When we reach Bernie’s office in the executive wing, Heather and Bernie are waiting for me. They look surprised to see Alexandra.
“Bernie, Heather, thanks for making the time,” I say. “This is my assistant, Alexandra Parker. She’s going to be joining us.”
“Sure. Of course.” Bernie gives Alexandra a curious look as he ushers us into his office.
His office is at least double the size of mine, and there’s a conference table on one side with seating for six. I sit next to Alexandra, and Heather and Bernie face us.
“So,” Bernie says. “You mentioned there was a personal matter . . .”
“Has there been an issue with Alexandra’s work?” Heather asks. “Because she’s still within her probationary period, so if you’re unhappy?—”
“No,” I say quickly. There’s no point dragging this out longer than necessary. “Actually, I would like to date Alexandra. Andwe’re aware of the hospital policy on employee relationships, so we wanted to disclose it to you immediately.”
The room falls silent. Bernie blinks, and Heather stares at me slack-jawed.
Bernie finds his voice first. “You would like todateMiss Parker,” he repeats, as though he can’t quite believe his ears. “You mean . . . like a romantic relationship?”
“Yes.” I really hope he doesn’t make me spell it out further. Bernie’s in his mid-sixties, and I’m pretty sure he’s been married for decades. The last time he dated, it was probably called courtship. This feels a bit like talking about your love life with your grandfather.
Although Bernie’s probably actually around my father’s age.
Shit. Does Alexandra think I’m old? I’m pretty sure she’s twenty-six, and I’m thirty-four. Which isn’t an awful age difference, I don’t think. But maybe she does?
But it doesn’t matter, because we’re just pretending.
“That’s great,” Bernie says with a big smile.
Heather Larkin finds her voice. “Have you started dating already? Has there been any physical intimacy?”
Have I mentioned that I don’t like Heather Larkin?
“No. No physical intimacy,” I say firmly. “We’ve played tennis together once, but we didn’t touch each other.”
Fuck, that came out wrong. Fortunately, Heather and Bernie don’t seem to have noticed, but Alexandra’s eyes widen. She squirms in her chair a little, and her thigh brushes mine.
I shift my leg away from hers. It’s really hot in here; I need to get this done and get out of here.
Heather Larkin has lipstick on her teeth. I try to focus on that, rather than the fact that Alexandra’s leg is an inch away from mine.
And Alexandra has bedroom hair. I bet it would feel like silk in my fingers . . .
“And Alexandra,” Heather says. “Are you interested in dating Dr. Malone? Because there’s a power differential here, and we need to confirm that you’re not feeling pressured or coerced.”
I really don’t like Heather Larkin. I also hate that she’s absolutely right to ask the question.
But Alexandra rises to the occasion. “Yes, of course I’d like to date Dr. Malone,” she says calmly. “I’m not feeling pressured at all.”
Bernie beams at us. “Well, this is great news.”
Alexandra nods, and I can tell she’s a little surprised by Bernie’s reaction. He’s behaving like a father whose socially awkward son (me), has announced he’s found a girl to date. To make things even better, the girl has just confirmed that she’s willing.
“And it sounds like you’ve behaved very responsibly so far,” Bernie continues.
I need to cut this off before Bernie decides to give us a safe sex talk.
“We’ve certainly tried, Bernie,” I say. “Heather, I imagine Alexandra will need to be reassigned to work with someone else? As you’ve pointed out, she’s still on probation, but I’ve promised this won’t adversely affect her career.”
“Of course,” Heather says with a smile. “I originally thought Alexandra might work for me, I just thought your need was greater.” She turns to Alexandra. “Starting tomorrow, you’ll report to me directly.”
