“Lauren, come in. Is it two o’clock already?” He pulled out a chair on the opposite side of his desk for her and closed the door before he returned to his seat. “How’s your day going?”

“Well, and yours?”

“Busy, but I like it that way.” He smiled at her. “Well, let’s get straight to it. You’ve been a wonderful asset to this institution, and instrumental in improving patient care and safety. We’d like to offer you a full-time position here at Coleman, as the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in the leukemia and lymphoma clinic.”

His words were so unexpected, and the release of tension in her muscles so sudden, she nearly slid to the floor. A wide smile spread across her face. “Really?” Part of her had thought Gavin had reported her, and this meeting would be a serious discussion about her involvement with patients for the rest of her residency contract. Minus a permanent job offer. “That’s such great news. I’d be thrilled to be a part of this group. I’ve learned so much, and I respect the mission of the center and the strides being taken to improve the quality of care for patients with cancer. I’ve never been happier since starting my residency here.”

Dr. Hawthorne leaned back in his chair. “I take it you accept the position, then?”

She thought of her dad, prepared for the familiar rush of guilt. But now that the opportunity to continue the job she loved was in front of her, she felt nothing but excitement and certainty.

“Yes, I happily accept.” She and the Director of Pharmacy had previously discussed the salary and benefits that would be offered if the position was approved, and knowing she would stay in the lymphoma clinic had answered her final question.

“Wonderful. I’ll have Sandra in HR reach out with the required paperwork to get the process started.”

“Um, Dr. Hawthorne? There’s one more thing I’d like to talk to you about, if I could.” She swallowed, terrified to bring it up but knowing she wouldn’t feel right if she didn’t. Even though she and Andrew had broken up, it was still possible for Dr. Hawthorne to learn of the short-lived relationship.

The older man steepled his fingers. “Of course.”