Without meaning to, I finished on my own. I cleaned up, tucked my throbbing dick into my pants and went back to the living room.
“Is everything okay?” Natalie asked, still nude on my couch. She eyed the bulge in my pants.
“Actually, it’s not,” I said warily. “I think it’s best if you went home.”
“Did I do something wrong?” she asked, her eyes big with worry.
“No,” I replied. “I’m suddenly not feeling very good. It was nice of you to come over, though. I’ll give you a call another time,” I lied, fully planning on deleting her number from my phone the minute she left.
Confused, she pulled on her clothes and walked to the elevator. I slipped her some money for cab fare and she disappeared into the night. When she was out of sight, I stormed to my bedroom and flopped down on my bed.
Admittedly, I had come off a little too strong on her at the bar, misjudging her intentions. I wasn’t really used to trying too hard to seal a deal, and I got lazy. Usually, I could get a girl to do whatever I wanted if I simply bought her a drink and told her she was beautiful. I wasn’t used to putting in the hard work to woo a girl.
Perhaps I misjudged the subject, too. While I had successfully courted interns in the past, Olivia must have gotten the wrong idea when I asked her to go out with me. Any girl with a lick of wherewithal would have known that doctors don’t ask their interns to go to bars unless they want something that goes beyond education. What was I supposed to do? When we got to talking after the session, was I supposed to tell her that I found her cute and fun to talk with, so we should go on a date and discuss a future hookup? I thought I was doing the professional thing by removing any explicit language from the hospital. Then, when we were a safe distance away from there, I would make my intentions more clear.
I could own up to my mistakes in this particular situation. I should have known better than to be subtle with someone naïve. But, at the same time, I had just met the girl.
She didn’t have to pour her drink on me. It was embarrassing, having to pay my tab, dripping with booze. Everyone stared at me as I walked from the bar. I was used to having people stare at me because they knew who I was and my success in the surgical field. I had never experienced people staring at me because someone made an ass out of me. I didn’t mind having the reputation of someone who got around. What I didn’t want, was the reputation that I was a jerk to women. When it was all said and done, girls could say whatever they wanted about me. But, I didn’t need anyone’s public display of rejection.
What troubled me most was how hung up I was about this rejection. I wasn’t really used to being turned down, but I knew that if a girl ever said no to me, I would be annoyed, but not this upset about it. I also knew that I was left in a difficult spot, since I figured she’d be a lock for the event on Friday, but the drink dumping effectively turned me down. All of those factors aside, I still felt this weird sensation in the pit of my stomach when I thought about her.
It wasn’t as if I had feelings for her. That would be stupid. I didn’t even know the girl. She was cute, but she wasn’t a supermodel that I just had to have. Maybe I was so rattled by her because she was the one who got away. I wanted her and she didn’t want me. That was all the explanation I could think of, anyway.
I let Olivia stew in my mind for the rest of the evening. I dreaded having to face her tomorrow before rounds, but I couldn’t show it. I wasn’t about to let her win this one.
The next day, I spent a little extra time getting ready. I knew that she would be in the morning session and I wanted her to know what she was missing out on. I strode into the conference room with my head held high and pretended not to notice her in the back of the room.
“Good morning, interns,” I announced at the beginning of the session. “I’ve got some exciting news. We are going to hold a little essay contest. Because most of you will have interviews for specific internships coming up in the next few weeks, I thought it would be a good idea to get a little practice. But, because I know you have a lot on your plate at the moment, we’ll keep it short. I want a three page paper, the first thing I want you to write about is why you believe you would be the ideal candidate for the internship you are interested in.”
I looked up to see the students furiously scribbling notes in their notebooks.
“The second topic is surprisingly harder to answer and it’s too easy to give a lame and cliché answer. Tell me where you want to be in ten years. If you don’t bore me to death, I think I’ll automatically give you an A. At the same time, you have to make the answer exactly what I want to hear. It’s not an easy task.”
Before I continued, I looked straight at Olivia. She was quietly writing notes, her head lowered toward the desk.
“The last one will prepare you for the kind of anecdotal proof that employers want when deciding if you’re a competent candidate. I want you to describe a time where you made a professional mistake. We’re all human, and your employer will want to know that you’re willing to fess up when you’ve screwed up. They also want to know how you went about fixing your mistake and ensuring that it didn’t happen again. There are lots of ways you can go with this one. You might even recall a meeting with someone that ended poorly. You guys won’t believe this, but one time, I was about to offer a promising young intern an in that would change her career forever. But, she took my offer as a ploy to get into her pants and threw a drink in my face.”
The class reacted exactly how I hoped they would. Shocked gasps and giggles erupted throughout the room. Olivia continued to look at her notepad, as if she were too busy to hear my fun stories.
“So, if you’ve ever done anything like that, you may choose to write about that experience and show why you did the thing you did, and how you corrected your error. I think I can give you until next week to write out a well thought out paper.”
“Did you say this was a contest?” a male intern asked.
