Dr. Pennington displayed a knowing smile. He was tall and muscular but lean and had a head full of salt-and-pepper hair. “I am glad to hear you acknowledge that, and even happier to hear that you are sticking to it. You are a talented physician, Dr. Steinmann. No one can take that away from you but all that disappears if a couple of unhappy clients decide to tear down your hard-earned reputation with some idle gossip. Speaking of which, how did the investigation go, the one concerning Amelia Sheffield?”
“My attorney is handling the Sheffield matter. I’m quite seriously thinking of pressing charges for libel. I don’t want to do that but I can’t have someone running around the state saying the things that she is saying. According to my lawyer, I am not her first target and I probably will not be the last.” Strangely I did feel sympathy for Amelia. She had been a referral from one of my regular clients but the meeting did not go too well. Young and kind of pretty, Amelia made it very clear that she wanted to have sex with me. Unfortunately for her, but fortunately for me, she had been 17 — I was not even tempted. Angry at my refusal she went to our mutual friend and began to spread gossip. I endured the usual investigatory procedures but of course there was nothing to find. I was a little surprised that Dr. Pennington asked me about her. I had not even been aware that he knew anything about her. Had I let it slip?
“Good! That’s very good. Can’t be too careful and if she insists on talking out of turn then you do need to do what you have to legally to prevent further gossip.”
Our server brought us salads, refilled our drinks and took our orders. Pennington clasped his hands and leaned forward on his elbows. “So how are you? Tired of flying back and forth? It seems to me you spend more time here than you do at home. Have you ever thought about moving, maybe establishing a more permanent residence here?”
Instantly I thought of Lilly, of being close to her, what it might mean if I did move here. It was probably over between us anyway; still, it might be smart to make that move. “It is not out of the realm of possibility. You are right. More and more of my clients are here and I do travel way too much.” I thought of friendly Candy and flying her friendly skies. I rubbed my hands together and looked away. Pennington knew me too well.
“The reason I’m asking is because Dr. Turner plans to retire. Initially he was going to retire at 65 but now that his wife is ill, he wants to go ahead and make that transition now. Talking about traveling with her, seeing some sights. Can’t say that I blame him although I think if he wants to travel with her he better do it sooner rather than later. She’s pretty sick.”
I stared at Dr. Pennington trying to understand what he was saying to me. “So you need someone to fill in while you find a new partner?” I dug into my salad with gusto — I skipped lunch today. I was starving and doing my best to keep a certain blonde off of my mind.
“No. I would like you to be the new partner—that is if we can come to some agreement. And of course, Bernard and Lambert would have to agree.” The man was offering me the world and acting as if it was nothing. I put my fork down and wiped my face with the linen napkin.
“I hope this doesn’t sound stupid but are you seriously considering me? What an honor that would be, sir but you know my……struggles…that’s not going to be a problem?”
“Do you think you are the first imperfect doctor to practice medicine? You’ve seen behind the curtain, Bullet. We are not perfect—we are just men in white coats.” I felt humbled by his proposal and honestly surprised by it. He continued with a tone of caution, “However, don’t jump the gun yet, like I said, my partners have to agree and you aren’t Lambert’s first pick. Still, if you are willing to move and follow our policies, I think it can happen. What do you say?”
“Of course I say yes! It would be an honor to be included in your group.” I couldn’t help but smile.
“That’s great, but like I said, keep things quiet. I have to deal with Lambert first. I’ll let you know what’s next. Probably a few meetings, an interview and then our lawyer will have to work out the details.” Then he changed the subject and I followed suit. I wanted to ask him a hundred questions but he made it clear what the protocol was.
“Are you going to that fundraiser this weekend, the one for the new hospital?”
“Yes,” I lied but then I thought better of it. “That is if I decide to crash it.”
Dr. Pennington laughed. “If you did not receive an invitation Bullet, I am sure that it was just an oversight. You are a rock star in the medical community. You show up and as my guest — it will be a great way for you to rub shoulders with the partners. I think it starts at eight if I’m not mistaken. I’ll see you then.”
