Page 8 of Off the Wall

“You and Alex Linton were partners until recently, weren’tyou?” Dr. Hanson dabs at her lips with a napkin. “You know he covered some cases with me during my fellowship at Mercy General.”

“I did know that.” I bob my head. “Alex and I split the central region together for a few years,” I say. “He’s a good guy. Really knew his stuff. And his work ethic’s great.” I drop a strip of pizza crust onto my plate. “When our territory expanded, he pushed to stay with the hospitals in Worcester, and I agreed to move here to be our boots on the ground at Springs Memorial.”

Dr. Hanson takes a sip of water and eyes me across the table. “We might as well address the elephant in the room, then.”

“Alex is with Vortex now,” I say.

“Exactly.” She sets down her glass. “He already reached out, asking me to start using his stuff instead of yours.”

“I’m sure he did.”

“And we’re here tonight because you want to win my business.”

“I want toearnyour business,” I clarify.

Dr. Hanson nods, her mouth curving up. “I hate to be nosy, but you just spoke highly of Alex, so I have to ask. What exactly happened between you two?”

I take a beat, considering how much to reveal about our circumstances. The last thing I want is for Dr. Hanson to think I’m defensive. Or intimidated by Alex. Because I’m neither. “Vortex offered him a higher percentage than he was making with Powell,” I say. “And they guaranteed the increase for the next twelve months. That’s a hard offer to turn down.”

“I see.” Dr. Hanson presses her lips together. “Hello, higher salary. Goodbye, loyalty?”

Loyalty. Right.

My brain dredges up the memory of an engagement ringabandoned on my nightstand. The note beside the three-carat diamond had four words scrawled in a loopy cursive:

I’m so sorry, Cash.

I let my gaze slide back over to Nori. She glances up at the same time, locking eyes with me before looking away. Something pings in my chest.

A warning not to get too close.

“Did I strike a nerve?” Dr. Hanson asks.

“Absolutely not.” I shake off the moment, force up one edge of my mouth. “The truth is, Vortex was smart to snag Alex. I trained the guy. He’s excellent at what he does.”

“That’s awfully generous of you.”

“I’m not so generous.” My lip quirks. “Alex is excellent, but I’m better.”

At this, Dr. Hanson chuckles. “Good for you.”

“The way I see it, Alex made his choice. Just like I made mine when Vortex tried to sign me.”

“Really?” Dr. Hanson picks up a garlic roll and adds another dollop of butter to it. “What made you turn them down?”

“The money was tempting, I’ll admit. Obviously the money tempted Alex. But the guarantee is temporary,” I say. “What’s permanent is the fact that Powell’s systems are superior to most of the stuff Vortex has to offer.”

“All right, then.” Dr. Hanson leans back in her chair. “Tell me why.”

Over the next twenty minutes, I take her through the advantages of our new vertebral system, sharing anecdotes of specific patients and actual surgeries. Then I get to the part where I offer her the only thing I can actually guarantee: My service.

“I could quote you more statistics,” I continue, “but honestly, I’d rather show you in person just how?—”

“Sold.” Dr. Hanson lifts a hand, cutting me off. “I’ll tell my PA to book a case at Springs Memorial with you this week.”

“That’s great, Dr. Hanson. You’re really going to love our systems.”

“I’m sure I will.” She cocks her head. “But now that we’ve gotten that bit of work out of the way, tell me why you can’t keep your eyes off that pretty brunette.”

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