“Just a minute ago, you were telling me that you didn’t want me to be your doctor. You changed your mind pretty quick. Why?”
“You said you’d like to continue to help me in whatever way you can, and there is a way, outside of being a doctor, that I think you might be able to help me.”
“How’s that?”
“I like talking to you,” she says. “You’re usually up on some moral high horse, but every once in a while, you show a glimmer that you’re not quite as boring as you like to pretend you are. I’d like to see what’s under the façade.”
“I am in a relationship, Grace,” I tell her.
“I know,” she says. “I’m not tearing off my clothes and rubbing my nipples on your forehead. I’m just saying that I’d like to get to know you more. You’re kind of…”
“I’m kind of what?” I ask when she trails off.
She takes a deep breath. “Never mind,” she says. “Are we doing this chemo thing or what?”
“I’d suggest you wait to take your first dose until after you’ve had the MRI,” I tell her, “but I’ll go ahead and get you the prescription now. Just head on down to the pharmacy and when you’re done, relax in the waiting room and I’ll have someone come get you when it’s time for your scan.”
“All right,” she says, and gets up to leave.
“Grace?”
“Yeah?”
“I like talking to you, too.”
She nods and walks out of my office.
I call down to radiology, but it’s not going to be until at least tomorrow before I can get Grace in for her scan. She’s my last appointment for the day, so I lock up my office.
I’m pulling my key out of the door and telling my assistant, Yuri, that we’re done for the day when I see a familiar face next to Grace.
“Melissa,” I smile. “What are you doing here?”
“Nothing,” she says. “I just thought I’d come by and surprise you.”
“That’s great,” I tell her, and glance over at Grace. “I just need to finish up with a patient, and then I’m ready to head home.”
“Oh, we’re not going home tonight,” she says. “We are going out on the town.”
“Are we?”
“Yeah,” she says. “I got some pretty big news today and I feel like celebrating.”
“Wonderful,” I tell her. “I can’t wait to hear about it.”
“I’ll be out in the car,” she says. “I’m parked in my usual spot.”
“Sounds great, honey,” I say. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Melissa’s blonde hair bounces as she walks away. Judging by that particular spring in her step, I’d say the chances of me having a very good night are pretty solid.
I turn to Grace and tell her, “I called down to radiology and they’re not going to be able to fit you in until 10 tomorrow morning. Does that work for you?”
“Not really,” she says. “I have a big day planned of smoking pot and trying not to puke up my chemo. Is there any chance we could do this next week?”
I never know when she’s serious.
“I really would like to get you in as soon as possible,” I tell her. “If you’re worried about the effects of the chemo tomorrow morning, why not just take your first dose after our appointment?”