Right As Rain (Complete)

Chapter 9

Maelee

I run the paved paths lined with palm trees and expensive houses, thinking about where I am, and everything that got me here. I don't regret my decision to move to California, nor do I regret following the excruciating path to trauma surgery. Medicine has provided me with experience beyond what I expected. Experience in faith, experience in love, experience in life. None of those experiences have prepared me for Hudson.

As my feet pound the pavement, the sun starts to feel hot on my skin. I don't know how long I've been running, exactly; but the reddening on my arms tells me it's been a while. My plan to run off my stinging imagination the same way I run off my double cheeseburgers and pie has failed miserably. I'm a doctor. A GOOD doctor. Contemplating a life where Hudson and I could actually be something isn't rational. They should probably strip my license for even considering such a thing.

At 14:17, I walk back through the doors of the hospital and mentally prepare for Noah's press conference. In approximately fifteen minutes I will find out, first hand, how harsh the media can be.

Ryan and Jack are waiting for me when I enter the boardroom. James and his sneer are present as well. Wonderful. I still can't believe he seriously insinuated I became a doctor to be famous. I could have saved myself several years of school, medical training, and sleepless nights if fame were my goal.

"You clean up nice," Jack says.

My current appearance is definitely an upgrade from this morning. I replaced my scrubs with a simple black button down, tucked into a red pencil skirt. My tennis shoes were tossed aside in favor of black heels and the bright white, neatly pressed lab coat from my closet at home was painfully selected over the favorite, worn, dingy lab coat hanging in my office. Though I prefer scrubs and tennis shoes, heels make me feel more powerful. Which is good, because today I'm going to need all the power I can get.

Everyone stands from the table and my heart rate significantly increases. This is happening.

"There is a podium set up out front," Ryan tells me. "We will walk out together and I will introduce you. I have your statement right here and will leave it on the podium for you to read from." He shows me the paper in his hand. "We have closed the floor to questions but brace yourself; you will probably get some anyway. Don't feel like you have to answer."

We are mere minutes from a potential media uproar. I mumble a nervous "okay." The calamity surrounding Noah and Hudson is insane. I've faced the press on multiple occasions with Jessica. But this is different. Today, I'm the one addressing them. I'm the one they will be listening to. I'm the one they will be taking pictures of.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Jack asks, his face soft, concerned, and cautious. "It's not too late to back out."

I glance down at my watch. 14:22. Exactly twenty-four hours ago, Noah hit the ground. My heart clenches slightly, a response I didn't feel yesterday. The hours I've spent treating and getting to know him have been illuminating. He's no longer a person on the radio; he's a person I genuinely care for. I feel protective of him and like any other patient, I want what is best for him.

And Jack wants the best for everyone. Even me. He's giving me a final chance to remove myself from this and the high probability of a harmful media attack, before it begins.

I'm nervous, but my voice comes out clear. "I'm sure," I tell him. "This is best for Noah."

James rolls his eyes as if my inability to back out were obvious. I hate him. I don't hate many people, but I hate him.