One Shot Collection | LT

Bigotry

It's a Wednesday afternoon. Inside a large office consisting of a large mahogany desk...papers neatly compiled in the center. Next to the papers lies what is perhaps the most luxurious pen used by doctors. The Caran D'ache Varius Ivanhoe. As with any pen, it has multiple uses, mostly writing and signing prescriptions and medical records. In the corner of the office is an xray imaging machine mounted on the wall. On one side is an xray of a healthy heart. On the other side is an xray showing an abnormality of the heart of a patient being carefully examined by a top cardiologist in Paris. Dr. Laurent Bourgeois. Day in and day out his work consists of xrays as well as performing complicated heart surgeries, though his patients always have wonderful prognoses. This is his passion, his life's work and as he begins noticing what he's now certain is the problem he heads over to his desk to retrieve the fine pen and a pathology report to list his findings. His next appointment is about an hour away so he made sure he had the time between appointments to thoroughly examine these xrays just as he would with others. As he's jotting down some notes there's a knock on his door in which he replies in a strong yet professional voice, "come in". A second later the door opens and in walks , Dr. Allen Chalamet, who isn't a cardiologist but he did work side by side with Laurent during his residency and he was also his mentor. The other doctor is the current medical director of cardiology, Dr. Lance Clement. He gives them both a friendly smile as he walks over to shake their hands then they begin to converse...

Laurent: *smile* "What brings you two here to see me"?

Dr. Chalamet: *smile* "Dr. Clement has some news and since you and I have worked side by side for many years he asked me to be present when he shares it".

Still smiling Laurent looks over at Dr. Clement and waits for this announcement...

Dr. Clement: *smile* "I'm retiring which of course means the medical director position will be open, and you are up for consideration".

Laurent: *smile* "Seriously"?

Lance: *smile* "Yes. You have been a stellar cardiologist and so many of your patients always leave such wonderful reviews of you".

Laurent: *smile* "Wow. I'm honored. Thank you".

Dr. Clement: *smile* "You're very welcome. Now as you may have guessed, it isn't as easy as just promoting you. I would like to have a business dinner so we can discuss the position and I would also like to get your insight as to why you believe you will be the best for the job. If possible, I would like to have this dinner Friday evening at the Benoit or Le Petit Marcel. Whichever is available".

Laurent: *smile* "Great. I'll have my nurse call both and see which restaurant can secure a reservation".

Dr. Clement: *smile* "Good deal".

He extends his hand to give Laurent a firm handshake. Dr. Chalamet does as well then they both turn to leave the office. Laurent follows because his nurse, who also handles all of his administrative things such as setting appointments, sits outside of his office. He tells her the good news in which she smiles and congratulates him. He then asks her to call the requested restaurants to inquire about a reservation. She replies, "right away doctor" so Laurent thanks her and immediately goes back in his office and heads over to his desk because there's someone he has to call and share the possibility of getting a position that will double his already lucrative salary, but first his office phone rings and since his nurse is making calls he takes this one. It's one of his patients though she isn't calling to make an appointment, rather, she asks him questions which he answers promptly and thoroughly. Afterwards, she thanks him in which he replies accordingly and told her not to hesitate to call back if she has any further questions. He places the phone back on the receiver and is about to pick up his cell phone for the call he's been anxious to make when his nurse knocks on his door. He tells her to come in thinking she was successful in securing a reservation, but instead he's told that both restaurants don't have any available times. She then asks if she can call another place. He thinks about it briefly then declines because he has an idea so he just thanks her then she goes back to her desk. He picks up his phone to FaceTime Larry. A smile cascades across his face as he hits the button he labeled, "my love". When Larry answers Laurent doesn't see his face right away. Instead, he sees that gorgeous fro slowly rising to the top and he just laughs because this is Larry being his adorable, playful self. When Larry is finally on screen so is that gorgeous smile...