I bit my bottom lip and closed my eyes, letting him ravish me with pleasure.
CHAPTER FIVE
Drake
Leaving Nairobi was harder than I imagined.
On Monday morning, I went to the hospital one last time to say goodbye to Michael and to make sure all my paperwork had been signed and delivered to the proper office. I’d donated all my salary while working at the hospital and college, as well as considerable technology, which would help equip a new OR with robotics used in the techniques I taught.
I stopped off at the nursing desk and said thanks to all the staff I worked with on a regular basis. Then, I went to Michael’s office and waited for him to finish a phone consultation before entering his office and sitting down at his desk.
“I guess this is it,” he said and removed his glasses, rubbing his eyes with a hand as if he were extremely tired. “I hate having to say goodbye, Drake. I hope to see you soon, whether in New York or here in Africa.”
I smiled, genuine affection for him filling me. “You know I can’t stay away from Africa for too long. Kate and I never did get to go on safari after all so we may book some time next year when we’re both free from other responsibilities and when my fellowship is finished.”
“Make sure you call me when you’re anywhere in Africa and I’d be happy to come and meet you if I can arrange things.”
“I will,” I said, although I knew Michael was way too busy to be flying off to visit with friends on a whim. I knew he meant it, though. There was no doubt about it.
I checked my watch and saw that it was already almost lunch. The movers would be arriving so I wanted to get home. “I guess I have to go. I just wanted to come by and say goodbye once more.”
“What time are you leaving tomorrow?” Michael said and stood up when I did. He came around the desk and stood with me at the door. “I could give you and Kate a ride to the airport if you need me.”
I shook my head. “We’ve already made arrangements with a young taxi driver who served as a chauffeur to us while we’ve been here. But thanks. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me – for us.”
Then we embraced and clapped each other on the back with affection.
“I’ll miss having you around to talk shop with, Drake. Don’t become a stranger.”
We shook hands once more. “Never,” I said and I meant it.
Then I left him in his office and made my way past the coffee room, popping my head inside to say goodbye to any of the residents who were taking a break. There was only one person in the room and I kicked myself mentally for stopping by.
Sam.
I pulled my head back, hoping to leave without saying anything, but she must have caught sight of me out of the corner of her eye.
“Drake!” she called out. I stopped in my tracks, angry that my last experience of the hospital would be with her.
She came up to me and looked at me playfully. “Were you really going to leave without saying anything?”
I took in a deep breath, hoping for patience.
“I have to go,” I said and pointed to my watch before turning to walk backwards down the hall, trying to get away from her. “I was just stopping off to wrap things up and say goodbye to Michael.” I shrugged helplessly. “Sorry. Gotta run.”
I turned around and strode down the hallway, hoping against hope that she didn’t follow me, but my hopes were dashed.
“I’m coming to the US to do a residency in neurosurgery,” she said, walking briskly beside me.
“What?” I said, frowning. “You never said anything. I thought you were going to return to Johannesburg to do your residency next week. Where are you planning to study?”
“I applied to a number of medical colleges for my residency. Johannesburg was only one of the options and I had several offers. I may accept a residency in Baltimore. Johns Hopkins. Your dad’s old stomping grounds?” she said with a laugh.
I stopped abruptly. “Johns Hopkins?” I felt immediate relief that she wouldn’t be coming to NYU.
“Why Johns Hopkins and not Johannesburg?” I said, trying to keep my voice under control. “I thought your family was there.”
“How could I turn down a residency at Johns Hopkins. Besides, I have dual citizenship.”