I smiled. “Yes, it is. The best essay will not only get top marks on their paper, but the unique opportunity to accept an internship with me.”
I waited for the excited murmurs and whispers to quiet down before continuing.
“Everyone, given the fact that you have conducted yourself professionally within this session, has the opportunity to win the prize. Play your cards right, and you’ll be able to learn from not only me, but other top surgeons here at CUIMC. Now, for the rest of the time today, you’re going to go over your bedside manners. Split up into your small groups and practice how you are going to speak to grieving loved ones. I’ll be coming around to see what you’re discussing and hopefully provide insight.”
I watched as chairs shuffled around and light conversation developed. I tried not to stare at Olivia and study her expressions, trying to figure out what she was thinking about. I thought my point landed, though. At least I had the decency to keep her identity private, instead of humiliating her in front of her peers.
As I began to make my rounds, I stood near her group, not necessarily looking her direction, and listened for a little bit.
“Mr. and Mrs. Sims, I am so sorry, we did everything we could, but the blockage in your son’s heart proved too much and he passed away on the surgical table.”
“But he is only sixteen! How is that possible?” Olivia said. “What did you do to my boy?”
“Me?” the intern squeaked. “I-I didn’t do it! It wasn’t my fault he died!”
“Allen, I don’t think stammering and practically shouting is going to be a good way to go,” Olivia interjected. “You need to remain calm and composed. Empathetic.”
“Really? Then how bout you give it a go?”
Olivia nodded. She closed her eyes and then looked sad but serene as she said, “Mr. and Mrs. Sims, I’m Dr. Hunter. The news isn’t good I’m afraid. Kevin was brought in for chest pain, he experienced a severe heart attack that he was unable to recover from. We attempted to perform an emergency surgery to help get him stable, but his he
art was too damaged and he didn’t make it.”
“How? How did he have a heart attack at sixteen?” Allen the intern begged her to answer.
“When we performed the surgery, we noticed there was a blockage in the main artery that was caused by a blood clot. Had he recently sustained any injuries that might cause this? We did notice serious bruising on his right shoulder, did he perhaps play a contact spot?”
“Yes, he plays football,” the other intern, Sarah answered.
Olivia nodded. “Yes that could have led to the severe bruising and then the blood clot breaking loose. Blood clots are dangerous and can affect the old and the young. I am so sorry for your loss.”
“Wow, you’re really good,” Allen replied, “you had an answer for everything and you never took the blame.”
Olivia smiled.
“Not bad, though you probably should refrain for blaming the patient as well.” I gave Olivia a curt smile and continued throughout the class. I could just see her seething in her chair and it felt good. In fact, it was almost enough payback to allow me to forgive her for the ludicrous display at the bar. In the end, I wasn’t absolutely sure that I wouldn’t give her the internship if she deserved it. After all, I knew that she would be a hard worker. But, I wasn’t going to shortlist her, because she hadn’t done me any favors. In fact, she received a tiny demotion for being such a pain in my ass.
“You’re dismissed,” I said, with five minutes until the end of the time slot. “I’m giving you a little extra time to start thinking about your paper. Also, I’m required to tell you that I’m hosting my office hour today from three to four this afternoon here in the conference room. You are allowed to come by if you need to discuss anything in person. However, I do have a surgery scheduled for one-thirty that may run late, so you may wish to just email me your questions.”
I began to pack up as the interns flooded out of the conference room. Unsurprisingly, one intern remained, waiting to speak with me. My stomach fluttered. I wanted to know what she had to say for herself.
Chapter 8
Olivia
My faced burned bright red throughout the session as Damon kept reminding me of our date. I didn’t know why he kept bringing it up. I was terrified that he would continue to hint at the interaction until he went ahead and announced my name and my crime to all of them. I felt sick and wanted to leave, but being here was part of our residency and was based on attendance, so I couldn’t really skip. Plus, I didn’t want him to have the satisfaction of getting to me.
I hated how he stood at the front of the room, so cocky all of the time. He had a way of capturing the attention of the whole group, even though half of the stuff he was him bragging about his career. He irritated me to no end. But, I couldn’t help but be attracted to him. That infuriated me the most.
When we split up into small groups, I thought that I would be able to escape his thinly-veiled comments about me. I was wrong. I swore that he waited until I spoke within my group to pop in and tell me how I was wrong. I sat quietly for the rest of the session, worried that he was going to shoot down my ideas. For someone who frequently raised their hand, it was hard not to participate in the discussion. But, I knew that whatever I said, it would be turned against me, and the others would eat it up. I was stuck.
I couldn’t go on like this. Along with a teensy pang of guilt for reacting so harshly, I just wanted to clear the air and make all of the negativity surrounding us go away. I didn’t want Damon to be upset with me, or even have anything to hold over me until this session was over. And, even though it meant working with Damon, I still coveted that internship in the surgical wing. It would really change everything for me. I still planned on competing for the winning essay, though I knew he would probably choose someone else out of spite.
