If I Have To

One Little Bird

New York, New York
June 3rd

Kasey L.

I entered the office of Mount Sinai Hospital owner, Cory Jones. He had me come all the way over here so we could talk about work. A phone call would have been better as it was damn near a hundred degrees outside and his office was double that. But I came anyway to see what the deal with. It obviously was something important since him and the medical director, Geoffrey, were here. As I made my way to the chair, I thought of what I could have possible done to be here.

"Thank you for joining us on such short notice." Cory Jones spoke first.

I nodded, looking from him to Geoffrey. "Yeah. Is everything is alright?" I questioned.

"Everything is fine. How's your father?"

This was what I dislike. The prolonging of information using small talk. The only reason people come to Cory Jones office is for trouble, such as a firing or harassment complaint. I'm rarely around coworkers so a harassment complaint is unbelievable. I damn sure wasn't getting fired so I doubt I was here for that as well. Those were the only two reasons I came up with and Cory Jones wasn't helping with my racing mind with irrelevant questions.

"My father is fine. Are you going to fire me or something? Why am I here?" I got straight to the point. I was getting hot by sitting here, it felt like my body was sticking to the chair. As badly as I loved the heat, this was too much for me.

"No, we're not firing you." Cory scrunched up his face. I blew out a relieved breath and was able to relax now that I wasn't being fired. Not that it made sense anyway. I've done more at this job than other people who've been here longer. Cory would be a fool to fire me.

"Alright, so why am I here then?" I questioned in confusion.

Cory Jones raised from his seat and walked to the front of the desk, leaning on it. "Geoffrey is leaving in two weeks and we need to find someone for his position. After the training and the perfect score from your tests, I'd like to offer you the position of being our new medical director for the trauma department." He told me.

My eyebrows arched and my attention went from Cory to Geoffrey. "Seriously?"

Cory nodded. "Yes, seriously. I find that you're the best for the position. It may require longer hours and more work, however, you're getting better benefits and more respect. Not that respect is a concern for you." He addressed which was the truth. Everyone in all departments of the hospital respect me, even the ones I didn't know all too well.

"Respect is only one aspect of the job though." Geoffrey chimed in. He was far from amused about this discussion. I assumed he didn't want me to take his position. It made sense.

"I'm sure it is, yet respect plays a big part of being a director." I said, Geoffrey scoffing.

"There's a multitude of responsibilities for the job, nonetheless, I'd like for you to become our new director, Kasey. You're perfect for the position. What do you say?" Cory asked, holding his hands out.

I took a minute to think it over. Being a medical director put me higher up than my peers. Higher than being a team lead as what I was now. I would still do surgery here or there but it was mainly managing, paperwork, and overseeing the department as a whole. I didn't mind having a job like that. That meant more money in my pockets and even more gifts and trips for Xena. I know she wasn't the materialistic type but I always saw how elated she was when I gave her things.