Bug groaned as he struggled with the cufflinks to his tuxedo. "This is ridiculous," he grumbled, trying to do up the clasps as he dressed in the trace lab.
"You're looking pretty handsome there, Doctor," Lily's voice echoed from the doorway behind him.
"Yeah, but these damn cufflinks…" he began, turning towards her voice. Bug stopped in his tracks, his jaw hanging open as he took a look at the woman before him. Lily was dressed in a very flattering black cocktail dress. Her hair was down, slightly curled and a string of classy pearls finished the ensemble. "Wow… Lily," Bug stuttered. "You look amazing."
Lily blushed lightly, brushing off the compliment. "Just a little something I pulled from the closet." She smiled sweetly.
"But…" Bug said, a little confused. "Why?"
"Lily Lebowski. Mild mannered grief counselor by day, medical gala escort by night," Lily joked, looking hopeful. "That is, if you'll take me…"
"I'll take, I'll take," Bug replied anxiously. He smiled his thanks before turning his attention back to his cufflinks. "If I can ever get these things on."
"Here, let me help," Lily offered, throwing her dress coat on a nearby table and crossing the room. She gently took his wrist and with ease, clasped both cufflinks on. "There," she finished, proceeding to straighten his tie.
Bug's face grew grim. "I don't know if I can do this, Lily."
"Of course you can," she encouraged, grabbing his tuxedo jacket and turning him around. "You have your speech, right?" He nodded as she slipped on the coat. "And there's nothing to worry about. This is your moment. You're going to be great." She smoothed out the back and spun him around, looking him in the eye. "I know you will."
Bug closed his eyes and took one last sigh before picking up Lily's own coat. "Then we'd better get going. Don't want to be late." Bug offered his arm, which Lily accepted and they made their way to the door. "Here goes nothing."
XXXXX
The hotel ballroom was elegantly lit, a dozen tables scattered the floor. The atmosphere was high class; everyone and everything dressed in their best as the medical community mingled around the room. A band played quietly in the corner and the sound of clinking glasses could be heard as Bug and Lily entered. The look of fear returned to Bug's face when he took notice of the grandeur. Lily tugged on his arm, urging him into the room.
The couple made their way towards the tables, Lily grabbing two glasses of white wine as a waiter strolled by. "Drink," she ordered, handing Bug the glass. A raised eyebrow prompted an explanation. "It will relax you," she said, taking a long sip from her own.
Bug followed suit as he noticed his parents fast approaching, disapproval written on their faces. "Oh gawd," he murmured, downing half the glass.
"Mahesh," Kanchana greeted with a fake smile. "You brought the cleaning lady?"
"Mom," Bug warned. "You know Lily."
"What about Tushar's daughter?" Vikram joined in the critique. "Neha is a great match for you. Her parents are both highly respected."
"We didn't hit it off," Bug said, finishing his wine.
"Mahesh," his mother pleaded, "We just don't understand. You should be settling down, starting a family." She took his hands. "We just want you to be happy."
"How do you know what will make me happy?" Bug argued, the wine taking fast effect. "I barely know what I want."
Lily began to sink back from the group, not wanting to fuel the conflict. However, before the situation got out of hand, dinner was announced and everyone quickly made their way to the tables. Bug took hold of Lily's hand, his frustration and anger apparent in his grasp. He led her to their seats, following closely behind his parents.
"I'm sorry," Lily whispered into his ear, realizing her presence may be less than beneficial.
Bug stopped in his tracks, quickly turning towards her. His face instantly transformed from anger to regret. "I should be the one apologizing," he said. "My parents just don't understand." He mustered up a soft smile, pulling out Lily's chair. "I'm glad you're here," he murmured, taking a seat next to her.
The mood at the table was laboured as dinner was served; Bug's parents less than impressed with his recent outburst. The noise level in the room grew as conversations began and cutlery clanked against tables. The only other couple at the table was Dr. Sanders and his wife, who happened to be the administrator and close family friend. He immediately took notice of the uneasiness and piped up. "So Mahesh, your father tells me that you are working at the Boston Medical Examiner's office. Must be interesting work."
"It has its moments," Bug said, looking bashfully at his plate. "We have an interesting case at the moment involving a senior citizen's home and the apparent infestation of green bottle flies." Disgusted responses kept Bug from continuing.
Trying to save the moment, Bug looked over to Lily. "Lily is our grief councilor at the morgue." He smiled hopefully at her.
"Oh really?" Dr Saunders took the bait. "Where is your alma mater?"
Lily smiled awkwardly. "I graduated from Chatham College but actually took clinical psychology through correspondence from Walden University." She looked at a few blank stares before blushing. "It's in Minneapolis."
"Lily is an amazing councilor," Bug immediately jumped in. "Grieving families are not exactly easy to handle but she does it with ease." He smiled admiringly at Lily. "We couldn't do it without her."
"Do they teach janitorial skills at Walden as well?" Bug's mother muttered under her breath but not quiet enough.
