Page 16 of Moonshot

I give it one last attempt before I need to face the music. “I had to spend my lunch with Dr. Stark instead of you.” I try to make a silly gagging face, demonstrating my disgust at eating with smarmy Stark to lighten the mood. His shoulders seem to relax a bit, and I have renewed hope whatever’s bothering him is improving.

Lifting his hand, running it through his gorgeous artfully disheveled dark strands, he finally looks me in the eyes. “I’m sorry you weren’t feeling well. It’s good to see you too, Ava.”

“Ava, I had to add another patient to your caseload before lunch,” Dr. Stark rudely interrupts my long-awaited visit with Mick. I watch as his gaze bounces from me to Mick and back again. A look of irritation now notable on his stern face. “I’ll sign whatever Michael needs.”

My mouth drops open at this unwelcome change in events. I’ve waited a solid month to see this man, and this isn’t going at all how I planned. I spent an hour getting ready this morning, picking the perfect outfit. I’m finally recovering from the fact he didn’t immediately sweep me into his arms and kiss me like I’d been hoping. Instead, I take solace in getting him to finally speak to me only to have this asshole barge in and ruin everything.

“They’re patiently waiting for you in exam room three,” Dr. Stark interjects.

My eyes bounce from Dr. Stark to Mick, and frustration takes over. I feel defeated. Angry, disappointed, and defeated.

“Sure, Dr. Stark,” I say as I head toward the door. I need to face the music. This day isn’t going to end as I wanted. No sweet, brief interlude with my dream man. No phone numbers exchanged. Just more disappointment. Turning slightly, I let out a quiet, “Bye, Michael.” Unable to make eye contact with him before heading to room three.

I can’t let him see the tears I’m trying to push back. No one gets to see me hurt. I’ve at least got my pride. I made it abundantly clear how I felt. If there’s going to be anything beyond business with this traveling salesman, he better make it very clear next time or I’m done with these games.

CHAPTERNINE

Ava

“Ava, Dr. Stark just called. He asked if you could bring some more of his business cards to the OR,” Joanie states knowing every bit as much as I do, this is not really a question.

“I have a patient in ten minutes,” I respond dejectedly.

“I know. I told him that. He said you’d better make it quick then.” She scowls while repeating his usual ostentatious directive.

“Fine. I guess the brisk walk will do me good, right?” I’m trying desperately to maintain a positive outlook in spite of this despicable man. “I’ll head over and be right back. Could you make my apologies to Mr. Brown if I’m late?”

“Of course, Ava. Don’t rush. He’ll understand.”

I head into Dr. Stark’s office and grab a handful of cards from the holder at the corner of his desk. I’m not about to waste any time rummaging through his things looking for the box of cards. This should hold him until he gets back and can get more. Walking swiftly down the hallway to the stairwell, I fly down the two floors to the bottom, knowing I’d still be standing by the elevator doors otherwise. As I traverse the bustling corridor that leads to the surgical wing, I smile and wave at a few familiar faces.

“Hey, Ava. Long time no see.”

“Hey, Ryan. Yeah, I don’t get out of the office as much as I’d like. I had to bring Dr. Stark some business cards. I guess he gives them to family to contact him with any questions. Do you know what OR suite he’s scheduled to be entering?”

“Ah, let me look.”

I follow the tall, blond-haired surgical tech I’ve known for several years toward a large dry erase board that’s mounted on the wall. The various operating room suites are listed along with patient last names, times of surgery, the procedure to be performed, and the surgeon. As I’m looking for Dr. Stark’s name, I feel an odd presence to the right. Turning my head slowly, my eyes connect with a tall man dressed in scrubs and a blue surgical gown, all gloved and ready to enter his OR suite to begin a case. What is it about that guy that looks so familiar? Even from here, I can make out the deep blue eyes. Not much else is visible past the mask and surgical cap he’s wearing. It’s odd, really. This isn’t some quick look to check out someone new in the hallway. His gaze is penetrating.

“Did you hear me, Ava?”

“Um, what?”

“I said Dr. Stark is in OR 4.”

“Oh, okay. Thanks, Ryan.”

Looking back over my shoulder before heading toward Dr. Stark’s surgical suite, I notice the unknown surgeon must’ve entered to begin his case as there’s no one standing by the sinks any longer. Shrugging my shoulders at the odd encounter, I head in the direction of my nemesis.

Lifting the business cards from my pocket, I realize the card Michael had left is sitting on top. Joanie had given it to me after he left last week with a mischievous look in her eye. Grinning at the hope things could be back on track between us, I pop it back into my lab coat and make a mental note to place it in my purse when I return to the office.

* * *

“Hey, Joanie. I got back as fast as I could.”

“You’re fine, Ava. Mr. Brown was late himself. Bonnie just took him back to the exam room. Take a minute to catch your breath. I don’t want you wearing yourself out. We have a game to get to tonight.”

I perk up a bit at this, having almost forgotten due to my chaotic morning. “Oh, I can’t wait, Joanie. Who knew I’d get so excited about a baseball game? I simply haven’t done anything fun in a while, beyond dinner and drinks with friends. I’m so thankful you guys included me.”

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