Page 37 of Intense
As I try to grab the notepad from his hands, he lifts it above my head.
“Wanna see?”
“No,” I lie.
He shoves it back into his pocket and stares off into the distance.
“Maybe I should start my own journal of all the stupid shit you say. Hell, the whole department can.”
Actually, I doubt it. He’s not the chattiest man you’d ever meet.
He doesn’t react. Bruce, our medical director, smiles at Finn as he approaches.
Thick as thieves.
This really is a man’s world.
“Good luck at the ceremony tomorrow, Stephanie. May the best surgeon win,” Finn says under his breath as he walks off to greet Bruce.
Leaving me reeling.
“You okay?” Poppy whispers from behind me, making me jump.
“Yes. Fine,” I seethe.
She is our newest junior resident, and I kinda feel bad. I remember what it was like. Even if I rose through the ranks fast, it wasn’t as quick as Dr. Finn.
Being a woman here means you have to work twice as hard for half the credit.
“Sorry,” I whisper, shaking my head.
She gives me a soft smile.
“I get it, Dr. Miller. He’s hard on you.”
“That doesn’t bother me. Don’t let them get to you.”
She frowns, glancing over at Finn.
“He is very distracting, though.”
“Poppy,” I warn. “Whatever you do, do not go after our head of department. Do not give them ammunition against you. In fact, don’t fuck anyone at work. Okay?
“Like he’d ever be interested in me,” she sighs.
I place my hand on her shoulder, trying to offer some semblance of comfort. I understand how she feels, I guess.
“Only because he’s not interested in anything other than himself. Followed by trying to ruin me. It’s not you.” I pause, taking a deep breath.
“Never let a man define your worth, Poppy. There’s a reason why we all choose the bear.” I give her a squeeze.
Women have to stick together to survive.
“You’re a great boss. I won’t let him ruin you.” She smiles.
“I appreciate that. But we’re under Dr. Quinn’s rule here, there isn’t much we can do to fight back. I’ve tried.”
I shake my head and step back. I just have to suck it up and deal with the fact my boss is a dick, in the hopes that one day, all these years of being an arrogant asshole catch up with him.
