Call Your Girlfriend

Part 30: In Which Work Is Sweet

Walking into work this morning, I can't stop smiling at the thought of seeing Max. I'll be honest- I've never been excited to go to work. It's just a job- a job I love, but nonetheless. Making it halfway across the atrium, I hear him.

"Dr. Helen Sharpe!" I look down at my phone 7:45 exactly. Always on time. I stop and watch him jog over to me with coffee and as he hands it to me, he pecks my cheek. "Good morning!"

I blush and look around to see if anyone saw that. I mean you'd have to be deaf and blind not to know something is happening. I smile and we both start heading towards the elevators.

"Good morning! I'm happy to say you made it to 50!" I sip my coffee and he stays close to me.

"Wow, I thought I was only at 89. You never really tell me where I'm at. For all I know- I could've been done a while ago and you are just keeping me going for the free coffee."

"Haha, when have I ever lied to you and why would I want free coffee from Pain de Vie, when I could so easily make my espresso at home?" We get in the elevator and it's empty.

"Because seeing me is the best part of your day."

"Well, you're not wrong." I tug on his shirt to bring him down just a bit so I can kiss him. Right as I do, the doors open up and we separate and smile- standing at the back of the elevator now. He looks down at me and smirks. The people get off on 4 and we remain on.

"You look gorgeous by the way." My cheek burn and I have to look away from him. "Are you blushing?"

"No." I don't look at him. He turns my chin with his hand and smiles softly.

"Yes you are. You're so cute." He kisses my forehead and the elevator opens to my floor. He starts to head out and waits for me. I shake the tingles away and walk out of the elevator- making my face a bit more serious. He heads towards my office and as we turn the corner, Castro is turning the corner with a box of her stuff. I pretend I don't know what's a happen.

"Valentina? Where are you going?"

"I...I can't focus on my research here...so I'm resigning...effective immediately." She looks at Max and he has a small frown on his face.

"Oh...well- hopefully your research does well. Have a good time." She nods and looks at Max before leaving. I go to my office and Max comes in and closes the door. "You are a something else, you know."

"It was never going to get better for those patients she was overdosing to see the side effects." He states and I turn my head to the side.

"Who's going to be the new department head?" I ask. Honestly, I'll never get to see that title again. It'll probably go to Stauton or Nills.

"The board has to decide- even though I already have someone in mind." He walks over to me and moves a braid over my shoulder and kisses me softly.

"Stauton?" I watch him literally cringe and he pulls away slightly and shakes the gross feeling away.

"That is not funny. It's not."

"I thought it was." Shaking his head, he closes his eyes and then looks at me. I set my coffee and my purse down. He comes behind me and removes my tan jacket. Placing it on my chair, he pulls it out for me and I sit. Pushing me under my desk, he bends down and leaves another kiss on my lips.

"I'll see you at lunch?"

"Yes- maybe sooner if I get called to the E.D." He heads to the door and turns before leaving.

"Until then, gorgeous." I blush again and he smirks. "You are so cute today."

"Just go." I try to sound annoyed, but I find it so touching. Alone in my office, I open up my laptop and look through my emails. The one that catches my eye, I open right away.