Charity stepped to the side. “You really think so? I mean, I love it, but it’s good to get an outsider’s opinion.”
Malcolm set the box on the table and pointed to the painted chalk wall. “I love this. I could use it in my room.”
Charity smiled. “I’m not sure the chief of Forever Hope needs a scribble wall. Might no
t match the professional look of your room.”
“Who cares? It’s super cool.” He walked over and took a piece of chalk out, drawing a little square house and the sun.
“That’s quite the drawing.”
Malcolm stepped back and pretended to admire it. “I like to get in touch with my inner self and basic shapes.”
“Looks like a Picasso.” She had to press her lips tight together to hold in the laughter.
“You’ve got a very good eye for exquisite art.” He chuckled before grabbing an eraser and wiping the drawing away. “Need to keep my secret talent under wraps.”
“Gotchya.”
“So what are you doing here on a weekend? I thought you were in New York?”
“I got back last night and wanted to get some work done here. I’m almost finished with the first press release.”
“Did you settle on a catch phrase?”
She pulled the file out of the box and set it on the table. “I actually have a few ideas. No major tongue twisters, but I do like the idea of something people can easily remember. It’s going to end up being the theme for the next two years.”
Malcolm sat in one of the leather chairs and leaned back. He tested the rollers on the seat. “I may be stealing one of these and leaving my office chair in its place.”
“Artist and thief? That’s a deadly combination.” Charity sat down across from him. “What do you think of Fixing Hope? Or Hope Reborn?”
“Hope Reborn sounds interesting.”
“I have a few more. I started with finishing a catchy phrase with the word hope. Except hope is used everywhere. So I came up with a few phrases using forever. Forever Hopeful, and a bunch more like that. Nothing puts the hospital as the focus. You guys perform miracles here, you save people’s lives.” She snapped her fingers. “That’s it!”
Malcolm glanced around. “What’s it?”
“Saving Forever. We’re saving the hospital and fixing it just like the doctors here save patients.” She scribbled it down on the top of the first page. “Simple, relatable and remember-able.”
“It’s perfect.” He grinned, his eyes bright with mischief. “If people will remember it, why are you writing it down?”
“I don’t know. Force of habit probably.” She set the pen down. “So why are you in today?”
“I’m on call and I also scheduled a surgery for a patient who can’t wait.”
She didn’t want to be curious but she couldn’t help. She hadn’t quit med school because she didn’t love what it was about. “Can’t wait?”
He pointed at her. “Dr. Thompson’s daughter is a chip off the old block, I believe.” He leaned forward, excited. “She’s thirteen and is about to regain her sight.”
“No freakin’ way!? Very cool.”
“I know! I love this job. She lost it from an accident about eight months ago and the swelling has finally gone done enough to remove the scar tissue. She has minimal blurry vision, but after today… well let’s just say she’ll be able to see her date for prom.” He stood. “Unfortunately, I need to get ready. I don’t want to make her wait any longer.” He paused by the door. “I got the message regarding you helping your father with a charity night for his birthday. I’m sure it’ll be a big success. When you’re here on a weekend let me know, there are some local restaurants you need to try out.”
Still thinking about the girl about to go in surgery, Charity nodded her head. “Sure. I’ll be up in New York next weekend, but if everything goes well, I should be around the following one.”
“Let me know. Have a great day.” He smiled and closed the door as he left.
She sat up quickly. Had Malcolm just asked her out?