“Remind me,” Wes said.
“You said you wanted to make the most of the holiday season by giving back, paying it forward, whatever you want to call it.”
The champagne must have loosened Wes’s tongue. He hadn’t meant to make a big announcement like that. Not even in front of his closest friends. “I did, and I do, but—”
Henry raised his hand to stop Wes. “Your way of helping is to have your foundation make a donation and be done with it.”
Shame sliced through Wes. That was exactly what he planned to do. What Sadie and her team had been doing. Well, except for Zeke’s family, but that was different. “People need money.”
Henry sighed as if the emergency broadcast system had just warned of a massive meteor hurtling to earth. “Yes, and a donation, particularly the size your foundation makes, can be life-changing for a group or a person, but people also need the personal touch, especially around the holidays. To know someone cares.”
“I care.” If Wes didn’t, he wouldn’t do anything other than make the requisite donations per his accountant’s recommendations—an amount far less than their goal this year. “But giving money works better with my schedule.”
Henry’s gaze narrowed. “You’ve cut back on your hours.”
“I have.” Work was no longer Wes’s priority, but he wanted to help without being personally involved. Nothing wrong with that. “But wearing a Santa suit implies making an appearance somewhere. Giving money is easier.”
Henry cocked a brow. “When did you start choosing the easier path?”
A valid question given Wes’s past, but he wasn’t that same man. He never wanted to be him again.
Even though Wes was in remission, he was still recovering from the stress and strain of the treatments, the uncertainty of wondering if he’d live to see another Christmas or birthday, the fear his legacy would be known for dismantling companies to grow his own.
Wes raised his chin. “When I realized how precious life is. It’s meant to be enjoyed, not spent increasing the bottom line and making more work for myself.”
“I understand, and I’m happy you see that now.” Henry spoke sincerely. “But you must play Santa. The patients at the children’s hospital will appreciate you being at their holiday party even if money is a more practical way to help.”
Okay, Henry’s visit made sense now. The guy had donated the wing that housed the well-regarded children’s hospital in honor of his late parents. No wonder he burst into the office like a rabid elf on a critical mission. That, however, didn’t change Wes’s mind. “Ask Brett or one of the other guys.”
Although Wes could only picture Brett in the red suit with kids climbing all over him. No one else in their group was a dad.
“Brett is my backup choice,” Henry admitted. “You, my old friend, are my number one pick. Not all the kids have cancer, but you understand what these kids are going through. You’ll know what to say.”
No way. Wes pushed away from his desk to put more distance between him and Henry.
Wes didn’t have a clue what to say to sick kids. Not when he could barely help himself. He still freaked out when he felt tired or sick, fearing the cancer had returned. His therapist claimed that was a normal reaction. Nothing Wes had been through was normal. “I’m sorry, but I’m not the right person for this.”
Henry studied Wes. “When were you last at the hospital?”
He hadn’t been back since a scan months ago. “It’s been a while.”
“Then this is the perfect time for you to visit,” Henry said without missing a beat. “You can say hello to people you know. Wish them a ‘Merry Christmas’ and spread holiday cheer.”
“I don’t want to do this.”
Henry shrugged. “There are times we need to do things we’d rather not do.”
Uh-oh. Wes recognized Henry’s tone. That meant two things—trouble and defeat.
Wes slumped. “You’re not going to give up on this.”
“I’ll never give up on you, Wes.” Mischief filled Henry’s eyes. “And I’m only getting started with this, but you have a meeting.”
For once, Wes was grateful for an overscheduled day. “I do.”
“I’ll leave the suit here. A reminder for you to think about what I asked.” Henry returned the suit to its bag, zipped it up, and laid it across a chair. “The Christmas party is on the eighth at four o’clock. I checked with Eliza. You’re free, so she’s tentatively marked it on your schedule.”
Tentatively, right?
No doubt he told Eliza to use a permanent marker.
Wes sighed.
Knowing Henry, he hadn’t set the date and time until he’d known Wes was available. “You think of everything.”
“I try, but Rachael Reese is planning the event, so she’s the brains behind this party.”
Rachael was Mason Reese’s wife, another one of the six friends known as the Billionaires of Silicon Forest. Mason and Rachael’s wedding in early September had knocked him out of the running to win the last-man-single-standing bet, but Mason seemed happy being married.
Lucky him.
Blaise, Adam, and Kieran, too.
Wes could have been like them, if not for…
“Playing Santa will be easy,” Henry said. “I promise.”
Wes stared at the garment bag. “When do you need an answer?”
“By tomorrow.” Henry grinned. “Not that this decision should require much thought. No money is involved. Only time.”
“Time is money.”
“In this instance, time is caring. And it’ll be good to visit the hospital when it’s your choice and not something forced on you by your health.” Henry’s challenge was clear.
“I’m not afraid to go there.” The words shot out of Wes’s mouth.
“If you say so.”
Wes squared his shoulders. “I do.”
“Excellent.” Henry beamed. “Then there’s nothing stopping you from saying yes.”
