Page 87 of Doctor Second Chance

Pushing those thoughts aside, I carefully prepare some slides to run more tests on the algae. As I'm pipetting samples, my phone buzzes. It’s probably just another work email, but I have to check to make sure it isn't Shep.

I finish what I'm doing before checking—just a reminder about a team meeting later. I try not to feel disappointed.

I also keep hoping I'll see something from McWane Science Center. The recruiter got me an in-person interview before I left Birmingham, which was nice. We walked the entire facility while we talked about my experience and education at BioTechnique.

The more we talked, the more I became convinced they needed someone like me, with my experience, to really grow the marine life program. But she said I was overqualified for the position. I tried to tell her I didn't need a fancy title; I do this work because I love it.

I didn't hear back, so I'm guessing they found someone a little more dumbed down. Oh, well. It was a complete fluke anyway that I came across it. But now that we both know we are open to one of us moving, I have my eyes open for both neurosurgeon positions in Florida and something in the marine biology space in Alabama.

After finishing up, I check my email. I can't believe it! I have an email from McWane. I rush to open it, hoping they are at least willing to give me a second look.

I open the email from McWane Science Center with trembling fingers, my heart racing. As I read, I can hardly believe my eyes:

Dear Dr. Eloise Klass,

We are pleased to offer you the position of Chief Scientist at McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama. After careful consideration, we believe your expertise and vision align perfectly with our goals for advancing scientific research and education.

The position details are as follows:

Title: Chief Scientist

Responsibilities:

-Lead scientific research programs, particularly in marine biology

-Collaborate on new exhibit development

-Secure research funding through grants and partnerships

-Develop educational programs based on research findings

-Oversee a team of researchers and scientific staff

We would like you to start as soon as possible but understand you may need to give notice to your current employer. Please contact Dr. Amanda Chen at (205) 555-7890 or [email protected] to discuss next steps and a potential start date.

We are excited about the prospect of you joining our team and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert Thompson

Executive Director, McWane Science Center

I stare at the screen, my mind whirling. They're offering me the job!

I can hardly contain my excitement as I quickly type out a text to Shep:

OMG! McWane Science Center offered me the Chief Scientist position! Call me when you can!

My hands are shaking so much I have to retype my reply twice before I can hit send. I know Shep has clinic today, so he might not be able to respond right away, but I'm bursting to share this news with him.

I try to take a deep breath and calm myself, but it's useless. My mind is racing with possibilities. Moving to Birmingham, being close to Shep and Opie, starting a new chapter in my career—it's all suddenly within reach.

I pace around my living room, willing my phone to ring. Should I call my parents? No, I want Shep to be the first to know. I pick up my phone again, checking to make sure the message sent. It did, of course. I force myself to put it down.

To distract myself, I open my laptop and start looking at apartments in Birmingham. But every few seconds, my eyes dart back to my phone. Still no response.

I get up and pour myself a glass of water, trying to steady my nerves. This is precisely what I wanted, but now that it's real, it feels overwhelming. There's so much to consider, so much to plan.

---