The Elite Press (Complete)

Bloomberg

The holidays were finally over and everything was back to normal. Max's week began like every other.

Slade was gone and Brooke was packing for her Seattle interview and Max was working. Helping people. He tried not to think about Slade. He wouldn't be back.

The week dragged on until Wednesday, the new year was coming, and he knew that nothing was going to be new for him. He was charting in his office on his lunch break. He didn't have time today between patients. He was booked. His phone rang and he didn't recognize the number.

"Dr. Welch." Max watched his computer screen.

"Hello, Dr. Vanilla." Slade smiled.

"Oh! Slade. Hello." Max was shocked and wasn't getting anything else done. His hand froze on the mouse and he didn't move a muscle.

"Brooke gave me your number. I hope this is okay." Slade was a little worried.

"No. It's great." Max cleared his throat. "Fine."

"I, uh, had a favor to ask of you. Can I crash at your place until Brooke gets her shi... stuff figured out? It's stupid but we are still trying to work things out." Slade sighed.

"What's wrong with Brooke's place?" Max had to ask.

Slade smiled. "You aren't there." He sighed. "Sorry. I just...I don't feel right staying there while she's gone and it's just me and Bill. I don't know if he wants to entertain me. Is that okay?"

"It's fine. Yes. You are always welcome." Max closed his eyes.

"Thanks." Slade smiled. "I want to get you something for being so nice to me. Our next concert is in Bloomberg, two hours away. Come."

"I can't." Max sighed. He wanted to see Slade again, badly.

"Can too. I can get a backstage pass. It'll be fun. Come as my guest. Please." Slade had no idea what he was doing or why. He wanted to see Max. He found him very interesting. He dreamed about those blue eyes.

"When?" Max sighed. He didn't want to say no to Slade and he wanted to see him again.

"Two days. Friday night. Leave an hour early, Dr. Vanilla. Come on." Slade was begging. "Bring your boring ass here. Have some fun."

Max glared. "Watch it or I won't."

Slade smiled bigger. "Say your name at the ticket booth and they will get you to your seat."

"Right. What do I wear?" Max had no idea. He wore suits.

"Uh, jeans and a t-shirt. Normal clothes." Slade chuckled.

Max laughed. "I may have to shop!" Slade made fun of him but Max liked it. He hated to admit he was excited.

Max finished out his week and actually left the office earlier. He had to buy some jeans. He didn't own any and he was using his Christmas gift cards.

"So, who's the girl?" Alyssa smiled as she caught Max before he left the office. She was wearing different shades of orange today.

Max laughed. "No. I'm just taking off early to run an errand." He lied.

"Sure. An errand. I hope you have a great time, Max." Alyssa winked. "It's about time you found someone!" She smiled and went back to her crossword.

She never saw him leave early, in six years. He stayed late, even on Fridays. This week was different. He smiled and hummed down the hall. His physician's assistant, the PA, Carson Almond, even asked what was happening.

Max was going to argue and defend himself but he didn't want to waste the time. He was going to see Slade.

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