Page 13 of Just (Fake) Married
“Nonsense, son. Your father has passed. You need to take the time to grieve with your family,” my mentor said, with the compassion that made him an excellent mentor.
But he didn’t know the McGraws. We were not a grieving kind of family. Not over our father, anyway.
“Thank you. But I don’t need to grieve. I need to get back to work. I would like another chance to speak to the committee.” I sent a quick prayer up to all the gods in charge of surgeons and disciplinary committees.
“Son, that is not a good idea. Not after the other day.”
Damn it.
I’d gotten the call about Dad just as I was heading into a disciplinary meeting, and, frankly, it wasn’t my finest moment.
“I’ll apologize for my outburst.”
Truthfully, I wasn’t even sure what I had said. Dr. Matthews, who headed up the department, had been there unexpectedly. Since he was a giant, infected boil of a human who lived to suppress any talent besides himself, I might have blacked out for a second and said something I shouldn’t.
“You called Dr. Matthews, the head of your department, a publicity seeking asshole,” Dr. Xio reminded me. “Among other things.”
“Tell me I’m wrong,” I said, knowing Dr. Xio shared my opinion of the man.
“You’re not, but the meeting to discuss your behavioral issues was not the place or the time to mention it.”
I rubbed my forehead. This headache was only going to get worse the closer I got to the ranch house. Outside, the wind blew so hard it whistled around the car. I forgot how insane this wind could be.
I’d forgotten Wyoming. Period.
“I know,” I said. “I fucked up.”
“I’ll explain to the committee what happened with your father,” my mentor said. “Tell them you weren’t thinking clearly, and perhaps they’ll reconsider.”
I wanted to protest. My father’s death had nothing to do with the fight that was happening between me and Dr. Matthews. Our battle started the minute he got the head of thoracic surgery position and decided I was a threat to him.
“I need to do something to fix this,” I said.
“You are. You’re letting me handle it. You have to understand, you broke the rules of Sinai West-”
“I saved that woman’s life,” I said.
“The Shah family understands that and is grateful. Unfortunately, Dr. Matthews is not so forgiving, and the committee has seen you a few too many times to just disregard this.”
“He’s trying to get me fired,” I said.
“You said as much. Several times.”
Matthews and I had never gotten along. He’d called me up in front of the disciplinary committee a few times over the years over bullshit – and frankly, the committee had always sided with me.
But even I could admit I’d crossed a line this time.
“Your father just died. You need to take some time.”
“My father and I…we weren’t exactly close,” I admitted for no good reason. But Dr. Xio was that kind of man, the kind you admitted things to for no good reason.
“Hmm. Then you’re about to find out his death will affect you in ways you won’t understand. Such is the nature of an unresolved relationship.”
More excellent mentoring from Dr. Xio. His kids were lucky. They would not have any unresolved relationship issues with him when he passed.
“But, sir…”
“No buts. I will let you know what the committee’s decision is in the next few days.”
