I straighten my bowtie. Check. Inspect my shoes to ensure no scuffmarks. Check. I fasten my cufflinks. "My birthday present from Bella." Double Check.
My eyes wander and land on the top of the dresser, and I smile widely.
I run a hand through my hair, and reach for my jacket.
I turn to the mirror for a final check and stare at the reflection of the man staring back at me; tailored Armani suit and Gucci patent leather Oxfords, a new light in his eyes that had not been evidenced in many years, and I think about how far I've come since I graduated, how I had always dreamed of this. And inevitably, I remember the painful and sordid intervening years. I'd lost so much in that time, including my moral compass. But I'm different now; no longer do I see the murkiness of self-loathing, misplaced anger and hopelessness. I see hope and determination, and I smile as I think of the woman who helped me to find my way out of that dark period. I shake my head slightly to bring myself back to the present.
And to think I worried that I wouldn't get this promotion. Who am I kidding?I was shaking in my scrubs just before finding out.
"Doctor Masen, Doctor Doyle will see you now." She says expressionlessly.
We stop at the entrance of a door, left slightly ajar. She smiles and turns to walk away.
Fuck! Here goes nothing.
I take a moment to compose myself, run my hands over my face and then smooth them down my scrubs. Bella would swear that these were signs of my being nervous. A quirk, she would call it, damn her perceptiveness!
I still my nerves and tap lightly on the door before I enter. He looks up briefly, and seeing me, gets up from his seat, hand extended.
"Good afternoon, Doctor Masen. Thank you for arriving so promptly."
"Good afternoon. Things have settled down a bit, so I was able to leave on time."
"Things running to schedule in an ER?" He laughs lightly then looks down and rifles through a folder on his desk. My knee begins to bounce.
Fuck! I can't read anyone around this place. Goddamned poker faces!
I wait with bated breath for him to say something, anything; but he just flips idly through the folder.
I discreetly crane my neck to see what he's reading, but it's impossible to read from this angle.
"You've made quite an impression on me, and the other Board members. You're an exceptional surgeon, Doctor Masen; arguably the best at St. Luc's and amongst the best in the state…."
He pauses dramatically as he stares at me over the rim of his glasses.
"Although, we were somewhat concerned about the allegations of your extracurricular activities."
I swallow hard and nod without speaking.
"As you know, we can't legislate for non-fraternization between staff members. Many of our employees have found his or her significant other in this hospital, and we do not wish to stand in the way of people's happiness. In this very stressful environment, being happy is paramount to good performance. I'm sure you're aware that any type of scandal can have a disastrous effect on the reputation of St. Luc's and negatively impact on the morale of staff. I don't wish to delve into your personal life, but I'm sure you understand exactly what I'm saying. I hope that we never have to revisit this discussion again, Doctor Masen. "
"Um…no," my voice cracks, and I clear my throat, "no, you don't, Doctor Doyle. I'm fully aware, and I understand." I move to stand, realizing that this is the end of the meeting, and that he's reached an obvious decision. He motions for me to remain seated.
"I don' care to know any of the details which have led to these allegations. What I do know, is that St. Lucien's Chief of Surgery is expected to uphold the reputation of this hospital and that of the important office he holds. Your father has been an exemplary example of this."
I feel sick to the stomach at the thought of how badly I must compare with my dad. Now, I'm certain that my fate has been sealed. The job is Newton's.
He stands and extends his hand. I hastily get up to take his.
"Congratulations, Doctor Masen. I'm more than confident that you'll keep the tradition going."
My heart speeds, as I hold onto his palm in disbelief.
"I have the promotion?"
I grab my wallet, keys and the most important item from the dresser and secure them in my jacket pocket.
I look around for my cellphone just as it rings, and I rush to the bathroom to retrieve it.
Thinking that it must be Bella, I answer without checking the caller identity. "Hi beautiful, are you ready for me?"
A familiar male voice responds in an appalling imitation of a sultry female's.
"Hey, gorgeous. I'm so ready for you." He ends with a laugh.
