Coffee

Part Twenty-Five: I'm A Liar.

Gathering my stuff to leave for the day, I'm just about to head out when my office phone rings. Racing, I pick it up and it's none other than Dr. Charisma.

"Dr. Sharpe it's Panthaki. I got good news and good news for you."

"Alright?"

"First Max is eligible for the trial." Sighing, I'm less than pleased, but there's not much I can do about it.

"Perfect. I'm sure he'll be pleased to hear that." I say and I hear horns in the background.

"The second good news is that I'm on my way over to your office right now to drop off the necessary paperwork and pick up the cell samples."

"Oh, no. I can have it arranged for someone to pick those up." Last thing I want is to see him.

"Well, actually the paperwork is very important because there's a special envelope that has two tickets to see Lauren Hill at BAM." No. Fucking No! "Listen...I know I'm probably reading this wrong, but..."

"You are most definitely reading this wrong. The last thing I want is to go with you to any place that doesn't involve my patient. The very fact that you would so inappropriately and unprofessionally assume that I would be charmed by you when I am so happily involved with someone else- only lessens my enthusiasm about working with you for my patient." He goes quiet and I feel so frustrated right now. The nerve of him.

"Alright. I just thought it would be nice to get to know one another for work."

"You and I know quite enough about each other. Meaning we both know your intentions behind those tickets."

"So...should I just remove Max from the trial since you seem apprehensive about working with me." Is...is he blackmailing me? "I mean, my spots are valuable and if it's not gonna work out..."

"You listen here..."

"No, I think you should really listen closely: I have hundreds of people lined up for a position. Max is least of my worries, but I also know that when it comes to personal relationships- people will do anything to make sure their loved ones are happy and healthy."

"Are you threatening me?"

"No. I'm merely offering you an opportunity here."

"If your opportunity comes with the price of guilt and deceit and ruining a happy relationship- then I'm sorry to have wasted your time." I hang up and can feel my blood boiling. The nerve of him. The very thought of him blackmailing me into getting Max in his trial is ridiculous.

My office door opens and Max comes in- he looks tired, but happy to say the least.

"Hey...there you are." Charging up to him, I wrap my arms around him and hold him close after feeling accosted by Akash. He kisses my forehead and rubs his hands up and down my back. "How is she?"

"She passed. She's in surgery right now." Resting my head against his chest, I listen to his heart beat in his chest. "Any news?"

"Um..." What do I tell him? That I ruined his chances because Akash is an arsehole? "Well...you are eligible."

Smiling widely, he holds me tighter and twists from side to side slightly. Kissing my lips several times, I'm about to break his spirit.

"This is great! Thank you! Mmm, you are amazing. I know you aren't thrilled about it, but..."

"It's not happening though..." I interrupt his joyous burst. He stops and pulls back slightly and looks at me.

"What?! Why? You just said I was eligible. That means I can do it instead of Chemo and radiation..."