While Oscar was staring at his desk he decided that he needed to talk this over with someone, someone he trusted and could count on to give him straight advice. He put on his suit jacket and left the office.
It was after 5:00pm and Jaime was working in her office having just concluded her last appointment for the day. Jaime enjoyed being a therapist even more then she had enjoyed teaching. She really felt that she was making a difference in people's lives. Jaime heard the car pull up in the driveway and the car door shut. She instantly knew who coming by the sounds of his footfalls on the pavement. Jaime smiled as Oscar walked into the office. She always enjoyed visiting with Oscar. Weather it was lunch or a quick dinner at the end of the day spending time with him was always a pleasure and helped her unwind after a long day seeing patients.
"Well, hello there Dr. Summers." Oscar stated as he bent down and kissed her on the cheek.
"Hi Oscar," Jamie replied.
"Just thought I would stop by and see if you might be interested in having a little dinner with me, I have something I want to talk with you about."
"Not if its another assignment this month Oscar." "I have to much work to do and far to many patients the rest of the week…"
"Hold on Babe, its not an assignment, I need some advise about something that's all."
Jaime relaxed hearing that he did not have an assignment for her but her curiosity was peeked. "What do you need advise about?" "What's going on?"
Oscar had wanted to wait until after dinner to get into it but now was as good a time as any.
"The Secretary informed me today that he is retiring in a few weeks and needs to give the president his recommendation for his replacement."
"Wow Oscar, the Secretary is retiring after all these years." "Did he say who his replacement would be?"
Oscar looked at the floor and rubbed his chin as he stated, "Yes, he told me."
Jaime did not understand at first why Oscar was being evasive. "Well, who is it Oscar?"
Oscar looked deep into Jaime's eyes, raised his left eyebrow and tilted his head a little. It took a second for it to register but then Jaime understood what Oscar was trying to tell her. "Oh my god, YOU." " He's recommending you to replace him, isn't he?"
Oscar gave her a little half smile and confirmed her statement by saying "Yes, he wants to recommend me for the job."
Jaime jumped out of her chair and threw her arms around Oscar's neck giving him and big hug and a kiss on the lips. "That's fantastic Oscar, I am so proud of you." "You must be so excited." "The Secretary of Defense." "What an accomplishment!" It was then that Jaime saw the pained look on his face that was clearly not excitement or pleasure. She then realized that Oscar was conflicted over this and that was what he needed to talk to her about. She withdrew her arms from around his neck and looked into his eyes. "You don't want to leave the OSI, do you?" Oscar shook his head from side to side and then sank down on her office sofa. Jaime pulled her desk chair around to sit in front of Oscar. Jaime placed her hands on his knees and bent forward. "How long do you have before you have to give him your answer?" "Two days," Oscar replied. Jaime sat back and looked at her friend. She knew what the OSI meant to him and what he had worked so hard for all these years. She also knew that being appointed The Secretary of Defense would be a major accomplishment in Oscars career and he deserved it.
"What should I do, Babe?" Oscar asked her quietly.
"I understand how you feel Oscar but I honestly think that you should accept the position." "You would still be in charge of the OSI and still have control over how it operates." "You could pick the right person to replace you." Oscar listened to what Jaime was saying and nodded his head in agreement.
"If you don't take it then someone else will become the Secretary of Defense and you will have to take orders from that person." "You will have less control over what happens to the OSI if that happens." "Hansen or someone worse could get the job, think of that."
Oscar waited for her to finish then stated, "I know, I have gone over this a thousand times in my head." "I know I should accept the position and all the reasons behind it." Oscar looked Jaime in the eyes. "I guess one of the main reasons I am afraid of taking the job is losing you."
Jaime was startled "Loosing me?" "What do you mean?" "How would taking the Secretary's job make you loose me?"
"I wouldn't be your boss any more," Oscar replied. "I am afraid of having someone else take over my position and….well, my place with you."
Oscar looked away and down at the floor.
Jaime was quiet for a moment "Oscar, no one could ever take your place with me." "Your place with me is not as my boss but as one of my best friends, someone I love and who loves me back." "No one else is ever going to replace you." Jaime rubbed Oscar's knee with her hand until he looked back up at her. "Our relationship is not going to change just because you change job titles." "You should accept the job Oscar."
Oscar nodded his head and sighed his resignation to the fact that she had helped him make up his mind. He would accept the position and become the new Secretary of Defense. Oscar took her hand in his. "Well it looks like I will need a date for my swearing in ceremony." "What do you say, want to go to a boring party at the White House with me?"
Jaime leaned in and kissed him on the cheek saying, "I am very proud of you Oscar." "Or should I say Mr. Secretary?" Oscar gave her a little smile and excused himself to return to his office and call The Secretary with his answer
