against his counter and placed it under the coffee machine. Then he grabbed a pod and popped it into the top of the machine.
Diana nervously listened to the machine rev under the tap of his fingers. “I love my job, Mr. Powell—um, Todd.”
“Well, it shows, Diana.” A moment later, he carried her mug of coffee over.
She didn’t meet his gaze. Instead, she grasped the mug tightly, remembering the first time she’d gone through this day. Mr. Powell had already decided to give the promotion to William. He had just wanted to break the news to her in person. She needed to change his mind. But how?
Mr. Powell held out his palm with sugar and creamer condiments. “Pick your pleasure.”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll drink it black,” she said, mind spinning. Her breathing felt rapid too. And her palms were slick.
“That’s how I take mine as well.” He placed the condiments on the edge of his desk and then propped himself there versus returning to his chair. It was an intimate position, and the close proximity made her feel even more anxious.
“So, let’s talk about why you’re here.” Mr. Powell clasped his hands in front of him.
Diana smiled over her coffee mug as she took a sip. “Okay.”
“You’re a valued employee here at Powell Rehabilitation, Diana. You rarely miss a day of work, and your documentation is so precise. Quite simply, you do your job well, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.” He hesitated for a moment as if weighing what was on his mind. “I must admit, I was surprised you applied for the management position, though.”
“Thank you, sir. Todd. Well, I enjoy working with my patients, but I would love to share my expertise and knowledge with the staff here as well. In fact, I’m already doing that,” she pointed out, mentally patting her own back. “I’ve been the one who has mentored many of the new hires, including William Davis.”
At the mention of her coworker’s name, she inwardly cringed. That was suspicious, right? Not that Mr. Powell would suspect that she’d gone back in time after he’d already given William the position.
“That’s right, you did,” Mr. Powell said. “I must have forgotten about that.”
Diana nodded. “William had no idea what he was doing when he was first hired. I taught him everything he knows, which still isn’t what a seasoned staff member here knows.” She couldn’t believe what she was saying. Yes, she was irritated about William’s promotion from last December 4th, but she would never talk about a coworker like this. It wasn’t professional. It wasn’t her.What am I doing?
Mr. Powell’s smile began to slip.
“We learn as we go, of course,” Diana said, backtracking. “I’m just saying that I’m very comfortable assisting others. Taking on a management position really wouldn’t be much of a stretch for me.” She tried to smile, but it felt wobbly and nervous.
“Diana, you recently lost a patient of yours, didn’t you? Betty Krick?” Mr. Powell asked.
Diana swallowed. Mr. Powell hadn’t brought that up the last time they’d interviewed. Betty Krick had been an elderly patient of hers who’d died in her sleep in November. Diana had already been treating the patient for two months at that point, and Betty was improving. “That’s correct, I did.”
“You wouldn’t be applying for this position because of her, would you? It’s hard to lose someone who you work closely with. Some therapists might decide to retreat into a safer position. Unfortunately, losing patients comes with the job when you’re out in the field.”
Diana’s lips parted. She shook her head vigorously and then stopped when her coffee swished over the rim of her cup onto her lap, creating a stain in a less than desirable spot.Geesh.She clutched her mug more tightly. “I assure you, Mr. Powell—Todd—that I keep a professional relationship with all of my patients. I was sad to know about Betty’s passing, but her death hasn’t affected my role at this company whatsoever.”
Mr. Powell gave a thoughtful look. “Losing a patientshouldaffect us, though, shouldn’t it?”
Diana froze. “I’m sorry?”
“I mean, we’re not robots. We have hearts and feelings. If you’re hoping a desk job will shield you from those two things, you’re applying for the wrong reasons.”
Why would he think that? “That’s not what I’m hoping, Todd.” She shook her head again and more coffee spilled over her mug’s rim.Ouch!“I have a heart and feelings, but my job is to help my patients make progress in their therapy. In order to do that, sometimes I have to put my feelings aside.” She blew out a frustrated breath. “William crosses that line, in my opinion. He’stooinvolved if you ask me.”
Mr. Powell gave her a confused look. “Diana, why do you keep talking about William?”
“Because we both know that’s who you want to promote. Because I’m too professional and not attached enough to my patients, right? But if I was too emotional, you’d write me off for being too much of a woman. Whereas William can do no wrong. His patients love him and leave him Glow Cards, which I’m pretty sure he helps them fill out himself.”
Mr. Powell stared at her a moment and then cleared his throat. “Well, Diana, thank you for coming in. Rest assured, you will be considered along with all of the other applicants.”
Diana bit the inside of her cheek to hold her emotions at bay. “I have worked hard, Todd. And I’m devoted.” She stood quickly from her chair, the emotion pushing her upward. Then the coffee in her mug swished over the rim one last time and splashed onto the front of Todd’s shirt. Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, my gosh! I am so sorry!”
Mr. Powell held his arms out to his sides as he looked down at his crisp white, now coffee-stained, shirt.
“That was an accident.” She swallowed as hot tears pressed behind her eyes.Don’t cry. Try to smile.