Taking a deep breath, I approached him after my classmates left the room. Everything in my body was telling me to file out after them, but I needed to be the bigger person. He couldn’t win this one.
“Can we talk?” I asked.
He gave me a smirk. “I’m leaving in about a minute. Make it quick.”
I took a deep breath and started spilling. “I’m sorry about what happened at the bar. It was immature of me to react that way. I was hurt by some of the things you said to me, and reacted childishly. It was not how anyone should act. I understand that you may not want to give me the internship now, and that’s completely warranted. However, if possible, I would still like to be considered for that spot. I think I would be a good team player and would benefit the hospital. At the very least, I ask that we just forget about last night.”
He blinked a few times. “Team player, eh? What do you think about going to that benefit dinner?”
“Tonight?” I asked blankly.
“Oh, sorry, do you have too much work tonight?”
I sighed. “What do you want from me?”
He chuckled. “Well, I wanted someone to play the role of my girlfriend for a few hours. I mean, I’m not going to force you to participate in any other girlfriend activities, other than stand by my side and pretend to like me. I can pick you up before the event and drop you off immediately afterwards. I can promise that there will be no funny business if you don’t want any. Conversely, I am supplied to provide you with plenty of funny business if you so desire.”
I gave him a blank stare.
“I’m kidding, okay?” he said. “Sheesh!”
“Why are you still hung up on me? I thought you would have found a replacement in no time. Did all of the other girls reject you already?” I asked, a spark in my voice.
He tried to hide a smile. I don’t think he was used to being challenged like this. He pulled out his phone and held the screen so I could see it. Silently, he scrolled through a long list of contacts in his phone. When he was finished, he turned if off and slipped it into his pocket.
“That was just the list of available women,” he said. “I could call any one of them and they would gladly accompany me.”
“Then why don’t you?” I asked, absolutely confused as to why we were still discussing this. “Why must you torment me when you don’t have to?”
He gave me a curious look, as if he were trying to read my mind. It was both uncomfortable and utterly sexy at the same time.
“I think you’re not as smooth as you lead on,” I said, trying to find my voice. “I think you’re close to the deadline and you’re getting desperate. You might know a lot of girls and have their phone numbers, but you’ve messed around with their heads and now they’re tired of playing your games.”
“Maybe you should have been a Psychology major,” he chuckled, “you obviously think you know what my motivations are.”
I raised my eyebrow. “Tell me where I’m wrong.”
He pursed his lips for a moment. “You’re right about me sweating this deadline. I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare.”
“And the girls?”
“I’ve pissed one off.” He grinned. “I don’t think it’s accurate to say the others would turn me down because I’ve offended them somehow.”
“What happens if you go to the event alone?” I asked. “Am I going to ruin your career when I say no? I mean, it’s not like I owe you anything, but I’m not a heartless monster.”
“I’ll still go to the event. I’ll still talk to the right people and make the right impressions. In the grand scheme of things, it probably won’t matter that much.”
“Then why bother in the first place?”
He thought for a minute. “You’ll understand these things if you ever make it out of your residency and into the real world. Let’s say you’re going to an engagement party for a friend. There will only be other couples there. You’re the only single person who shows up. How’s that going to end for you?”
I shrugged. “It might be a little awkward, I guess.”
“Yeah, and while all of the other couples are talking about couple stuff, you’re in the corner, stuffing your face with cocktai
l shrimps, getting blasted on whatever signature cocktail is being served. These things are much more enjoyable if you have a buffer. The spouses of the other doctors don’t really give a shit about our shop talk and will think I’m a hospital blowhard if there’s not a woman around to prove that I’m not a monster.”
“How does that prove you’re not a monster?”
“You have the aura of a person who can be trusted. I’m sure most people feel comfortable around you. You’re easy enough to talk to, and you know how to speak to people. Well, maybe not me, but to other people. Having you there would be of some help.”
“But it’s not absolutely necessary.”
“No, but how many things are absolutely necessary?” he said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “So, do I need to arrange for a quick dress fitting before tonight?”
I actually thought about it for a second. It still sounded like a great opportunity, but something didn’t feel quite right. I had gone out of my way to challenge him and even ended up insulting his prowess with women, when I really meant to apologize to him for the drink debacle. I couldn’t possibly agree to go now. I felt like I had something to prove, no matter how badly I wanted to wear a designer gown and talk with some of the brightest minds in the medical field. If it were with anyone but Dr. Damon Rye, I would say yes in a heartbeat. But, this man was my foil, and I could not submit to his will.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. Thanks for the offer, though.”
“But it could be fun,” he said at a last ditch attempt at wooing me.
“But I don’t have to.”
He shrugged. “I guess you’re right.”
With my answer secured, I started walking toward the door. I stopped a few steps short of the doorway and turned around to face Damon.
“Is everything okay now? Do you accept my apology?”
He pursed his lips together, then broke out into a smirk.
Forbidden Prescription 6: A Stepbrother Fake Girlfriend Medical Romance (Forbidden Medicine) Page 5
