Page 7 of Silver Fox's Intern Dilemma

I chuckled and hugged her back, then noticed Dana walk in with a glower on her face. She held Leah's backpack in hand, dangling it from an extended finger that had an inch-long red fingernail. It appeared she was still finding a way to make good use of all my alimony.

"You are late again, for the fourth time this month." Dana glanced at Dr. Chen as Leah stepped back. Her chubby little hand stayed on my shoulder, but she looked up at her mother and seemed intimidated or afraid. Dr. Chen looked down at her lap where she held my card with my number on it. I felt bad for her having to see this interaction.

"We had a surgery run late and we were just doing our debriefing. I should've called." I noticed how Dana wore three-inch spiky-heeled boots and jeans that looked like they were painted on. She had wasted no time diving back into the dating scene after leaving me. It was probably because she had checked out of our relationship long before the divorce was filed.

"You're right. You can't just pick and choose when to be a dad. I had plans tonight, and now I'm not even sure if they're still on." Dana dropped the backpack on the corner of my desk and huffed. She looked down at Dr. Chen and scowled, as if she'd seen that card and didn't approve. Dr. Chen had no reason to hide that from anyone, though I felt an inkling of uneasiness now, knowing Dana saw that Sophia had my personal number. It was for work purposes, but somehow, even that felt inappropriate.

"I have that fundraiser tomorrow, remember?" My chest was tight. I didn't want this to turn into a public meltdown while my intern was watching.

"Christ, Jack. It's your weekend!" She huffed and scowled at me, then crossed her arms over her chest.

"It's only for a few hours." There was no way out of this. I was required to attend the event to raise money for the hospital.

"Fine, then have her back by four Sunday. I have dinner with my parents." Dana turned and walked out the door, leaving it standing wide open, and Lean turned to me with a frown.

"I don't want to go to Nanny's house. She's so mean." Leah draped her arms around me again and rested her chin on myshoulder. Unfortunately, there was very little I could do to help her. Leah had partial custody and her mother was Leah's grandmother.

"I know, baby.” I patted her back and looked up at Dr. Chen, whose face was flushed again. She really had to get over that embarrassment and low self-confidence, but I thought it was sweet that she sat there so awkwardly, fiddling with my card.

"Who's that?" Leah asked innocently.

"That," I told her, holding her at arm's length, "Is Sophia. She's a doctor I work with."

Leah cocked her head and asked, "Does she do surgery too?"

Sophia smiled, and I swore her blush deepened. "Yes, she is very good at it."

Leah walked around my desk and put her hand out like she'd seen me do a million times. It was a drawback to my profession that my little girl had to join me at work at least five times a month. I had virtually no personal time at all, and what little I had was shared with a seven-year-old.

"I'm Leah. My daddy is the best surgery guy ever." I loved my little girl's confidence.

But when Sophia reached out and took her hand and smiled, I found myself swooning a little. Sophia's eyes sparkled as she said, "I know he is. I get to learn everything he teaches me." She shook Leah's hand and then her eyes swept up to meet my gaze. I didn’t know what was happening to me, but I liked it, yet at the same time, I felt like it was wrong.

I shouldn't have been looking at my intern like this, like someone I could see myself falling for. But there I was, admiring how she and my daughter talked about me like I was the most amazing man in the world, and all I could do was try to suppress a stupid grin.

When Sophia stood to leave, I asked, "Are you going to the fundraiser?" I was hopeful. For some reason, I was lookingforward to it this year, and if Sophia was going, it would give me a chance to interact with her outside of work, which I told myself was strictly professional, to get an idea of her personality when she wasn’t under pressure.

"Yes, I'm going." She smiled and stood by the door, then said goodbye to Leah. Then she was gone and I was left with only my anticipation of seeing her for that fundraiser. It might prove to be a very good night.

7

SOPHIA

Istrolled around the ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton carrying my glass of champagne, which wasn't really champagne. Most people didn't understand that what we Americans considered champagne was just sparkling wine. I'd been to France and had the real thing before. This was nothing like it. But it helped me loosen up a little, so three glasses in, I was feeling pretty good.

"Sophia!" I heard, and I turned over my shoulder to see one of my father's old friends. A woman in her fifties by the name of Sandra Brown, a pediatric ortho with a big reputation. She was a kind woman, so I didn't mind stopping to say hello.

"Sandra," I cooed, offering the obligatory hug and cheek kiss. "It's so good to see you."

"How's your father?" she asked while my eyes scanned the crowd. I was glad that for once, Mom and Dad weren't at the function. They had jetted off to New York City for the weekend so Mom could enjoy a slice of her favorite cheesecake from her favorite little bakery. It hadn't stopped Dad from proffering a huge donation, though, which was why I was forced to attend this gig.

But my eyes were searching for Jack, not for other people I may know. From the minute I found out he was going to be here, my entire attitude about the night changed. He had given me his personal cell phone number, and while I knew he probably meant it just for work purposes, I couldn't help but get a rush of excitement. After Maylin laid it on thick about how hot he was, I couldn’t think of Jack any other way now.

"He's good. They're in New York, but he sends his love." I tried not to seem too distracted, and when I didn't see Jack, I focused on Sandra's face.

Dad always came to these things, and since the time I was old enough to act respectfully, he'd been dragging me around to them too. Not just me—our whole family. He thought it was good for us to be cultured and learn how to rub elbows with the elite. Dad had made his fortune off being one of the best surgeons in the country, accepting kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies, and a lot of wise investments. I was just along for the ride.

"Oh, I'm so sad he's not here. I was hoping to catch up." Sandra gestured with her hands as she spoke, and I had to take a step backward to avoid getting swatted. I noticed a man in a black tux across the room, and when he spun around, I recognized him. Sandra went on about meeting up with my dad, but I had to stop her. My entire reason for coming just manifested.

---