/> I left our dinner meeting feeling optimistic about the future. I checked my phone again and saw that I had no message from Lilly. I decided to take matters into my own hands and go by her house. She can’t ignore me forever, right? On the way, I called Page and let her know that I needed a tux rental for the weekend. Without hesitation she promised she would take care of it. I hung up the phone and pulled into Lilly’s drive. Of course, she was not home. Where the hell is she? Off on another “sex-cation?” I began to imagine her hooking up with her old flame, what was his name again? Hadn’t he called or texted her something recently? That would be my luck. Here I am trying to do the right thing and she’s off for some other guy. Whatever!
I tapped on my phone and pulled up the number for Executive Massage. “Yes, hi Stacy. This is Mr. B. I would like an appointment in say, about 30 minutes?...I don’t really care—you pick for me…Thanks…Yes, please use the credit card on file. See you soon.” I drove my car onto the highway and drove like a demon towards the massage parlor. I needed some relief and quickly. However my anger instantly dissipated and instead of feeling excited about my upcoming encounter I felt nothing but regret.
Technically, I wasn’t doing anything wrong but it felt wrong. I knew I did not want this. What the hell is wrong with me? I wanted Lilly, with her heart-shaped face, pretty pink nipples and slow, seductive smile. I sat in the Executive Massage driveway deciding whether I would stay or go. Swearing under my breath, I put my car in reverse and left. The ladies would charge me regardless of whether I came in or not but at this point, I did not care.
I drove to my hotel room and sat on the uncomfortable couch in my suite. I stared at my phone again. No. Still nothing. I decided to do something unusual — I called my brother. He had always been the voice of reason in my life. Although we were just reconnecting, I knew I could talk about this with him.
“Hey, Slate…you got a minute?”
Chapter Five
Lilly
Before leaving the apartment I paused in front of my full-length mirror and gave myself one last appraisal. For the fundraiser, I had purchased a gorgeous dress — it was emerald with a plunging neckline and soft, fluttering short sleeves. I looked great in this color; it really made my eyes stand out. Kate had not seen it yet but I knew she would love it. For some added sparkle, I wore my emerald pendant with a silver chain and dangling emerald earrings. I heard the horn honk and scampered down the stairs to the waiting car.
I was less excited about going on a double date but this fundraiser was the event of the season. If I ever wanted to score a spot in the Metro Symphony I was obviously going to have to get better at socializing. I knew I had the skills but I needed the connections. Having talent and money wasn’t enough obviously. Still, I was determined to join the group. An acquaintance of mine, Julie Summers, a flute player told me that another position in my section was coming open at the end of the year. That gave me a couple of months to make a good impression. Julie also told me that some of the bigwigs from the Metro Symphony would be at this hospital fundraiser. As it was a musical event, it did not take much to persuade Riley and Kate to attend too.
I had not been keen on the idea of a blind date but I needed a date, right? Put on a happy face, Lilly. I smiled as I approached the car. A tall blonde man, my date I presumed, got out and opened the door for me. He looked a little uncomfortable in his tux but I gave him a winning smile. “Hi, I’m Stephen. You must be Lilly.” He extended his hand to me and held out the door.
“Yes, so nice to meet you Stephen. You look great.” Stephen was young, probably a year or two younger than me I guessed. He had long blonde hair that he kept pulled back neatly in a ponytail. I didn’t even need to ask — I knew he was a musician. Slightly amused I silently guessed which instrument he played. Probably the drums — yes, definitely the drums. I climbed into the back seat and greeted Riley and Kate who sat in the front.
“Wow! You look great. I love that color on you. Are you ready to have some fun?” I leaned forward and kissed Kate on the cheek and patted Riley on the shoulder.
“I hope that it’s fun. The last fundraiser I went to was kind of boring but I hear they have a great band playing and LaChere’s is doing all the catering so at least the food will be delicious.” I leaned back in the seat and slid on my seatbelt. I hated riding in the back seat — I guess Kate forgot about my phobia. Could you really call it a phobia? I mean I had been in a tragic accident. Phobias are more like fearing unreal situations — mine had been totally real. Okay, change of subject.
“So Stephen, how do you know Riley?”
“I’m his brother-in-law.” He grinned, tapping his fingers on his knees to a song that played in his head. Yep, definitely a drummer.