"Very funny. Hey man, how are you?" I reply excitedly.
"I'm good. How are you? I hear you're the man in Chicago."
"Whatever," I laugh. "Hey, I got your text not too long ago. I've been meaning to respond, but I've just been so busy."
"Yeah, I heard; Chief of Surgery, huh?"
"Yes, how did you find out?"
"Mom and Dad told me. I'm just calling to say congrats. I know tonight's your big night, and I didn't want to just send a text."
"I appreciate that, man. We miss you around here. When are you coming home, or at least to visit?"
"Oh, you know, work keeps me bouncing around a lot, but I miss you guys too. I'll try and sneak in a visit around the Christmas holidays, until then, don't scare all the women off." He laughs, and I chuckle wryly.
"What's that laugh for? I know you're pretty much on the market now."
"Aunt Esme and Uncle Carlisle ratted me out about that too, I see."
"You just try and keep it in your pants, or at least wait until I get there, so we can go on the hunt together."
"I'll have to decline on that one. Contrary to what your parents, my dear sweet cousin and aunt think, I am completely off the market." I smile, thinking about the gorgeous woman in my life.
"Well, I can't wait to meet her. Tell Alice and Josh I said hello, and that I miss them, uncle E and Aunt Lizzie too. Oh, and tell Em and Jasper we have to have a guys' night when I visit."
"I will."
"Okay, congratulations again and enjoy your night, you deserve it. I have to get going, but I'll see you soon."
"All right and EC…"
"Yeah?"
"It was good to hear from you, man."
"You too, take care, big cousin."
I don't think this night could get any better. I'm being honored at St. Luc's annual banquet by the official announcement of my promotion made before all my peers and family. The woman of my dreams will be by my side, and one of my favorite people has just called, topping off my happiness.
.
.
.
"Have I told you how stunning you look tonight?" I lean over and whisper in her ear as we enter the banquet hall.
"Actually, you haven't."
"Well, that's only because I was robbed of speech by how staggeringly beautiful you looked when you opened the door. I've been in a near catatonic state ever since."
She looks like an ethereal goddessin her form-hugging, charcoal grey gown. Its embellishments of sparkling jewels appear to make her exotic colored eyes sparkle even more. And, dear God, don't even get me started on the slit that tantalizes with peeks at her long creamy legs as she moves; it's enough to make any man salivate. But as stunning as she looks in this dress, I can't wait until later to get her home and out of it.
"What are you thinking?" she whispers back, her arm linked with mine.
"Oh, nothing." She shoots me a skeptical mock-glare.
My family is already seated at our designated table near the presenter's podium.
I feel a bit overwhelmed as they hail our arrival with broad smiles and light clapping just as Bella and I reach the table. Josh jumps up excitedly to greet me. He's the epitome of a dapper little gentleman in his mini tuxedo, and the wide toothless grin he is sporting makes him look even cuter.
"Here he is…the man of the evening." Emmett announces and gets up to greet me with hug.
Colleagues and guests stop at our table to congratulate me throughout the night.
Things couldn't be more perfect. I'm surrounded by my loving family and about to be named as the new head of the surgical unit, at one of Illinois' most prestigious hospitals. Having Bella sitting beside me, rounds out the perfection of the night. I truly believe that this night would not have been possible, if it were not for her. She made me see the disastrous course my life was on and gave me hope that I could be the man I once dreamt of becoming. Tonight, I plan on showing her just how much she means to me, and how grateful I am to have her in my life.
I look up and notice Mike and Angela Newton's arrival. He doesn't look too happy, and Angela looks like a nervous wreck. I've no doubt that he's been hell to live with since learning that he lost out on the promotion; and losing to me must make an already bitter pill, even more unpalatable. Having to come to terms with me being his boss must be as loathsome to him as the thought of our roles being reversed was to me. He made his thoughts on the matter patently clear at our first encounter soon after my meeting with Doctor Doyle.
"Congratulations, Doctor Masen, I guess the best man won out," he says snidely as he extends his hand. I feel sure that he's making the gesture because a number of nearby colleagues are looking on with interest, no doubt looking for new grist for the gossip mill. They cannot, however, hear what is being said.
