Bad Doctor

30

What can I tell you?

Not only did Lilly Devereaux pull through, the entire operation only took three hours.

Three hours? How the hell did that happen?

It’s as if the clock slowed down.

After the others leave, it’s just me and Rose in the OR.

“I’ve never had such an easy surgery!” I say. “We need to celebrate.”

“You and I?”

“It seems fitting.”

“There were six of us in the OR,” she says.

“But you’re the one that cussed the kid.”

“Well…”

“That’s never happened before! You shocked me, Rose. I never thought I’d say this, but I actually enjoyed myself.”

“You’re an odd duck,” she says. “but I’m glad you had a good time.”

“I can’t explain the feeling I had with you in the room. You had a calming effect on me, but it was more than that. I felt confident. Capable! I was practically euphoric. Hiring you is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me! You’re smart, capable, and-”

“What about Melba?”

“Melba was a terrific hire! We all make a great team!”

“It’s temporary.”

“What?”

“I’m only doing this for nine months. Then I’m done.”

I look her over. “You’re pregnant?”

“No.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I realize that.”

She sighs. “Look. This isn’t the time or place. You go out and celebrate. Maybe we can meet tomorrow and talk about it.”

“You can’t leave!” I say. “We’re going to do great things together.”

“You’ve got a huge crush on me.”

I feel my face turning red.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” she says. “I’m flattered. I’m just not the one for you.”

“Which one is that?”

“The one you were meant to be with.”

“How do you know?”

She laughs. “It’s what I do.”

“I’m serious, Rose. Think of all the great things we can accomplish.”

“You don’t need me in your life to do great things. On the other hand, I could probably keep you from doing bad things.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s not open that door, doctor.”

She starts to leave.

“Rose!”

She turns to face me.

I say, “Where am I going to find the right one?”

“Where you least expect to.”

“Well, if the right one’s anything like you, I wish you’d send her my way!”

Rose smiles. “There’s no one like me, Dr. Box.”

No shit.

She says, “Can we meet in your office tomorrow morning at ten?”

“Absolutely! Why?”

“I want you to meet someone. It’ll help you understand my situation.”

“It’s a date,” I say.

“It’s an appointment,” she clarifies.

Two hours later I exit the cab in front of my building and notice a pretty young lady standing near the entrance with a large, red suitcase by her side.

She doesn’t hail my cab.

Is she waiting for a limo?

I don’t think so. The quality of her wardrobe and suitcase suggest she isn’t accustomed to riding in limos. Not that it matters in the least, since I know this woman.

I approach her tentatively.

“You’re a long way from home,” I say.

“You said you might be able to help me.”

“Yes.”

She looks sad. Vulnerable.

“You said you might be able to help me,” Willow repeats.

“Yes.”

“What did you mean by that?”