Page 11 of Phoenix Rising

The shuffle of papers, chair legs, and small talk clouded at the edges of her mind.

"Doctor." Becky leaned against the table. "I enjoyed our discussion today."

Everett stood, collecting her things, not daringto make eye contact. "Our discussion had the taste of an all-out brawl, I would say." "It needed to be said." Becky licked her lips. "Most people wouldn't jump all in like this on their first day."

The doctor looked up at Becky, and she liked that Everett had to lift her chin to meet her eyes.

"Well, I'm not most people." She turned and slipped between the crowd.

"I see that." Becky pushed off of the table to pursue her. "So, should we set up a meeting?"

"For what?" Dr. Everett said over her shoulder.

"Our proposal?"

Dr. Everett stopped in her tracks. "Right." She put her hand in her pocket and handed Becky a business card.

On the card, “Dr. Lucinda Everett” was stamped in blue, metallic letters. Underneath her name, her Phoenix Ridge hospital email, work number, and private number were listed.

"You already had these printed up before you set foot in Phoenix Ridge, didn't you?" Becky smiled.

Lucinda tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Becky caught the way her cheeks warmed.

"What can I say? I like to be prepared. Goodbye, Chief."

Becky watched as the doctor made her rounds before leaving the meeting room.

Ember and Josephine approached Becky as she pushed open the doors to the front of City Hall.

"Was it as bad as I imagined?" Becky asked.

Ember held the door for Josephine before letting herself through. "I mean, it seemed kind oftense."

"I agree," Josephine quipped. "I thought you were going to challenge her to a duel."

Becky rolled her eyes. "I want to make sure she's prepared. I'm not just going to let anyone come in here and uproot all of my work."

"I did not mean tense in that way." Ember clicked her tongue. "Mom, it was like you two were the only people in that room. Like you couldn't get your hands off each other, and arguing was your own fucked up foreplay—w!"

Josephine had pinched Ember's arm. "Ignore her. Your presentation was perfect, Becks. But I will say that Dr. Everett has some good suggestions. I think she'll be a great addition to the team." She gave Becky a knowing look. "You both will be able to improve each other's work."

Becky tried to ignore Josephine’s pointed look as she walked up to her Jeep. "You said I hadnothing to worry about. Do you actually believe that?"

"Have I ever lied to you?"

Becky raised an eyebrow and looked between Josephine and her daughter. They had originally kept their relationship a secret from Becky until she had happened to walk in on them.

"About work?" Josephine clarified quickly.

Becky snorted. "No."

"I'm telling you, you and Dr. Perfect are going to make the best damn emergency protocols in the West."

"Just the West?"

Ember threw her arm over Josephine’s shoulders. "She's giving you room to grow."

Becky opened her car door and slid in. "Alright, I’ve gotta head to the station. Ember, you need a ride?"

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