367 The perfect spoon

Liz was pleasantly surprised that Dr. Calum is familiar with her background. She concluded that he took notice of her during her presentation that morning and that he did research on her before approaching her for a chat.

'Sometimes you achieve something extraordinary, and sometimes you know the right people.', that is what Isaac would say and now Liz felt that she met the right man who can push the right buttons to get her into that symposium in June.

Liz and Dr. Calum exchanged business cards, and Liz decided that if within a month she does not get that precious invitation to the symposium of neurosurgeons in Las Vegas, she will give Dr. Calum a call with some story that she is in the Dallas area and… she is not sure what next, but Max will probably be able to come up with a few ideas. Max is great with people.

When Dr. Calum moved on toward the next group of people, Liz noticed that it's past six o'clock. That is her cue to leave, and she was happy with how this after-party unfolded.

"You are leaving?", Dr. Snow asked with obvious displeasure in his voice when Liz excused herself.

Dr. Snow had several plans and strategies to spend more time with Liz, and neither of them included her leaving before the after-party is over. Max is not present, so Dr. Snow thought of taking advantage of this situation, but now she is leaving. How can he hold her back? 

"Yes. I need to go home.", Liz said flatly.

"You have a private jet, there is no need to leave early. Everyone is eager to talk to you.", Dr. Snow said with a charming smile.

Liz was surprised that Dr. Snow remembered that detail of her exchange with Dr. Kaviraj. "Yeah, I have a private jet at my disposal but that does not mean that I should stay until midnight. The plane crew that is waiting for my arrival deserves a good night's sleep, and they can't sleep if I'm partying in the town."

Dr. Snow was not willing to give up as this was a great chance to spend more time with Liz, and who knows when the next chance presents itself? "Allow me to drop you off at the airport."

Liz was about to accept, but then she remembered with whom she is talking. More than once that man appeared friendly and then he caused trouble when she didn't expect it. She decided to be friendly with him but at a distance, and that means that there will be no one-on-one situations. And just the two of them in a car is too private for Liz's taste.

'Fool me once, shame on you… fool me twice, shame on me… and this would be the third time…', Liz thought that the first time was when he caught her unprepared in the restaurant and held her hand, and the second time was the mess in the hospital with flowers and all the rumors that sparked from it. If he swindles her for the third time, she should lock herself in and throw the key.

Liz smiled, but Chris saw that Liz's eyes are firm and that she is politely telling him to buzz off. But will he leave her alone? He needs to squeeze out every minute…

"Can I escort you to the cab?"

Liz gave up. It's just outside…

Dr. Snow's excitement dwindled in less than a minute when he realized that Liz's carryon was at the reception. His plan included that he will go to her room and chat while she packs… and who knows what else they could do in the room, just the two of them?

Dr. Snow swallowed his grievances, and as a true gentleman, he offered to pull Liz's carryon while they walked down the hotel lobby toward the street.

Liz was frustrated with Dr. Snow's behavior and she wanted to clarify a few points.

"Do you have something you want to talk to me about?", Liz asked. She saw that Dr. Snow is confused, so she explained: "You were adamant about spending time with me after this event, so I assumed that there is something we should discuss in private."

Dr. Snow found himself in a predicament. If he says what is on his mind, he will dig his own grave. He learned his lesson that being honest does not pay off. And if he stays silent, he ends up being a fool. He needs to make up something, quickly. But what?

"I feel that our time was short. We spent many hours talking and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was hoping to experience that joy again. That's all."

"Yes, we spent many hours talking that ended up fueling rumors of a romance between us.", Liz said bluntly.

Dr. Snow was surprised by Liz's straightforward talk. "Was it that bad, that someone thought we are in a relationship?"

"Relationship is not a problem. But lies and disturbances at work are."

"You never lied?"

"I admit that I was tempted a few times, but I took it back because no matter what it was, I prefer the truth. Chris, I was not angry at you for those rumors. I never expected you to fix my problems. I was angry at myself for not noticing what was going on. I learned my lesson and I am more aware of my surroundings and that is why I don't want us to do anything that might appear ambiguous."

"I didn't mean any harm."

Liz smiled. "I know."

She knows that he didn't mean any harm. Dr. Snow was only thinking of getting close to her, without considering the consequences, but that story is in the past, and Liz does not want to bring it up because it will not serve any purpose other than to agitate her and to make her bicker with the man who does not know when to give up. In the end, Liz is doing great at work, and personally, she learned her lesson, so it's a double-win. For Liz, at least.

Liz decided not to mention their past again. Even if Dr. Snow is pursuing her, he will give up eventually. They didn't see each other since he left the Franciscan Medical Center and if this is the norm, she can manage to keep him at bay two times a year (on average) until he finds another woman that will pique his interest.

They got on the street and Liz noticed a couple holding hands and the man had a gift bag in his hand with a logo that said 'Portland's best gift shop'. Liz moved her gaze and saw that same logo glowing above the door and she thought that this is perfect: she will get a souvenir for Max.

"Thank you for your company, Chris.", Liz said and stepped to the side while reaching for the carryon that he was holding onto.

Dr. Snow frowned. "You are not taking a cab?"

"I want to go to this store first."

Dr. Snow's eyes lit up at the prospect of spending more time with Liz. "I will join you."

"You want to buy a souvenir?"

"Not really.", he admitted. "But it's evening and you should not be unaccompanied. It's not a big deal for me to accompany you and you will feel safe."

Liz exhaled in frustration, 'the only one who does not make me feel safe is you'.

But she can't stop him from following her. It's only to get a souvenir, so it can't take long and she should not fuss about it. Right?

Liz and Dr. Snow got inside the shop and the clerk lifted his gaze from the cash register. "Welcome… Sorry to say, but we are closing in ten minutes."

"No problem. I will be done before that.", Liz assured him and when she saw his smile, she made her way between freestanding shelves that are packed with all kinds of knick-knacks.

Dr. Snow was two steps behind Liz, with her carryon. He soaked in her image while thinking about how he can get closer... and wondering when he will see her the next time.

Liz glanced over colorful mugs, fridge magnets, keychains… so many things! And then her eyes landed on a section that had spoons.

It was like a magnetic pull and she knew that this is what she was looking for!

Liz's hand moved on its own and she found it! It was a silver teaspoon with 'Portland' etched at the back of the bowl. But that is not what made it stand out. Liz was attracted to the stag that was on the tip of the handle. The stag was captured mid-jump and he had majestic antlers, looked powerful, and the reflection of grooves in the silver made it look magical… It reminded her of Max. He is powerful and handsome and some things he does are like magic. For Liz, at least.

She admired the spoon for a few seconds while the last specs of her doubts disappeared, and she firmed her resolve: this is the one!

Liz wondered if this is the same as with Max. When they met, she knew that he is special. He made her feel safe and she relied on him, which never happened before with any other man she met. And she only needed some time for her mind to accept Max as part of her life because now she knows that her heart accepted him right away. In that sense, this spoon is just like Max. Perfect.

---

If you are not reading this at 'W e b n o v e l . c o m', then the content you're reading is stolen! Please support the author by reading this novel from the original source.