To leave the job offer dangling like a forgotten Christmas ornament on the tree wasn’t fair to the hospital or to Albert Varner. First thing after she arrived at work, she went downstairs. Penny was already in her office searching for something in a pewter-gray filing cabinet. From the back, it looked like Penny had a new perm, her curls tightly coiled gray springs. “Good morning, Penny. Is Mr. Varner in?” The executive assistant visibly flinched at the sound of Anabelle’s voice. When she turned, however, she gave Anabelle a warm smile. She glanced at Varner’s closed office door and frowned. “Did you make an appointment?” Since Penny arranged all of the CEO’s appointments, Anabelle was pretty sure she knew the answer. “Sorry. I was hoping he’d have a moment. If he’s too busy, I’ll come back later.” Although, now that her mind was made up, she hated to delay any longer. Penny held up one finger. “Let me check.” She sat at her desk chair and used the intercom, speaking in a low, almost secretive voice.