Bug looked appallingly at her, shocked at the comment. He was about to tell her off when Lily stopped him. "It might not have been the best university but I learned quite a bit. I found it very beneficial."
Dr. Sanders smiled. "That is what's important. No matter what name is on the door, it all comes down to the education."
Lily smiled a thank you to the older doctor and returned to her meal. The remaining company did the same, the conversation somewhat more relaxed but still not easily forthcoming.
As dessert was being served, Bug became restless. Lily recognized his nervousness and placed a comforting hand on his arm. "You okay?" Lily whispered, immediately eying Kanchana's disapproval.
Bug sighed. "Yeah," he said, suddenly turning towards her. "Okay… no. I think I'm gonna throw up."
"You'll be fine," she reassured.
The Master of Ceremonies made his way up to the podium and gave a last few comments before introducing the keynote speaker.
"How do I look?" Bug asked Lily.
She reached over, again straightening his tie. "Like a successful doctor."
He smiled as the MC announced his name. "Please welcome Dr. Mahesh Vijayaraghavensatyanaryanamurthy," the man said, stumbling over the syllables.
Lily rolled her eyes and patted Bug on the back as he got up from the table. "Good luck," she whispered over the rising applause.
Bug positioned himself at the podium, nervously thanking the master of ceremonies. He turned to his audience, hands shaking as he set his speech on the ledge.
Clearing his throat, he began, "Good evening. When I was asked to speak at tonight's event, I was uncertain of my topic. As a practicing entomologist in the world of pathology, the only things we're worried about it our bodies."
A wave of laughter traveled through the crowd and Lily gave Bug an encouraging thumbs up. His confidence grew as he went on. "We all see insects in our day to day lives. We follow ants around the backyard as children and swat away enough mosquitoes to have us all arrested for murder. But what do we really know about these creatures? What information can they give us about ourselves?"
Lily looked around as Bug's speech continued noting the intense grasp he had on his audience. Although unconventional, Bug spoke volumes as his colleagues nodded in agreement with every word.
Lily found herself becoming transfixed, mixed feelings coursing through her. She was so proud of him; she saw in him more self-belief than she had ever seen before. For these few moments, all of his uncertainties melted away and Lily watched as he captivated world-renowned medical professionals – and herself. He periodically looked over at her, a smile playing on his lips, an affectionate glance creating butterflies in her stomach. Bug's words were silenced in her ears and she simply watched him, smiling as he emphatically continued.
"In conclusion, in the medical field we so often over look what is right in front of us. Entomology gives us the outlet to dig a little deeper and discover what is underneath," Bug finished, his last words breaking through Lily's reverie.
Applause erupted throughout the banquet hall and people began to rise, giving Bug a standing ovation. Lily was on her feet in an instant, clapping with pride. Bug thanked everyone and started down the stage stairs, immediately surrounded by colleagues. Lily hung back, by the table, watching as his parents rushed over, smiles adorning their faces. Bug hugged his mother and accepted a 'job well done' pat on the back from his father.
The MC interrupted the buzz in the room. "Thank you to Dr. Vijayaraghavensatyanaryanamurthy. The bar will be open until 12. Everyone enjoy the rest of the evening."
Bug continued to speak with excited doctors as he made his way back to the table. Lily greeted him with a large grin and a quick hug. "See?" she said, "I told you that you could do it!"
Bug looked at her, tenderly. "Thank you." He took a look around the room. "I want to speak with a couple of these people. Some of them want to talk about using entomology in their fields."
"That's wonderful!" Lily exclaimed, disappointment in her voice.
"But afterwards, if you're up to it… maybe a dance or two?" Bug smiled shyly.
"Definitely." Lily's grin reassured. "Now, go on. They're waiting for you."
Bug hugged her again and joined a group of professionals. Lily watched him, finally relaxing into his own element.
"Ms. Lebowski?" Lily turned to see Bug's mother standing before her.
"Please, call me Lily."
Kanchana nodded, a little uneasy. "I wanted to apologize to you," she said with a level of regret. "My comments earlier were uncalled for. When I'm wrong, I say I'm wrong."
Lily shook it off. "No apology necessary."
The older woman sighed, contemplating her words. "I need you to understand something about Mahesh," she explained. "I love my son. His father and I have always wanted what was best for him. Academically, it was medical school at Oxford, internships at the best hospitals. And Mahesh has always excelled at that." She gazed over Lily's shoulder, proudly smiling at her son. "But socially, things are different. Our culture calls for certain traditions, certain expectations. But this was something Mahesh could not read in a textbook. He is shy and that doesn't help when it comes to girls. So, we have tried to find him someone – acceptable - but have been unsuccessful. We just wanted to make our son happy."
Lily grinned with appreciation. "I understand. He deserves to be happy."
"Yes, he does," Bug's mother agreed. "We thought maybe he would find someone on his own. A genuinely good person who values and cares for him." She looked directly at Lily with approval. "And I believe he has."
