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I remained sitting there in the quiet for another moment before letting out a soft, self-deprecating laugh.

“And if you really are here listening, please don’t let me embarrass myself at this interview tomorrow.”

Ninety million dollars sitting in my account didn’t suddenly make me want to sit around and do nothing with my life. I still had goals, a career I loved, and things I wanted to accomplish on my own. The money meant I never had to work because I was desperate again. It didn't mean I stopped loving what I did.

⸺⸺⸺⸺

The next morning, I walked out of my interview feeling so light, I was practically floating all the way back down the hospital’s polished terrazzo hallway.

“Well, Ms. Monroe,” Denise said warmly as she stood up behind her mahogany desk and extended her hand, “I can tell you right now that we’re very impressed with your background.”

I accepted her firm handshake with a confident smile. “Thank you so much.”

“Your clinical experience speaks for itself, and your professional references had nothing but wonderful things to say about your bedside manner and leadership.”

Hearing that made me feel even better.

I had worked tirelessly for years to build a flawless reputation in nursing. No matter what chaos or heartbreak had unfolded in my personal life, I had always taken my career and my patients seriously.

“I truly appreciate that feedback,” I said.

“We still need to complete your formal background check and finalize our standard hiring paperwork, but I feel very confident about moving forward with an offer for you.”

My smile widened until my cheeks ached. “That’s wonderful to hear. Truly.”

“We should be in touch within the next forty-eight hours.”

“Thank you so much for your time, Ms. Williams.”

“You’re very welcome, Lakelyn.”

We shook hands once more before I exited her office. I waited until I was halfway down the administration wing and around the corner before finally releasing the huge breath I had been holding in my lungs.

“Thank You, Jesus,” I whispered, pressing a hand to my chest.

I was so caught up in the relief and pure happiness of the moment that I nearly walked straight into somebody rounding the corner from the main nursing station.

“Oh! I’m so sorry!” I gasped, catching my balance.

“Lakelyn?”

I lifted my head, blinking in surprise. “Oh, my God! Tynessa!”

Standing right in front of me in hospital scrubs, with an RN badge clipped near her collar, was a woman I recognized from my early nursing days before I left town. She immediately broke into a wide grin and pulled me into an enthusiastic hug.

“Girl! Look at you!” she squealed.

I laughed, hugging her back tightly. “Look at you!” I returned.

She stepped back while still holding onto my arms, taking me in. “I heard you were back in town!”

“Along with everyone else,” I said with a laugh.

She chuckled knowingly. “Girl, you know how small this town is. Word travels before you even unpack.”

“Unfortunately.”

Her eyes traveled over my professional pantsuit. “But you look amazing!”