Wash

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABs_uaeEamo

Chapter 1

“You do realize you have a very unique name for the business you’re in?” The doctor smiled and winked at her. His hazelnut eyes sparkled with mischief. “I’m sure you’ve been told that a million times.”

Charity laughed. “My mother must have planned it all while I was in her tummy.” She tucked a chunk of her long blond hair behind her ear. It had been six years since her mother had lost her battle against cancer, which had completely changed Charity’s career course. The day after the funeral, she had dropped out of medical school and hadn’t looked back since. She couldn’t say the same about her father. She forced a grin and focused on the moment. “It’s even more ironic now that I’m signing a two-year contract with you guys. How shall we put the press release? Forever Hope Hospital hires Charity Thompson as their new Fundraiser Liaison. Kind of a tongue twister, eh, Dr. Parker?”

“Just Malcolm, please. We’re working together now. It’s in the two-year contract you just signed. It says you are to refer to Dr. Parker as Malcolm only.” He held it up, teasing her.

Dr. Parker—er, Malcolm—couldn’t be much older than Charity, maybe five years tops. Cropped hair and chiselled features probably made him popular talk amongst the staff and patients. She knew he was single, recently divorced, with no children. She wondered how long it would take a first year or nurse to ‘make the rounds’ with him. Or maybe he would surprise her and actually be a decent guy.

“As for the press release, I can’t wait to see everyone and anyone’s reaction. It’s going to be a big success. Between the humor in your name and job, your awesome track record for success…” He pointed and in a very kind voice added, “Your beautiful face, plus the fact that your father is the Doctor Thompson, I’m not sure we should send the press release to the local papers or to the American Journal of Medicine.” He stood and reached out his hand. “I’m teasing again, of course. We’re all very excited to have you on board.”

Charity stood and shook his hand, making sure to add just the right about of firmness to show her strength and still remain feminine. “I’m excited to get started.”

“This hospital needs your help. We’re in dire straights. Between the state cutbacks, the simple lack of funds, our long term care ward, and our outpatient surgery floor is anciently outdated, we either need to update or close down. People are starting to skip past us and are driving the extra forty-five minutes to Atlanta General.” He shook his head. “You already know this, sorry. I just hear it everyday, a million times a day.”

Charity sat back down and pulled her iPad out of her briefcase. “Then we need to get started right away.” She flipped to the screen she’d written the list of things she needed from the hospital. “I’m going to need the hospital’s financial records, and a calendar of events you already have set up. I’d like to plan a charity luncheon in about six weeks to get the ball rolling. Remember, this isn’t going to be fixed overnight. It’s a process and two years is the goal. We’ll get there.”

Vibration from the doctor’s cell phone on his desk made her pause. They both looked at the phone and then at each other.

“Continue, please.” He glanced at the phone and then back at her.

“You’re busy. You need to take care of hospital issues. Why don’t I talk to your assistant and check your calendar? We need to pick a day in five or six weeks that you can take a long lunch break.” She thought back to his comment about her having a pretty face. “We need to use those good looks of yours and get some lovely high society ladies wanting to spend money on the hospital with the hot doc.”

He blinked, surprise clear on his face. “I’m not sure if I should be insulted or pleased. Hot doc?”

She laughed. “Sometimes pretty works and you have to use it.” She stood and slipped her briefcase strap over her shoulder. “Sorry, doc, but you’re single, good-looking, and funny. I’m going to have to use you as a marketing tool to get a few charities going.” She held up her hand. “I promise no cheesy date auctions or prostitution. Just need to use your… your atmosphere to see how awesome the staff and hospital really is.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes. I love this place and want everyone else to love it as well.”

They were going to work together just fine. “You need to go be a doctor and I need to set up my office.”

The doctor slapped his forehead. “I almost forgot! Your new office is to the right of the elevator. I’ve had it cleared and your name’s supposed to be up on the glass by the end of the day. I’ll get my assistant to show you where and she’ll also bring any information you need.” He pressed the red button on the intercom phone on his desk. “Amanda, do you mind helping Ms. Thompson?”

A millisecond later, the office door opened and in rushed a tiny, petite lady. Her silver hair in a messy bun held a pair of reading classes stuck on the top of her head. “Doctor Parker, Doctor Mallone is trying to get a hold of you. He needs you in emerg right away.” She turned, almost floating like a little fairy. “Ms. Thompson, let’s go.” She disappeared out the door, her little shoes tapping down the hall.

It felt like being in third grade all over again. Charity raised her eyebrows but wasn’t about to disobey Amanda. As she took a step toward the door, a smooth hand touched her elbow.

“She’s harmless,” Malcolm whispered, his warm breath tickling her ear, “but I’ve never crossed her.” He chuckled as he let go of her. “Good luck.”

Charity mouthed a sarcastic Thank-you and hurried out the door. She could feel Malcolm’s breath cooling on her skin as her long strides slowly caught up to Amanda.

“I had a two-sided desk set up in your office. I also had them set up a bookcase, but didn’t know what else you would need.” Amanda’s words punched out with each tap of her shoes. She stopped in front of a frosted glass door and pulled a key out of her pocket. “This is yours.” She handed to key to Charity. “I’m glad you’ve come. Welcome to Forever Hope. Just let me know if you need anything else.” She stood waiting.

“Thanks.” Charity realized the woman wanted her to open the door so she hurriedly put the key into the lock and turned it. She pushed the door open and grinned when she stepped inside.

“Will it work?” Amanda asked.

The office was actually two rooms, kind of like a waiting room and then an archway that showed a glimpse of a large, light wood stained two-sided desk. The walls were completely bare except for a fresh coat of pale yellow paint. Bright without feeling like a hospital. It gave her an idea. “It’s going to be perfect!”

“Lovely. I’m down the hall if you need me.” Amanda disappeared out the door.

Charity set her briefcase against the wall by the door and pressed her lips together. She’d done six large-figure multi-million dollar fundraisers but never had an office like this. Two rooms!

Racing through the brightly painted white arch, she surveyed the second room. It was a bit smaller than the first room, but both had large window panels to look over the city. Day or night, the view was probably amazing. The two-sided desk had a brand new computer still in its box sitting on the far side, along with a phone already set up. The leather chair behind seemed to beg her to try it out. Well, she couldn’t disappoint it.

The soft leather felt perfect under her. She tested out the wheels and tried sliding from one side of the desk to the other. No problem. She slipped her heels off and felt the wood floor against her bare feet. It made her want to dance. Focus, Charity.