All of a sudden, it occurs to me exactly what his angle might be, and it has me forgetting all about breakfast. “Did he?”
“Said you were the best protégé he’s ever had. That you were destined for great things. And your goal was to work in cardiothoracic surgery. He said it’s all you ever talked about in your time overseas. Is that still your plan?”
Okay, now I’m getting excited. “Yes, sir.”
“Well, then, I think we might be able to help each other out. You see, our incoming cardiothoracic fellow had to pull out at the last minute. Personal reasons. So I’m finding myself without one. And your name has made it to the top of my list.” He chuckles loudly. “In fact, it’s theonlyname on my list.”
“Sir?” I’m confused. Surely this guy isn’t offering me a job sight unseen. “Are you asking me to come for an interview?”
My elation turns to trepidation. Because surely Lance didn’t tell him the entire story—that I’ve still not gotten my memory back. No way would this guy offer me the job if he knew it. I’m not stupid. I know the only reason I’m even working as a doctor is because I’m working in Calloway Creek. A small town where everyone knows me, and probably pities me.
“No, Dr. Criss. I’m flat out offering you the fellowship. Lance is not only a physician who has earned my utmost respect, he also happens to be my brother-in-law. I’m married to his sister, Kathy, a detail I’ve been told you may not remember.”
My emotions are all over the place as excitement creeps back in. Because he knows.
“So you’re aware of my situation then?”
“I am. So what do you say, doctor? Want to help this chief of surgery out of a bind?”
My heart races. It’s everything I’ve dreamed of. And it’s happening. Even if it took one very huge favor from a friend I have exactly zero recollection of. And it brings on an emotion I’ve never felt before. Pride. For the doctor I once was.
“I… I don’t know what to say.”
“I’m hoping you’ll say yes.” He laughs heartily. “But as I’ve just realized I completely failed to mention what hospital I work in, I suppose you should start by asking that.”
“Sir, you’ve just offered me the holy grail, so I’m not sure I even care.”
“All the same. I’m calling you from Grady Memorial.”
My stomach twists in knots. I told Lance I was only looking for jobs within commuting distance, figuring if he did do anything on my behalf, he’d keep that in mind. I close my eyes and lean against the counter in defeat. “Atlanta?”
“That’s the one. How soon can you start?”
“Dr. Malone…” I blow out a huge sigh, because I can’t believe what I’m about to say. “I appreciate the offer, I’m just not sure I can?—”
“I know what you’re going to say. Lance tells me you have a baby on the way. We’re happy to schedule around that and give you the time you need to relocate.”
“It’s not just that, sir. My wife runs a business here. I’m not sure I could bring myself to drag her away.”
“Hmmm,” he grumbles, like he’s surprised I’m not jumping all over the opportunity. “Well, that is something to think about. Discuss it with her. I’ll have my assistant email you the offer. Hopefully it’ll be one you feel you can’t refuse. We could use a doctor with your drive and field experience, Trevor. Atlanta on a Saturday night can be quite the combat zone.” I hear voices in the background. “I’m sorry to have to cut this conversation short, but I’m being paged to the OR. We can speak more about it later if you have questions.”
I know he has to go, so I don’t draw it out any further. “Thanks for the call, Dr. Malone.”
The line goes dead, and I stare at the phone, not quite believing what just happened. That I’ve just been offered the job of a lifetime.
One I know I can’t accept.
A noise has me looking up. Ava is standing in the doorway, wrapped in a towel, looking like she never quite made it to the shower. And she looks pensive, staring at my phone on the counter like she heard every goddamn word.
She shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot. “I, um… was coming to ask you to put blueberries in the pancakes.”
I sigh. Yeah, she heard alright.
She walks into the room looking both happy and sad at the same time. Working herself between me and the counter, she puts a gentle hand on my chest. “I’m so proud of you. I hope you know that.”
“Thanks, babe.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “I’m sure other opportunities like this one will turn up sooner or later. Ones closer to home.”
I hear myself saying the words, but I’m not sure I believe them.
