Keeping Score

Warrick pressed back into the chair. “But what would this season—my career—mean without a ring? Nothing.”

Julian shifted on the sofa to face him. “Rick, with or without a ring, you’re going down in history as one of the greatest Monarchs ever. And ring or no ring, Mary will always love you.”

Warrick saw the conviction of those words in the other man’s eyes. He hoped Julian was right.

Marilyn entered her home, then locked her front door Friday evening. She was completely worn out from four hours of shopping with the other Monarchs wives. She hadn’t even been able to keep up with the very pregnant Peggy. Beneath her Mona Lisa smile, that woman was a live wire.

As she crossed the entryway, Marilyn frowned at the large shoe box balanced in her arms. She still wasn’t certain about that purchase. Regardless of what Peggy, Faye, and Susan said, nothing good could come of it.

The phone rang. Marilyn detoured into the family room. She dropped her bags and the shoe box beside the sofa before answering the call. “Hello?”

“Good evening, Marilyn. It’s Arthur Posey. You’ve had three days to consider the board’s offer. Have you made a decision?”

Marilyn sank into the nearby armchair. This conversation would undoubtedly take a while. “This is a life-altering decision, Arthur. Do you really think three days is enough time to consider it?”

“Either you want to return to the hospital or you don’t. Those are your choices.” He sounded at the end of his rope.

“The board must have you under a great deal of pressure.” The mental image was deeply satisfying.

“May I have your answer?”

Luckily, Marilyn and the other Monarchs Wives Club members had discussed the board’s offer and arrived at a proposal that would benefit the Monarchs and make the idea of working with Arthur again much more palatable.

Marilyn settled back in the armchair and crossed her legs. “Would the terms of my hospital privileges remain the same?”

“Yes, we would reinstate your original contract. Is that acceptable to you?” Arthur continued trying to push her into a quick decision.

Marilyn wouldn’t allow it. “I want to add another term to the contract.”

“You didn’t have any objections to the contract when you originally signed it.” It sounded as though Arthur was speaking through gritted teeth.

Marilyn grinned. “Times have changed, Arthur. You dismissed me. Now you want to reinstate me. The

original contract is no longer acceptable.”

“If you choose to make changes to your contract, I’ll have to consult with the board.”

Did he think that would dissuade her? “That’s reasonable.”

Arthur expelled an impatient breath. “What is this term you want us to consider?”

“I want you to do more than consider it. I want the hospital to agree to sponsor a table every year at the Monarchs’ annual charity fund-raiser.”

“You want us to do what?” Arthur’s incredulity sounded a bit exaggerated.

“You heard me.” Marilyn was firm.

“How much is the table?” After Marilyn named the sum, he continued. “That’s exorbitant. I’ll have to get the board’s approval.”

Marilyn chuckled. “I happen to know that amount is within your budgetary approval. Those are my terms. Take it or leave it, Arthur.” It really made no difference to her one way or another.

His pause was a little lengthier this time. “Fine. I’ll send the new contract to you tomorrow morning.”

Marilyn stood. “And I’ll review it when I return from Denver.”

“You’re going out of town?” Arthur infused his words with as much drama as possible. “I need you to return your signed contract to me A-S-A-P.”

“And A-S-A-P is once I return from Denver. Don’t worry, Arthur, I won’t keep it any longer than necessary.” Marilyn returned the telephone receiver to its mount before Arthur could frame a rebuttal.