Divorced! Now what?

Chapter 40

Bethany POV



My day has started about the same as the last few. A swim, breakfast with Theo, walking to work, and discussing what was planned for the weekend. My Dad was looking forward to meeting Theo's dad and having someone else with whom to share his passion for sports. Dad also needs someone to be friends with. He only knows his workmates; having someone outside of work, not just me, would be good for him. I got the feeling that Theo had forgotten but covered it up quickly. I did not mind if he did not show up, but it would disappoint my Dad.

We arrived at work at seven. Theo headed off for some quick ward rounds, and I went to see Mr Green. He was in isolation in my section, getting ready for the new heart on Monday. He did not like being kept in that room over the weekend but understood it was to give him the best chance of not rejecting the heart. I let him have his laptop and other work materials, hoping none held any bugs. I did spray the computer and wipe the paperwork, but sometimes I needed more.

'Good morning, Mr. Green. Did you sleep well?' I asked as I looked at his chart and then checked the IV line.

'Almost as good as my own bed.' He chuckled and waited for me to finish looking him over.

'You are looking good, better than I expected, considering it was not long ago we had you on the table.

'Yeah, I did not think you would want to touch me for a few months, so the chest had to heal up.'

'I understand, and normally I would agree, but I am worried you won't hang around for me.' He coughed, and I knew he was not doing as well as he tried to appear. The fluid was building up in his lungs, and that was not a good sign. I added some more medicine to his chart for his cough and hoped to dry some of it before Monday.

'You need something before I go.' I looked at him expectantly, but he shook his head no and returned to his laptop.

The interviews would start at eight. I headed to the room we had set up for them. They were given half an hour each to show what they thought was best, and I was the one to make that decision. They were aware of being ready for a second interview if I liked what they had shown me in the half-hour. They would get a second bite at a chance to be our voice to the people and would need to give us more on the same day. 

I sat in the middle of the table, Robson to my right and Theo to my left. The first marketing representative will be sent in shortly. An admin lady sat at a desk outside the door and would send each one in as we requested. It was then up to the representative to decide if they hung around or left and came back; it was going to be a long day for most of us.

The first to enter was a young woman, dressed in a pin-striped pantsuit and looking neat and tidy. She introduced herself, handed us a folder each, and then went through her speech. I thanked her, and she left. Not once did I falter with her presentation. I liked that about her, and on a paper sheet, I noted her presentation's pros and cons. 

The next was an older man, obviously confident in his work and quick and precise about what his company would offer. The next two were men of equal standing, but none had been any better than the last.

Then, to my surprise, my twin sister walked in. She gave me the stink eye before introducing herself and handing out folders. Her top was too low, and I thought she was going to spill out of it when she bent to grab her own folder. I did not bother to listen to her presentation, as I knew I would not want to work with her. She left, giving her hips an extra sway, and turned to look at us before she left, or more to the point, she looked at Theo and winked. I did not bother looking at Theo to see his response; my stomach's contents were already wanting to be thrown up, and I had to grab my glass of water and take a large swallow before the next person walked in.

I was surprised when my sister walked in. I was floored when Bret walked in. His step faltered when he saw me before he placed a fake smile on his face. He gave a good presentation and was good at his job, but I would not be able to work with him, so both of those were out of the running.

The very last person to come in asked if he could use the projector, and he gave a PowerPoint presentation that actually contained more information than any of the others. Before he left, I had already made up my mind.

'Sir, can you have everything ready by tomorrow and give us a quick demo before you start putting it out to the public by Sunday?'

'Sure, but why so soon?' he looked a little shocked by this request. I was sure others had chatted about their presentation when they left the room.

'We are operating on Monday, so we would like a sight of what you would put out, and if it is good, then Sunday, I would like it to start running, preparing the world for the pending surgery.'

I can do that, in fact, if you give me a second.' He dug into his briefcase and pulled out a thumb drive. He plugged it in, and soon, on the overhead screen, came a sort of prelude to what he would do. I was impressed, and I got a silent thumbs-up from the others.

'Wow, do you usually come this prepared?' I asked with a chuckle.

'No, but I was so excited about this operation that I put something together for my Dad rather than for you. You see, my Dad is on the waiting list, and he would get a kick out of this. I am sure he would love to find out more. I did a little research on you and was impressed with what I found. You are a first-rate doctor, and the chance to work with you would be a dream come true. The work you are doing is personal to me.'

'You have the job, welcome to the team, get the contract to us, quickly finish the ads, and get back to us.'

'I can do that today and have everything to show you .... say three o'clock.'

'Good, we shall see you then. Mr Philips.'

He left with a huge smile on his face. Robson gave the task to the admin lady to tell the others they were not successful. The one we picked was by far the best.

When I left the room, Bret was waiting for me. He looked hesitant at first to approach me but must have made up his mind. As he came forward, he looked at the other two men before going back to me.

'Can we talk?' The look on his face told me this was not work-related talk.

'Sure, when would you be able to?

'How about meeting me at Dino's, and we can talk.'

'Sure. Seven o'clock.' I found out whether that was a good time. I left with Robson and Theo.

Chapter 41 - Divorced! Now what?