"Thank you, Doctor Newton. It really could have gone either way."
"Yeah." He rebuffs my courtesy and walks off.
I haven't told anyone the news yet, and I can't decide to call whether to call my family or Bella now or later. I decide to do so once I've changed and left work for the day. I head to the on-call room for a couple of moments of respite to process the joy I'm feeling right now. I haven't really had the time to let it all sink in yet.
I flop down onto the sofa and rest my head back.
"Chief of Surgery! Life is damned good."
"God help all of us at St. Luc's."
He's resting on the bed on the other side of the room. Although I did not expect him to be in here, his attitude comes as no surprise. I'm sure that if I were in his place, I would be feeling just as disappointed and perhaps a little bitter, but I'd like to think that I would have been more gracious about it.
"Don't be a sore loser, Mike. We all want what's best for St. Luc's."
"And that's you?" He sits up on the bed and studies me.
"The Board made their decision." I close my eyes, and lay my head back once more.
"They'll soon regret it. You're bound to screw it up. I'm actually shocked that the Board even considered you as a candidate with your reputation with the female staff."
"Ouch, Mike. Don't hold back now." I condescend, determined not to let him ruffle my feathers and get into a full-blown confrontation.
Fuck that!
"In fact, I'm surprised that they didn't look more closely into their own marriages, interrogate their own wives before considering you. Lord only knows, how many of them you've slept with."
"Now, Mike, that's disgusting. Half of those gentlemen's wives are old enough to be my mother." I feign indignation.
"As if you have standards, Masen." He rises from the bed and prepares to leave.
"Listen, Mike I get that you don't like me, but we'll have to learn to co-exist, now more than ever; I'll be your boss, after all." It's a cheap shot that I know will antagonize him, but who gives a shit? I'm the new Chief, and he'll just have to learn to deal with it.
My eyes follow as they make their way to their table. I try to get a read on the situation, but I realize that I really don't care. This is my night, and I won't let anyone ruin it.
"Is everything all right, Son?"
"Things couldn't be more perfect, Dad." I smile and reach for Bella's hand, giving it an affectionate squeeze.
A sense of bonhomie surrounds our table with plenty of laughter and good conversation being shared by all; even Rosalie and I are getting along. Imagine that. Josh is still loitering over his main meal, refusing to eat his vegetables when the wait staff starts serving dessert. His parents are insisting that he eat his greens before he can have any cake.
"But, I don't wike bwoccoli, Mommy…. Daddy," he whines turning to Jasper pleadingly.
"Hey buddy, if you eat your broccoli, Uncle Edward will let you hold his new plaque."
"What's a pwack?" He frowns.
"Forget it." I give up and shrug at Alice and Jasper, deciding to leave the problem to Josh's grandparents as my mom steps in to play the diplomat.
Doctor Doyle steps up to the podium and calls for everyone's attention.
"This is it." Bella leans over and whispers as she squeezes my arm.
"Good evening. I would like to thank you all for coming out tonight. I welcome the extended St. Luc's family and would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for contributing to our hospital's continued success. Not just our staff, but their partners and families as well, for supporting them to do an often, difficult job. Tonight, we not only celebrate everything that we as a team have accomplished over the past twelve months, we also celebrate the appointment of a new Chief of Surgery. The position is one of the most prestigious in the medical field, and St. Luc's has had many respectable and brilliant doctors hold the position. This time is no different, this doctor has had some astounding achievements in his career, and we're honored to have him take up the role."
I glance over to Mike's table, and he's literally seething with animosity. Angela leans over to whisper to him, but he shrugs her off with a glare.
"Without further delay, I would like to present St. Lucien's new Chief of Surgery, Doctor Edward Masen Junior."
Applause resounds throughout the room as guests stand and clap enthusiastically. I feel my face heat slightly as I stand and hug each member of my family, and finally, I kiss Bella softly on the lips and make my way to the podium. I have to navigate my way past the Newtons' table and can't help meeting Mike's gaze. He scowls at me darkly and turns to address the person on the other side of him.
