366 The conference in Portland 7

Liz's mind was filled with Max and she could not wait for the last presentation of the morning to be finished. She thought that she will have a peaceful lunch, but as soon as she stood up from her table in the event hall where the conference was held, two people approached her with questions. By the time she reached the restaurant, a few more people joined, and they ended up sitting at a table for twelve, with Liz being the center of attention and people from the neighboring tables were listening to Liz as well.

They were curious to find out how she managed to secure resources for expansions of the neurology wing in the Franciscan Medical Center and how she utilized them.

They are all doctors who depend on their hospitals to make investments or bring in donors, and Liz's presentation was showing much more than a few new EKG machines.

Liz was happy that her presentation attracted so much attention, and she had difficulty not mentioning Max.

Max cautioned her not to bring him up because that might be the green light for others to swarm the Alpha group, requesting donations. Liz understood this, but she knew that he also wants her to take the credit that is rightfully his.

Liz told them about the fundraiser and how she spoke with the donors, and she explained that if they want to know more about the amounts gathered and the reasoning behind the allocation of resources, they will need to talk to Chairman Lee.

Liz is aware that if not for Max, many of those donors would not show up at the event six months ago… and if not Max, donations would be spread through the hospital and not focused on the neurology department… and if not for Max, Liz would not know how fortunate she can be when the right person is by her side. Thanks to Max, so many things fell into place and turned much better than she thought it's possible.

The afternoon passed quickly.

Liz used breaks between presentations to respond to Max's sweet messages that put a smile on her face. She could not wait to return to Seattle and sink into his embrace. The good thing is that tomorrow is Saturday, so they can spend the next two days indulging in each other's company.

Five o'clock approached and Liz was conflicted. Part of her wanted to go to Seattle and see Max as soon as possible, and the other part of her thought that Dr. Kaviraj has a good point: this is a conference and Liz should try to mingle.

More than once, people in her inner circle told her that she is stiff and unapproachable. This might be Liz's chance to try improving her social skills.

'The after-party lasts two hours. I can stay for half an hour, and if it works well it can be for one hour. Like that, I'm socializing, and I go home to see Max before the party is over…', Liz mused, happy that she figured out the compromise between not staying until the end, but still doing her part.

Liz went to the bar that was already bustling from the chatter of medical workers, and she got herself a glass of wine.

She turned to see people chatting in already formed groups and realized that she has no idea how to approach someone and start a conversation. How do you chat-up a stranger? The fact that people are already engaged with someone only makes the situation harder.

Well, if she can't find her victim… cough-cough… her conversation-buddy, she will call it quits. With this, Liz decided to stay next to the bar counter and sip her wine. If someone starts talking to her, she will respond, and if not, she will leave when she finishes the glass which can be within ten minutes (if she sips slowly).

She didn't notice when Dr. Snow reached next to her, and she was startled when he spoke: "I didn't have a chance to tell you that your presentation was amazing. I was waiting for the right opportunity, but you were always surrounded by people."

Liz plastered a smile. Somehow, she forgot about him.

"I am available now.", Liz said while hoping that the glass next to her lips is making her smile genuine.

Liz wondered, why is she so awkward around Dr. Snow? Well she knows, it's because he showed romantic interest in her. But by now, Dr. Snow should know that Liz is not available, and she should relax. But for some reason… she can't relax.

Liz was glad that Dr. Snow started commenting on her presentation because she didn't know what to talk to him. And he had some valuable feedback.

Dr. Kaviraj approached them. "Liz, with what flight are you going back to Seattle?"

"From here, I will head to the airport. Do you want to join?"

Dr. Kaviraj assumed that Liz is offering her to share a cab. "Are you also taking the 10 o'clock flight?"

"No. I have a private flight."

Dr. Kaviraj lifted an eyebrow. "Boyfriend, I assume?"

Liz smiled. "He treats me well."

Dr. Kaviraj bobbed her head. "If I knew that I could hitch a ride, I would not bother getting an economy ticket. I don't want to waste my ticket and it's too late to cancel but let me know next time."

In truth, Dr. Kaviraj wanted to return with a private jet, but she thought that it's not appropriate to intrude since Max arranged for the plane. If it was Liz's, Dr. Kaviraj would accept the ride.

The three of them chatted, and two minutes later, a few more people joined.

Dr. Snow cursed his luck. He was talking with Liz nicely, and then Dr. Kaviraj showed up, brought up the topic of Max (aka the dreadful boyfriend), and now he can't have his private chat with Liz. Who knows when the next time will be, and if he tries to force it, he fears that Liz will back away.

But Dr. Snow could not show his displeasure, so he did his best to smile while his eyes lingered on Liz. His heart ached when she looked away and skipped a beat when she spoke to him. In his eyes, Liz is the most amazing woman in the world. She is perfect.

Liz was glancing at the time and seeing that it's close to six o'clock, she was mentally preparing to make her exit.

The conversation was fine, but she didn't see much point in it. Most of the people were curious about the upgrades that the Franciscan Medical Center did, or to be more precise, they were curious from where the funds came. And that would bring her back to the topic of Max, and she hoped to talk about her work and achievements, and not how her boyfriend boosted her career.

Liz didn't hate Max, and she could not hate those surgeons either… however, she was under stress that was silently increasing every day. She is doing great at the Franciscan Medical Center, but she fears that it's not enough to get invited to the symposium of neurosurgeons in June. That is only five months away, and Liz does not have anything outstanding that will make her eligible to be a speaker at that event.

While she was thinking about it, an older man approached her.

"Dr. Williams, I am impressed with the care your hospital is showing toward neurology…", he paused until Liz focused on him, to give him her full attention. "I am Dr. Calum... a neurosurgeon from Dallas…"

Liz's eyes lit up. She heard about this man, and he is one of the main characters behind the symposium of neurosurgeons! This is her chance to leave a good impression that might lead to her being invited as a speaker! Lucky!

Liz showed her best smile. "Yes, Dr. Calum. I am familiar with your work. I am pleased that my current hospital is putting neurology as one of the high priorities, and I am honored that you took notice of my presentation…"

Liz and Dr. Calum exchanged pleasantries and Dr. Snow rolled his eyes. If Dr. Calum is not so old and wrinkly, Dr. Snow would think that Liz has a thing for that man. Why is she fawning over him? This is the second day he is watching Liz and she never smiled this widely or praised someone…

'Wait! What if she is into older guys?', Dr. Snow mused. But it didn't make sense. Max is not old.

'Ah, one more man approached Liz! This is getting worse by the minute…', Dr. Snow cried internally. He really wanted Liz only for himself. Tonight, at least… and then forever.

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