“I—”
“I don’t want to face Eliza’s wrath and make you late for your meeting. Be at the hospital in the Santa suit at a little after four. That way you, as the guest of honor, can make a grand entrance.”
With that, Henry breezed out of the office as if he’d never been there. Well, except for the Santa suit he’d left behind.
How did Henry always get what he wanted?
Dumbfounded, Wes’s gaze traveled from the empty doorway to the garment bag. There appeared to be boots inside, too. And yes, he and Henry wore the same shoe size.
Wes blew out a breath. “Guess I’d better start practicing my ho-ho-hos.”
CHAPTER TWO
Dr. Paige Regis stood at the fifth-floor nurses’ station, replying to emails from patients before it got too late. Light brown strands of hair hung in her face. She pushed them aside. As soon as she finished, she could fix her ponytail.
Not that anyone was around to notice her.
She hadn’t meant to stay at the hospital this long, but during rounds, a patient and her husband needed answers to their questions. Then, one of her pediatric hematology-oncology counterparts had asked Paige to stop by to consult on his young-adult patient, a soccer player, so here she was.
On a Saturday night.
Story of her life.
But she didn’t mind.
Being here was her job.
It wasn’t as if anyone was at home waiting for her. Which was why she had no pets. Over half a dozen succulents had died. One philodendron, who she’d named Phil, remained alive, but those were hard to kill. Which meant Paige’s thumb wasn’t green, and she was better at caring for patients than houseplants.
Elise, a second-shift RN, rounded the corner and then sat behind the counter. “It’s nice to have more than a minute to get off my feet.”
“Slow night?”
“Not really, but it’s not crazy like it can be.” Elise’s gaze traveled from the clock to Paige. “No big date?”
If only.
/>
Casual dating didn’t do much for Paige. She dreamed about falling in love, getting married, and having a family, but the timing had been wrong each time she thought she’d met her future husband. “Nope.”
“Weren’t you dating some guy?”
“That was a couple months ago.” Though “some guy” described her exes perfectly.
Her college boyfriend had broken up with her a week before graduation after meeting someone else. The next guy, a med student like herself, headed to the East Coast for his residency while hers was out West. Their long-distance relationship lasted six months before they mutually decided it wasn’t working. The men she’d dated since then were nice, but none had led to a forever kind of love—or even a serious relationship—for one reason or another.
No one’s fault.
Just life.
And her job because of the hours she worked.
Paige joked to friends if she found a man who understood her drive and determination, didn’t mind how much she worked, and supported her endeavors, she would marry him on the spot. So far that hadn’t happened.
Not even close.
Still, work fulfilled her. She was in her element, thriving on problem-solving and keeping up with the cutting-edge research. Her job kept her from being lonely. As did the belief her single status would eventually change, and she would find a partner—a husband—to love. Even if she’d recently turned thirty-seven, there was no need to freak out about being perpetually single or research her options for having a baby on her own.
There was still time.
“Swipe right and see what happens,” Elise suggested.
“I tried the dating apps and deleted them.” Paige wanted a relationship, which required meeting men and going out to see if they were compatible, but there had to be a better way. “Maybe I’ll try again in the new year, but tonight, I’m looking forward to a date with my television and whatever Christmas movie is on when I get home.”
“I set my DVR to record movies today so I can binge watch on my days off.”
“I’ve had mine recording since the new ones premiered.”
“Great minds…” Elise grinned. “Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?”
“No, but I plan to start and finish tomorrow by buying everything online. I’ll have the presents wrapped and shipped with a couple of clicks.”
Paige’s family was gathering at her brother’s house in Vermont for the holidays, but she was on call so she was staying home. It wouldn’t be her first Christmas alone. She would put up a tree, hang a stocking, and string lights along her condo’s windows. She’d preordered a holiday meal from the grocery store that would leave her plenty of leftovers.
“That way I can avoid the crowds and parking woes at the mall,” she added.
Elise’s nose scrunched. “Yes, but you won’t be able to buy yourself an impromptu present if something catches your eye or ooh and ahh at the shiny decorations.”
“I’ll order myself a present.” A new fleece throw or a pair of fuzzy slippers or a set of bath bombs might be nice. Maybe she’d buy all three and have them wrapped so she would have more than her family’s gifts to open on Christmas morning. “And we have decorations here.”
Only a week into December and this floor was decked for the holidays with garlands, lights, and red bows, giving the place a festive feel for the staff, their young patients, and the family members who came to visit.
Elise motioned to the artificial tree decorated with multicolored lights. Silver and gold bells—big enough that smaller mouths couldn’t swallow them—hung from the branches. “Our repeat customers have been eyeing the bells.”
By the time the twenty-fifth arrived, few—if any—bells would remain because one was given with a patient’s discharge paperwork. Paige enjoyed the tradition and had suggested it for their cancer care unit in the main hospital next door. “They must remember from last year.”
Elise nodded. “But even the new ones are curious.”
“They’ll figure it out soon enough.”
