Starting Now (Blossom Street #9)(41)

Chapter 15

“Are you all set for your interview?” Robin asked Libby Wednesday morning on her way out of the gym.

“You’re joking, right?” Libby had such a good feeling about this job opportunity. She couldn’t be more prepared to meet the deputy district attorney. Not only was her résumé up to date, and her references top-notch, but Libby had had a gut feeling about this almost from the moment Robin had mentioned it.

She might have blown her talk with Ava, but this was familiar ground for Libby. Her résumé was impressive, even if she said so herself. Robin had made a point of talking her up at the office, too. Nothing would please Libby more than to inform Hershel—if he were ever to want her back—that she already had another job and it was too late. But then, she’d been confident before and gone down in flames. One minute she was riding high and the next she was batting down doubts.

Robin wasn’t the only one to offer her advice.

“Morning,” Phillip said, meeting up with her in the gym foyer. Clearly he’d been waiting for her.

“Hi.” She held on to her gym bag with both hands.

“I wanted to wish you good luck with that interview this afternoon.”

“Oh, thanks. I might be overly confident, but I have a good feeling about this one.”

“You’ll do great. Call me afterward, okay?”

“Sure.” They walked out together. Just outside Phillip glanced over his shoulder and when he apparently didn’t see anyone, he bent down and gently pressed his lips against hers in a long, slow, lingering kiss.

“For luck?” she asked.

He grinned. “You don’t need luck. You’re going to wow that deputy district attorney.”

His encouragement was better than a weekend’s worth of motivational seminars.

All at once, Phillip frowned. “That deputy is a woman, right?”

“As a matter of fact, yes.”

His brow relaxed. “Good. If you’re going to wow any man I want it to be me.”

“I’ll take that under consideration.”

“Do that, Counselor.”

With that he was off and so was she.

Libby arrived at the hospital an hour later. When she reached the nursery Sharon told her Abby Higginbotham from HR had asked to speak to her.

“Should I phone or go down to Abby’s office?” Libby asked, wondering if there was something wrong. She’d been approved as a volunteer already and couldn’t imagine why the head of HR would want to speak to her.

She’d best find out. Riding the elevator downstairs, Libby realized that she’d found a second home at Seattle General. Over the last few weeks she’d met several physicians and nurses plus other volunteers. Word had gotten around that she was dating Phillip Stone and people seemed to be curious about her and went out of their way to make an introduction.

Human Resources was on the first floor. Libby stepped into the office and spoke to Abby’s assistant.

“Abby asked to speak to me. I’m Libby Morgan.”

“Oh, hi. If you’ll wait here a moment.”

“Of course.” Libby sat and reached for an outdated magazine while the assistant went into Abby’s office.

She emerged a few moments later and said, “Abby will see you now.” She held the door open for Libby, who walked into the office. Abby stood up behind her desk and extended a hand. “Sit down, please.”

Libby did as requested.

“Can I get you anything to drink?”

“I’m fine, thanks.” Libby was more curious than thirsty.

Abby looked uncomfortable. “I asked to speak to you in order to apologize.”

“Apologize?” Libby repeated. “Whatever for?”

“I understand that Sharon Jennings gave Dr. Stone your personal information. Phillip can be quite persuasive when he wants to be.” The corners of her mouth quirked just slightly with the beginnings of a smile. “According to hospital regulations Sharon should have contacted you first for your approval. I heard about it later and wanted to be sure there isn’t a problem …”

Libby held up her hand. “No problem whatsoever.”

Abby’s gaze held Libby’s. “You’re sure.”

“Positive.” Libby stood, eager to return to her babies. “Is that all?”

“That’s it,” Abby assured her.

Abby escorted her to the door, opening it for her. “We have a huge fund-raising dinner coming up soon. I hope you’ll be able to attend.” She mentioned the date and time.

“I’ll look forward to it,” Libby told her.

When she arrived back at the nursery, Libby realized she was humming. She enjoyed singing to the babies. While knitting calmed her, she’d discovered that time with these newborns inspired and invigorated her. If anyone had told her as little as eight months ago that she’d be rocking newborns and singing Bob Dylan songs to quiet them she would have laughed them out of her office.

Times, they were a-changing.

When Libby entered the nursery she noticed Sharon looking harried. “Two sets of twins being born,” she told Libby. “We’ve got our hands full.”

“Not to worry, I’m here.”

“I thank the good Lord for that.”