“Thank you, Dr. Foster.”
I made a left-hand turn at the next corner to head back toward the hospital. I called Jim and told him about the delay.
“Give ‘em hell, Nick,” he said. I hadn’t been out in town since returning home, so I didn’t know the sentiment about me, but I knew I had Mia and Jim, and even Eli to an extent. I could walk into a public place knowing at least the most important people in my life here were behind me.
I parked in the guest lot, and walked in through a side entrance, not the ER. My heartbeat quickened, but I used a deep breath to help calm my nerves. I exited on the third floor, and considered stopping by Mia’s office first, but decided to get this meeting out of the way. I went straight to the conference room. Inside, Mrs. Wallace, four other board members, and three administrators, as well as Mia, were in the room.
Mia looked up at me, but her expression was unreadable. I suppose she was just being professional, but since I didn’t work there, I didn’t see any reason not to acknowledge me. I could go over and kiss her, and the powers that be couldn’t touch her. She wouldn’t be breaking a rule.
“Dr. Foster, thank you for coming on such short notice.”
I nodded as I took the chair Mrs. Wallace indicated. I couldn’t help but feel like I was about to be interrogated. I look at Mia again for a clue, but she was looking down.
“I suppose you’re wondering why you’re here.”
“Yes.”
“First, we’re glad to hear that the case against you for malpractice has been dropped,” Mrs. Wallace said taking a seat at the head of the long table.
I looked at Mia again, wondering if she told them. “Thank you.”
“We haven’t been so lucky, but now that we have Ms. Parker back with us, we’re hopeful to have a resolution soon.”
I considered bringing up the EMR glitch but held my tongue. “I can’t really help you on that,” I said instead.
“No, and that’s not why you’re here. We asked you here to offer you your job back.”
I was shaking my head before she finished. As I did, I realized that Mia would have known about this request, but hadn’t told them about us. Why not? She was living with me now. I couldn’t take this job unless she planned to quit again. It didn’t make sense, and all the good feelings I was having about her and us went wonky.
“I know you didn’t feel supported by Dick Waterson, but we’ve accepted his resignation, and you can feel confident that you have the board’s full support.”
“Admin too,” Larry Skinner, who worked under Dick said.
“I appreciate that, but I still can’t—”
“What would it take?” Mrs. Wallace asked. “We’re prepared to make a statement to the public about your exemplary service and exoneration in Ms. Mason’s death.”
“There can’t be any statement that suggests the Mason family was at fault,” I said. “I gave my word.”
“Along with being a good doctor, you’re a decent person. I think if I was the victim of a mob, I wouldn’t be so kind,” she said.
I shrugged.
“The point is, we need you back in the ER. This town needs you.”
“Like I said, I appreciate it, but I can’t to it.” Once again, I looked at Mia, wondering if I was being a fool giving up the job I’d always wanted for her.
She bit her lower lip and her eyes were filled with emotion, but she still didn’t say anything.
“Why not? Have you accepted a position somewhere else?”
“I can’t because it will ruin my love life.”
“What?” Mrs. Wallace asked.
I didn’t know how Mia would react, but it would be out soon enough, so now was as good as time as any to let everyone know what was up.
I stood. “I’m in love with Mia Parker, and the rules state that she can’t be with a hospital staff person. So, no.” I looked at her. “I choose her.”