I’m not sure I’m hearing him correctly. “The… replacement? What happened to Hillary?”
“Yes! She’s retiring andyouare the best man to take her place.”
Something sharp curls in my gut. “That’s… generous, but I’m happy?—”
“Nonsense.” Jules cuts me off immediately. “It’s high time she passed on the mantle and I’ve already spoken to the rest ofthe Board. I know how you feel about these things, but look at you, Xander. So much of you is wasted in your current role. And I thought you would have doubts about accepting such a promotion, and there are still a few details to iron out with some other surgeons, which is why I’m making sure you take over as soon as she leaves until the position is officially filled.” He winks at me and grins as if there’s a chance I miss the implication.
He’s forcing me into this role, temporarily, in the hopes that I will end up becoming stuck and have no choice but to accept it officially.
“Jules, I appreciate the offer but I’m really not?—”
“Okay, listen.” He cuts me off once more. “Hillary is being fired, but we’re keeping it quiet. She’s had some ahem… drug abuse issues that are being handled, but the last thing this hospital needs is a scandal, so I’m afraid you have no choice. Unless you quit!” He laughs but cuts himself off abruptly. “Don’t do that.”
I need to turn it down.
I’m not suited for office work and paperwork.
I live for the operating table, but his mention of a scandal keeps me quiet.
Does Snow count?
She’s my patient and she works under me, never mind how much younger than me she is.
Does that count as a scandal?
Deep down, I know it does, but as soon as I acknowledge it, I excuse it.
Snow’s a friend and I’m helping her out.
And it’s just sex.
We’re not in a relationship, and we haven’t even slept together so I’m not breaking any real rules.
Nottechnically, at least.
“Sir—”
“I’m glad that’s sorted,” Jules says, picking up the phone. “There are some details to iron out, but I’ll be in touch when it’s time for you to step into your new role. Cheer up, Xander. This is great news!”
I leave the office in a daze, struggling to gather my thoughts.
Am I really the best for this role?
I’ve dreamed of being Chief before, but not for at least another ten years.
I live for the thrill and the fast-paced days in Trauma, not slow days dealing with the Board and more.
Snow isn’t an issue, though.
We’re not anything important, no matter how hard it was to leave her this morning without saying goodbye.
We’re just friends and I’m helping her through a tough time.
Simple.
It’s not so simple a few hours later when she calls me and my heart leaps like a giddy teenager.
“Snow? Is everything alright?”