Imagining children ringing their bell on the way out of the hospital filled Paige with warmth. A few said they were giving angels their wings. Others claimed to be spreading the spirit of Christmas. No matter the reason, the bells brought smiles, and that was what counted.
“Dr. Regis,” a familiar female voice called out.
“Good luck,” Elise muttered under her breath before scurrying away.
As Paige pasted on a smile, Amanda West—the hospital administrator—approached at a quick pace. The woman was in her early fifties. Her almost black hair was cut in a severe bob with sharp ends that could take someone’s eye out if they didn’t keep their distance. She wore pants with a coordinating blazer every day, whether it was summer or winter.
“Working late?” Paige asked, surprised to see Amanda on a Saturday night.
“I want to speak with you.” Amanda’s serious tone matched her gaze. She was to the point and often blunt, but each year under her leadership, the hospital’s ranking and prestige rose. “Since your office is closed on Saturdays, I assumed you would be here.”
Paige swallowed a sigh. Guess her routine had become predictable. Nothing she could do about that. “What’s up?”
“Funding for the cancer center came up twenty-five million short.”
Her heart plummeted. The cancer center was her project—her passion. “I thought we had enough.”
Amanda pursed her lips. “We did. Now we don’t.”
Paige started to speak but stopped herself because she had no idea what to say. Construction on the new building was supposed to begin in the new year. Any delays would have a cascading effect.
A negative one.
“Don’t look so sad.” Amanda lowered her voice, but her tone didn’t soften. “This is an unexpected setback, but we’re nearing the end of the year when people need tax write-offs.”
True, but doubts swirled in Paige’s mind. She wasn’t good at wooing donors. She was too honest, too direct, and didn’t play games. Much to Amanda’s dismay. “Raising the initial amount took longer than anyone expected.”
“Yet, we raised it. Your spiel swayed many influential people.”
Paige stiffened. “It wasn’t a spiel. The hospital needs a cancer center.”
Dollar signs shone in Amanda’s eyes. “We don’t want to lose patients to other hospitals.”
“We want to provide the best care possible to cancer patients,” Paige said a beat later.
Amanda’s priority was increasing hospital profits. Paige understood that. But the project meant more than profits to her. She hated asking for money, but she’d exhausted every avenue to raise the funds to build a dedicated facility with a top-notch multidisciplinary team of caregivers. The center would handle both outpatients and inpatients. The specially designed rooms and waiting areas would provide cancer patients and their families with the spaces they deserved. Thinking about the possibilities for clinical research and clinical studies excited her.
A nurse who Paige didn’t recognize exited one room and went into another.
Paige waited for the door to close before turning her attention on Amanda. “What do you need from me?”
“You sold people on this center before. I need you to do it again.”
O-kay. Not surprising. Paige had found herself in a different role than what she was familiar with while seeking donations. But for whatever reason, she’d had better luck convincing people than others who’d tried before her.
“When?” she asked.
“Tomorrow.”
Paige blew out a breath. “That soon?”
Amanda nodded once.
Sunday was Paige’s day off—her only day this week—but the center was too important to put off. The hospital currently had a cancer care unit for inpatients, but that couldn’t compare to what the center would provide.
“Where do I need to be and when?” she asked.
“Henry Davenport is sponsor
ing a party here at the children’s hospital tomorrow afternoon at four.”
Henry had donated the wing that housed the children’s hospital, but a caution light blared in Paige’s brain. “Henry made a sizeable donation to the cancer center already. His current pet project is a new NICU.”
“It won’t hurt to ask him.”
That was true. If Henry couldn’t donate, he might be able to tell her who to approach. He was friends with the most influential and wealthy individuals in the area. “I’ll speak to him and whoever else is there.”
“I’ll be there, too, so I can provide backup, but I’m a stuffy administrator. Your enthusiasm for this project will sell them on the cancer center.”
Paige stood taller. Compliments from Amanda were rare. “Thank you.”
“Before I forget, Henry asked everyone to dress Christmassy,” Amanda said.
Paige thought of her ugly sweater, holiday-patterned leggings, and Christmas jewelry. Items she’d been too busy to pull down from the bin from the top of her closet. “Not a problem.”
“You look exhausted. Go home and sleep,” Amanda ordered. “You’ve put in your time as an intern and resident. Reap the benefits now.”
Paige nearly snorted. Yeah, those years had been challenging, but she didn’t have set hours each day now. She never knew what might happen or how long she might work.
But Amanda was right about one thing. Paige was finished for the night. She could go home. Her plans, however, had changed. She would skip watching any movies and go to bed instead. She wanted to be bright-eyed and well-rested before she found a non-tacky way to ask Henry for another donation.
* * *
On Sunday at five o’clock, Paige crossed the skybridge from the main hospital to the children’s wing. She’d planned to arrive earlier, but rounds had taken longer than she expected. At least her ugly reindeer sweater with a light-up red nose, snowmen-patterned leggings, and antler headband had amused her adult patients. Now to see what the younger patients thought…
The Wish Maker (The Billionaires 0f Silicon Forest Book 2) Page 2
