This wasn’t an opportunity someone had simply handed me.
I’d earned it.
“Actually,” I said, “I’d like to talk about it now.”
Dr. Bennett smiled.
“All right.”
We reviewed the position’s responsibilities.
Staff schedules, vendor agreements, insurance compliance, and employee training.
We discussed the salary increase and opportunities for additional management education over the coming year.
Then she asked whether I still wanted the job.
I remembered Seth’s confident announcement at the church.
She’s leaving the dental office.
He’d spoken as though my entire career could be removed from our future without consulting me.
I looked at Dr. Bennett.
“Yes,” I said. “I do.”
She extended her hand.
“Then congratulations, Natalie.”
I thanked her without crying.
But several minutes later, alone in the employee restroom, I stood by the sink, laughed at myself, and wiped away tears.
My wedding was gone.
So was the future I’d spent three years imagining.