"Congratulations again, Doctor Masen."
"Thank you." I clear my throat as I wait for everyone to be seated.
"Thank you all so much." While I wait for the applause to die down, I look over to see my parents beaming back at me. I realize that they are positively and without a doubt, proud of me, and that's all I've ever wanted. The feeling fills me with a warm glow.
"First, I'd like to thank Doctor Doyle and the members of the Board for showing confidence in me by appointing me to this very important role. I vow to honor and uphold the reputation, not only of the position that I now hold, but also that of St. Luc's, this fine hospital that we are all a part of. I would like to acknowledge and thank my predecessors for having established our enviable surgical reputation; theirs are big shoes to fill. I will do everything possible to ensure that their efforts are not wasted. To St. Luc's surgical team, I want to say how honored I am to be given the opportunity to lead you. I want to assure you that I'm dedicated to working closely with each of you to maintain and improve our track record. And to my family, who are here to support me not only tonight, but have done every day of my life, in everything that I do, I love you all very much. Thank you. Dad, if I am half as good a Chief as you were, I will have surpassed my dream."
I look over and see my nephew, practically bouncing for me to mention his name.
"Also, thank you to my nephew, Josh, for being my special buddy. And who, by the way, will not be getting any cake if he does not eat his vegetables." I watch his eyes widen, and he immediately ducks his head into Jasper's lap in embarrassment when the entire room laughs.
"And last, but not least, I want to thank a very special person who has helped me to see when no one else could, that I'm worthy of all the blessings that I have in my life. Thank you, Bella."
She's surprised, but she can't contain that bright, beautiful smile. It's become abundantly clear to me how deeply I feel for her. I love her. She's everything I want my world to be, bright, beautiful and full of life.
"I could stand here and talk all night, but I would rather you continue to enjoy the evening; dance, drink champagne, just enjoy. Thank you everyone."
My family swarms around with congratulations once more. I finally turn and realize that Bella's not here, and I immediately worry that it was too soon for me to have drawn attention to our relationship so publicly.
"Where's Bella?" No one seems to know the answer.
.
.
.
The banquet hall rings with applause as Edward leaves the stage. I've never seen him look so happy. He slowly navigates his way back to the table, graciously stopping to acknowledge congratulations and shake hands every step of the way. I take the opportunity to slip away quietly as I feel somewhat overwhelmed by his very public acknowledgement of our relationship and need to clear my head.
I dampen a paper towel and gently pat my face, as I try to regain my composure. I stare at the wide-eyed woman in the mirror, "What is wrong with me?"
I don't know why his announcement has created such an unbalance of emotion in me. I've tried to convince myself that it's not a big deal. But the truth is, that it is, he's acknowledged me to his peers, the people he works with, the entire Board of the hospital. To him it is a big deal,
He wanted everyone to know that I was special to him; he wanted me to know that I was special. I could tell by the way he looked at me as he spoke, just how deeply he felt. And I feel it too, so why am I panicking?
I finally concede. The man in my life has just announced to his family and everyone he knows and respects professionally that I'm a special part of his life. I should be as happy as he is right now. I am.
"I'm happy." I smile resolutely as I stare at myself in the mirror and prepare to return to Edward's side. I'm about to turn the door handle when I'm stopped a low, but clearly agitated argument.
The voices are muffled, but clear enough for me to discern what's being said. I release my hold on the handle, wanting to avoid an awkward meeting with the couple. I hope that they'll either resolve their dispute quickly or move it away from the entrance to the ladies room.
"God, I'm so sorry…I'm so sorry, I never meant to hurt you like this. Please forgive me," she pleads tearfully.
"You're disgusting, and I want nothing more to do with you! I suggest you leave and go home to pack up your belongings. I want you out the house by the end of the weekend!" An angry male responds.
I hear receding footsteps as someone storms off. I can still discern the sound of low sobs and consider, going out to see if I can help but sounds die down.
