Nine
Bri was feeling better than she had in days when she reached the office the next morning—except for the guilt she felt about the mean things she’d thought about Hunter.
Because he’d been wonderful.
Knowing she didn’t want to go to the hospital, he’d spent a lot of time calming her down—with a foot rub. He’d actually put her to sleep. Then he’d made sure she hadn’t had to cook a meal. Lisa had arrived with a nutritious meal, including milk, from Austin Eats.
She’d immediately explained that Dr. Callaghan had insisted on giving her money for dinner for both of them. “He was so sweet, Bri, so concerned for you. I know he’s a doctor, but he’s only known you a couple of days.”
Bri had agreed that Dr. Hunter Callaghan was very sweet, outstandingly so. Which irritated her. Which made her angry again. Which made her think bad thoughts about Dr. Hunter Callaghan!
She knew she’d have to thank him this morning for his consideration. And that thought made her blood pressure rise again.
“Okay, has my schedule changed this morning?” she asked, hoping to discuss business rather than the sainthood of Dr. Callaghan.
“Oh, yes. Dr. Callaghan’s having a department heads’ meeting at nine o’clock and wants you to attend.” Lisa pulled out Bri’s calendar and showed her how she’d cleared her schedule by moving several appointments to the afternoon. “But if you want to go home at noon, I can transfer the appointments to tomorrow morning.”
Bri suspected the idea of her going home at noon came from Hunter, which irritated her. She’d remembered how he’d said his mother stayed home with her children. How he hoped to give his children the same kind of home life.
That, of course, was before she’d realized she was going to be carrying his children. She’d spent her entire life preparing for this job as hospital administrator. She’d wanted to contribute in some way, to others, so they wouldn’t die as her mother had. And she was good at it. She should give that up? Abandon her life’s dream? She could provide for her children and love them. She knew about the love children needed. Besides, these were her babies, not Hunter’s. He had nothing to say about it.
“Do you need anything else, Bri?”
“No, Lisa, thank you. You’ve taken care of everything.” And obviously followed Hunter’s lead. She liked Lisa, and she was a good worker. Bri hoped she didn’t have to have her transferred.
She went to her desk and removed her shoes. She kept a stool under the desk to rest her feet on. She certainly wasn’t going to a meeting in Hunter’s office with her feet all swollen.
She arrived at Hunter’s office at exactly nine o’clock. Helen waved her through to his office. She hadn’t wanted to be late, but she also hadn’t wanted to arrive before anyone else got there.
When she opened the door, it appeared she was the last to enter. All the department heads were gathered around Hunter’s desk. Some were seated in folding chairs, clearly brought in for the meeting. The unusual thing was the leather wing chair she’d occupied before, the most comfortable chair in the room except for Hunter’s, was empty.
Joanna, the head of the cafeteria, leapt to her feet and gestured to the big chair. “Dr. Callaghan reserved this chair for you, Bri, so you’d be comfortable,” she announced with a smile. Though she first smiled at Bri, Bri noticed how it slid to Hunter’s face, filled with admiration for him.
“How kind of him. But totally unnecessary. Does someone else want the honor?”
No one would take the chair, of course. Not when Dr. Callaghan had designated it for her.
She felt like an ungrateful jerk, but she wanted to walk out on the meeting. She hated being the center of attention. She had no choice, so she sat down.
Hunter immediately stood, as did Joanna. He said, “I asked Joanna to provide us with a few snacks. A reward for the good work you people have been doing.”
While Joanna uncovered trays on the big coffee table before the sofa, Hunter leaned down and pulled out a padded footstool for Bri. She stared at it, sure it hadn’t been in his office before.
“Where did that come from?” she whispered fiercely.
“It’s a gift from one of our donors. I thought it would come in handy for you.” He smiled after putting her feet on the stool, but he kept his eye on her, as if he thought she might kick him while he was squatting in front of her.
Not a bad idea.
Joanna came over, carrying a small tray holding a glass of milk and several pieces of banana nut bread. “Sam baked the banana nut bread special for you, Bri, ’cause he knew you’d be here this morning.”
Bri pasted on a smile. “Tell Sam thank you for me.”
“Here, Joanna, put it on the corner of my desk. I think Bri can reach everything from there,” Hunter suggested.
Oh, yes, she could reach it, but it would be in plain sight of everyone, so they could monitor her appreciation of Sam’s special treat. She glared at Hunter, but he ignored her response.
“Well now, first of all, I want to congratulate you on the state of our wing. I’ve never seen a special unit function as well as this one does. It’s a pleasure to come to work here each morning.”
Bri knew she was being difficult. No one could find anything wrong with Hunter’s opening. But she did! Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. When was the other shoe going to drop? And if he talked long enough, she’d think up some more appropriate clichés!
But no matter how long she listened, he said nothing she could hold against him. Except for preparing her team for when she was on maternity leave, however, he made it clear he expected her to return to her job.
Liar! She knew that wasn’t what he wanted.
Of course, he did pause occasionally to remind her to eat the special bread Sam made for her. And to drink her milk for the babies’ sake.
Then he stopped talking and asked them to tell him what they needed and what problems they were having.
It was a management technique Bri had used, but she hadn’t expected such consideration from Hunter. He didn’t hurry the staff, and never denounced their ideas. Occasionally, he complimented some suggestions but explained that they had limited funds.
She’d expected her team to ask for everything possible, thinking Bri could strong-arm the money out of her father’s pocket. Hunter pointed out the generosity of their benefactor, her father, and the need to stay within budget unless what was needed would save lives.
And dammit! They listened to him.
When he dismissed her team, Bri could read the satisfaction in their faces. She began the struggle to rise.
“Stay seated, Bri. I have a couple of other things to go over,” he added softly before he escorted the others out. Everyone turned and stared at her, smiles on all their faces.
As if they thought Hunter was flirting with her!
That
