“And what choice is that?”
“I’m going to become the CEO of Obsidian Hospital.”
The room went still. Sebastian stopped writing and looked up at me. “CEO?”
“Yes. I’m going to step back from my daily work in the operating room. I’ll still consult on the most difficult cases, but my main focus will be running the hospital.”
August stared at me in disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”
“I’m serious.”
“But why would you do that?” He sounded genuinely confused. “You love being a surgeon. You’re one of the best I’ve ever seen in an OR. Why would you ever give that up for a desk job?”
I didn't tell him that it was because Mireya’s career was being ruined by the power dynamic I created. I didn't say that becoming the CEO would make the ethics investigation irrelevant nor did I admit that I love her more than I loved my surgical career.
“I have my own personal reasons,” I said.
“Personal reasons don't make a man like you quit surgery. It has been your entire life since you were a teenager.”
“Things are different now, August.”
“What things have changed?”
“Important things.”
August leaned over the table. “This is about Mireya Rosen, isn't it?”
It wasn't a question, but I didn't offer an answer anyway. I didn't need to. Sebastian was already busy making notes on his pad.
“This transition will solve a lot of problems with the board,” Sebastian noted. “They have been looking for a clear leader since your father passed away. If you become the CEO, it fulfills that requirement.”
“How fast can we make this official?” I asked.
“It will take about two weeks for the paperwork and the restructuring.” He looked at me over his glasses. “Is there a reason for the rush?”
“There’s an ethics review happening right now,” I explained. “It involves a relationship between a doctor and a nurse. If I'm no longer her direct superior, the whole foundation of that review disappears.”
Sebastian nodded as he understood the strategy. “I see your point.”
“Will this stop the investigation?”
“It should. Those concerns are based on the workplace hierarchy. If you change the organization so that hierarchy no longer exists, there’s no reason for the review to continue.” He kept writing. “Both of you would be cleared once the change is permanent.”
I felt a massive wave of relief wash over me.
“Two weeks,” I said again.
“I can speed it up for you, at least a few days,” Sebastian confirmed.
“Thank you.”
August was still watching me closely. “Well, I suppose personal decisions are yours to make. ”
He adjusted his cufflinks slightly. “Just be certain you understand the consequences of what you’re choosing.”
“I'm taking on a responsibility that I should’ve accepted a long time ago. She's part of the reason, but she isn't the only one.”
August gave a small nod, as if the matter was settled. “I trust you’ll make the right decision.”