I push the door open cautiously and peek around it. The area, thankfully, is clear, I silently hope that they work things out.
"Hey…" Edward bumps into me as I turn the corner. "Where have you been? I've been looking all over."
"I had to use the ladies room. Is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine…well, I mean…is it?"
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"I just thought that…you left after my speech, and I thought I went too far."
He's as nervous about this as I am.
"I was a little surprised, but…."
"Wait, hold that thought." He grabs me by the hand and leads the way to the glass doors that lead onto the patio. Even this area has been elegantly dressed for the night's occasion, with twinkling lights, tubs of greenery and casual seating strategically placed.
"It'll be better if we discuss this out here in private."
He shuts the doors firmly and comes to stand in front of me. He looks deep into my eyes and my heart races in anticipation.
"As you were saying?"
"Oh, um…I was just going to say that I was a little surprised that you mentioned me so publicly."
"Did my doing that upset you?"
"No, no, it just caught me off guard, that's all."
"Good, I was afraid that I'd chased you away. Although, the way I feel about you shouldn't be news to you…or maybe it is…" His voice trails off as he nervously rubs the back of his neck. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper and hands it me.
"What's this?"
"It's the start of our future. That is, if you want one with me."
I unfold the paper; it doesn't take long for me to realize what it is. I look up to see him watching me intently.
"Your divorce is final."
"Yes."
"This is um…good news."
"Yes, it is, Bella. But, it becomes so much more than good news in that it paves the way for us to us have a future together. The possibility of that, takes what is good news to unbelievable news, and happiness I had never expected to find."
His words, spoken with such sincerity and the storm of emotions I see in his eyes stir something deep within me. He looks hopeful, nervous and afraid, an echo of everything I feel. I launch myself at him. We kiss passionately, forgetting that there are hundreds of people just beyond where we are, celebrating an event, which is partially in his honor.
"Is that a yes?" he murmurs against my lips.
"Yes, I'd like a future with you, Edward."
He gently cups my face and deepens the kiss.
"Well, isn't this cozy."
.
.
.
Leave it to Newton to put a damper on my happiness. I should have known that at some point this evening he would find an opportunity to mar a perfect occasion.
He's holding a drink in one hand and glaring at us belligerently.
"Do you have a problem, Mike?"
"I'll say. You know, I can't for the life of me, understand how guys like you always finish on top." He scratches his head mockingly. "I mean, here I am, a good, respectable man, who does everything by the book and never gets rewarded for it; and there you are, a jerk who lies and cheats his way to everything and gets it all."
"Sounds like jealousy to me, Mike, and I didn't lie or cheat my way to becoming a surgeon."
"Fuck you, Masen."
"Edward, let's just go. He's obviously upset about something."
"Wow, you even have my therapist defending you now! And I can't even believe the two of you are a couple! How the fuck did that happen, Doctor Swan? I mean, surely you know what kind of man you're dating?"
"Edward?" Bella ignores him and motions to me, but I don't budge. I've really had it with his attitude and now he's turning it on Bella.
"Don't fucking address her again, Mike. Whatever issue you have with me, you deal with me, but don't ever address her again."
"Oh, get off your white horse, Edward. She's not some damsel in distress. In fact, she's a highly recommended marriage therapist, although she couldn't manage to do shit with my marriage," he spits out acidly then swallows the contents in his glass in one gulp.
"I'm warning you, Mike."
"Tell me something, Doctor Swan. How long have you known that my wife was having an affair?"
My eyes dart between the pair of them, and Bella steps forward.
"I'm not at liberty to discuss any information that your wife may've given me during a private therapy session, Doctor Newton. You know that."
"Such a typical shrink thing to say, and what a fucking copout." He snorts.
"Actually, Doctor Newton, you should understand doctor-patient confidentiality. Or do you not adhere to this basic principal of our profession?"
"Don't compare what you do with what I do, Doctor Swan. I save people's lives, what exactly is it that you achieve again?"
"Alright, that's it." I move toward him, but Angela barges in, crying uncontrollably.
This is about to go from bad to worse.