FROM FLING TO REDEMPTION TO FOREVER

II

A bit more grey in his hair and a little more fatigued, her father still wielded authority. Years of diligent work and admiration earned from success gave him that demeanor. He was one of the finest doctors in the country, even at nearly sixty. He would always be distinguished and attractive. Hayley sometimes wondered why he hadn't remarried since her mom passed away. He'd probably had many offers.

She hadn't seen her dad in over a year, almost two years. Two Christmases ago she had flown home to spend the holidays with him. Christmas day ended in a significant dispute right after they had visited the gravesite to leave some flowers on her mother's stone. She left early the next morning, not even sure if her father was still in the house or already gone to the hospital. Last year she made up the excuse she had to work so she wouldn't have to fly home. She felt guilty, but guilt was better than fighting with a man who couldn't be wrong.

They still called each other once every two or three weeks and never discussed the fight. He had initiated the first call, and she had called him the next time. It continued until he called earlier this week. Four days and two phone calls had broken the pattern.

"Dad!" She awkwardly stepped forward to shake his hand at the same time he leaned over to hug her. "I trust your flight was alright?" He stepped back so she could come into his office. "It was fine." She stepped through, absently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Lorenzo followed her into the office. She'd momentarily forgotten he had brought her down the hall. "Why don't I let the two of you catch up, and I'll chat with you later, Fred." "No!" both Hayley and her father said at the same time. "I mean," said her father, "I want your opinion on what I'm hiring Hayley to do for the hospital. As chief, you also need to sign off on it." Hayley glanced back and forth at both men. Did her dad seriously mean that, or was he just as afraid as her to be in the same room together?

Lorenzo checked his watch. "I can really only stay a moment. I have surgery in thirty minutes and need to scrub in with a first year. It's a cardiothoracic, so I'm not leaving my attending in charge." Her father harrumphed. "Right." He clapped his hands and walked around to his desk and sat down behind it. "Why don't you meet Hayley and me for drinks after? He stared at Hayley. "What's that place we went to before... the Threaded Cork? Yes, that's it. Meet us at the Threaded Cork when you are done. It wasn't a request."

Lorenzo nodded. "Sounds good. You're treating then, right?" By his smile and relaxed stance, it was evident to Hayley that he wasn't intimidated by her father. Lorenzo just earned a new level of respect from her. He smiled at her, and just as he turned to leave, he winked, then strolled out the door. An uncomfortable silence filled the room after the door closed. Her father cleared his throat as he rested his fingertips against each other. "I really appreciate you willing to take this on." "It's not every day your father turns sixty." She crossed her legs and then uncrossed them. "Do you want this gala to be a dinner or just a party?" Part of her dreaded planning it, but another part really wanted to show her father how good she was at her job. "What do you think?" His thumbs tapped a steady beat while he waited for her answer.

Well, it all depends on how you want the evening to go. Do you want to focus on raising money for the hospital or your birthday or the fact that you are stepping down?”

Im not stepping down. He straightened against the back of the chair. Hayley had to make herself resist the urge to let her eyes roll upward to the ceiling. Okay, but from a professional standpoint, I need to know what the theme is going to be. If I dont ask you and set the wrong theme, you are going to hate it.”

Right. Sorry. He relaxed his straight posture by a tenth of a degree and ran his fingers through his hair. I built this hospital so we could be a leader in research and innovative surgeries. I plan to keep up the research end and help run the board but Dr. Bennett is the chief now. Hes good at his job. He looked Hayley directly in the eye. Lousy at staying away from the women. Ask the nurses or first years or anyone who seems to look good in a skirt.”

Hayley burst out laughing. She couldnt help it. Are you jealous, Dad?”

"Just warning my head-strong daughter. And I wonder where I got that from.”

"Yes, well okay then." He checked his watch and stood. "I really don't care what you do with the evening. I'd just like the focus to be on the hospital. I figured my sixtyeth would be a good excuse to throw it. If it makes money, great. If not, thats fine too.”

"Sure." She knew what he meant. He wasnt expecting much from her. Well, she would surprise him. Six months to plan it would be tight, but if she flew up two or three weekends a month she could make it a great turnout. What time do you want to meet at the Whips and Cream?”

"Meet? I just thought we'd drive back to the house together and go from there.”

Hayley's cheeks grew warm. "I, um, I booked a hotel room. I just thought it'd be easier for me to work and –”

"Right," he cut her off. "I have some work here to do as well. Why don't we aim for six oclock then?”

Six oclock it is. Ill have some ideas and check out some possible venues. Were going to need to pick a spot as soon as we can.”

"Perfect." He went to the door and held it open for her. "I'll see you there.”

Hayley pressed her lips together as she bent to grab her purse. Six months of being uncomfortable seemed like a prison sentence at the moment, but she owed it to her mother to make the effort.

After leaving the office, she took the stairs down to the main floor and let the cool wind soothe her face. Heading to the parking lot, she grinned when she found the Mustang. Maybe a new outfit to go with the car might be something to cheer her up. She could shop and brainstorm at the same time.