Page 114 of Doctor's Bossy Match
I hang up and stare at the phone, wondering if I should call Brant.
What do I say?
Do you want me to stay?Does this change anything?Did any of it mean anything to you, or was I the only one catching feelings?”
But Dad’s here, and even if he wasn’t, what’s the point?Brant and I agreed this was casual.
Calling him now would only make it harder.I tuck my phone in my pocket and head into the kitchen.
Everyone files into the meeting room.
The air is heavy with tension; only quiet whispering can be heard.No one’s saying anything outright, but I know what they’re speculating.I’ve kept my mouth shut, tight-lipped, chin up, pretending everything’s fine.
But it’s not.
Brant’s not here yet.
I sit two rows from the front, twisting my fingers together in my lap.Every time the door creaks open, I snap my head around like a desperate idiot.
It’s not him.
Again.
God, this is pathetic.I’m leaving.This is what we agreed on.
Then, finally, Brant walks in.
His eyes find mine across the room for half a second, unreadable, before he looks away and takes a seat.
My heart drops.I stare at the back of his head, trying not to.But I can’t help it.He won’t even look at me.He’s unusually still, eyes fixed forward.
When my dad steps to the front, he clears his throat.His voice slices through the low murmurs.
“Thank you all for coming,” he begins, nodding to the room.“I know we’ve taken some time to finalize this, and I appreciate your patience.The decision for Chief of Pediatrics wasn’t an easy one, not because we didn’t have worthy candidates, but because we had more than one.”
I glance around.Mason’s shoulders are tight, and his jaw is clenched.
“But one name kept rising to the top.”Dad continues.“Someone whose dedication to his patients and team, whose calm leadership under pressure, and whose tireless work ethic stood out, time and time again.I’m proud to announce that the position of Chief of Pediatrics will go to… Dr.Brant Harrison.”
Applause erupts around the room.
I barely hear it.
Brant rises slowly, and just before he moves toward the front, he looks over his shoulder at me.
I smile genuinely.My eyes sting, glassy with emotion.Pride swells in my chest.He deserves every bit of this.Seeing him stand there, hearing his name called, makes leaving just a little easier.
He’ll have his dream role to focus on.I’ll have… New York.The future I’ve been planning for years.
He shakes my dad’s hand, pulls him into a brief, respectful shoulder-pat, then steps forward to address the room.
“Thank you.This means more than I can say.I never expected this when I first came to Pulse Point Medical Center.I just wanted to be part of a good team.And I’ve been lucky; I’ve had a great one.”
His gaze drifts somewhere past the crowd, but not to me.
“And I know I push hard.I know I expect a lot, but it’s because this matters.Because you all matter.And the kids matter most.”He pauses, his eyes locking on mine, and there’s gratitude there.“Thank you.”
It hits me harder than I expect.Like he’s thanking me too.Even though he won this on his own merit.
