28 Nepotism and comestibles
Word Soap: As The World Keeps Turning
Author: SYLnl
Title: #28 Nepotism and comestibles
Rating: PG
Summary: Vacation is almost over
Big Thanks To: ltklo, for helping me out with my hyphenations
Disclaimers: See chapters #1 to #27 and you’ll get the picture:-)
Their meeting was a huge success. Their plans received several ‘I wish I’d thought of that’s’ and Bob’s facial expressions left nothing to the imagination.
“I’m really impressed,” he concluded at the end of their conversation, “and I’m sure the board will be too. It does make me realize I made this job more time consuming than it had to be.” Bob tapped his fingers on his desk, deep in thought. “And I must say, Reid… you’re doing exactly what I hoped you would do… pulling Memorial into the present, preparing it for the future.”
Bob winked with a broad smile. “You’re really putting your energy where your mouth is and I’m pleased with that. Not surprised, but very pleased. And I also recognize Luke’s influence in all of this, so I can only repeat myself: you two make a great team.”
“That we do,” Reid agreed with a proud smile and Luke gave Bob a nod. For the billionth time these last weeks Luke asked himself why it had taken him so long to see that. To acknowledge how Reid was building him up, where Noah had been tearing him down. To realize how Reid was focused on Luke’s strength, where Noah had been focused on his weaknesses.
For the same billionth time he knew this train of thought wouldn’t bring him anywhere. There were no stations along this route. It was just a pointless circle that undermined his self-confidence. So once again he jumped off the train and squeezed Reid’s upper leg.
“It took me awhile, but I’m glad I finally came to my senses.”
“We all are,” Bob assured him with a telling grin, “These last two weeks the nurses station used up a lot less hankies and needed a lot less pep talks.”
“Hmmm,” Reid rubbed his chin, “I’ll have to work on that one. I like them scared.”
Luke wasn’t completely sure Reid wasn’t serious, but joined Bob in laughter anyway.
Their parting was friendly and with a content smile Luke put his arm around Reid’s shoulder and pulled him close.
“How about it, my Malicious Monstrosity… dinner at the Lakeview to celebrate?”
“Celebrate what?” Reid had his arm around Luke’s waist and pulled him even closer.
“Do we need a reason for some good eating?”
“Valid point, Snyder. Let’s celebrate that we don’t need a reason for some good eating.”
The restaurant was pretty busy and Luke was glad he’d called when he did. He wouldn’t be surprised if they had snatched away the last table!
They were following the waiter, when Luke heard his name and recognized the voice immediately. His “Grandmother!” came out before he actually spotted her and Reid was also scanning the room. Emma was here?
When he saw Luke wave at someone, he felt a little disappointed. It wasn’t Emma. It was the business tycoon grandmother. He had seen her around, but never really talked to her. He knew she was Lily’s mother, though, so he was cautious and restricted himself to a neutral look.
Luke showed no restrictions whatsoever. He hugged his grandmother with great enthusiasm and in his voice was only sincere happiness.
“I didn’t know you’re back in town! How was Montega…”
Lucinda kissed her blond treasure on his cheek. How she loved this boy. Her eyes strolled to the man next to him. It was obvious he felt guarded and she understood. Her smile was genuine as she involved him in the greeting procedure.
“Dr. Oliver, what a pleasure to run into you both. I would love it if you would join us, but I understand if you prefer a dinner for two…”
Her eyes were vibrant, her look was honest. For some reason Reid liked her immediately and smiled. He looked at Luke and his hopeful smile told him enough. His smile broadened. How could he say no? So he didn’t.
“We share lots of dinners for two, these days, so I can skip one…”
“Great!” Lucinda immediately made sure her table setting was changed into five and the waiter took only a few minutes to create a larger table and the right amount of chairs.
“That’s why I love to come here,” Lucinda confided to Reid, who sat next to her. “Nothing is a problem. You can tell them what you want and how you want it, and it’s done.”
Reid smiled. “If only life could be like that.”
“Exactly!” Lucinda tapped his hand. “Wouldn’t this world be a much nicer place?”
“For the two of you it would,” Luke grinned and Reid raised his eyebrow.
“Ah yes, I always forget… you don’t care if things don’t go the way you’d like them to go.”
He could hear Lucinda chuckle and Luke grinned.
“Touché.” He quickly changed the subject by pointing at the two empty seats. “Who is joining us, Grandmother?”
Lucinda smiled. “My Johnnie, of course. And some lost soul I picked up in Montega.”
Hmmm. Luke looked at Lucinda. She wasn’t the type to take in strays. She’d build them a shelter and make sure they were okay, but she wouldn’t take them in. So what lost soul…
“Hello Luke!”
“Lucy!” Luke jumped up to hug his cousin, “What a great surprise!”
He turned to Reid and introduced them to each other. Reid noticed this Lucy felt uncomfortable around him and barely looked at him. He didn’t care. Lucinda was on his left and Luke was on his right, so he’d make it through this dinner. The odds were even more on a great evening when he recognized the man approaching the table. This was Lucinda’s Johnnie?”
“Dr. Oliver! Reid! What a surprise to find you here!”
“The surprise is mutual, Dr. Dixon. John.”
They shook hands, smiling at each other.
“It’s great running into you, because I was meaning to talk to you…”
Before John could finish his sentence, Lucinda interrupted him.
“John! No shop talk at dinner, please.”
“Dinner isn’t here yet,” John pointed out with a amused smile, “and I haven’t seen Reid for a few days, so…”
“So whatever it is, it can wait a day longer. John! The man took a few days off, remember. Stop harassing him!”
Reid’s surprise didn’t stay unnoticed and Lucinda tapped his hand again.
“I always make sure I’m up to date about the important stuff, Reid. And since you’re living with my grandson, you’re part of that important stuff now.”
“I think I can live with that,” Reid said calmly and the woman smiled.
“I sure hope so. I’m afraid you don’t have much say in the matter,” her smile became a little mischievous, “I just can’t help myself. I need to be on top of things.”
“And meddle in whenever you get the chance,” John said with an willing smile.
“True,” Lucinda laughed.
“So it’s up to us to make sure you don’t get that chance, then,” Luke grinned and Lucinda smiled at him. She had only been away for a few weeks, but her grandson looked more at ease with himself than she’d ever seen.
Her informants had describe Dr. Reid Oliver as a genius doctor, but also very dominant and rude, and she’d shared Lily’s concerns about Luke’s interest in the man. Based on the rumors, Luke was way out of his league with this neurosurgeon, but Lucinda had seen one interaction between Luke and Reid - without them knowing she was there - and the way Reid had smiled at her grandson had giving her some peace of mind. She had picked up on the respect between the two men and had decided right then and there, she would give Luke the benefit of the doubt. And she was happy she did. Her grandson looked absolutely radiant. She wished her daughter could see him now.
“Have you spoken to your mother yet?” Lucinda looked at Luke and sighed when she saw the sadness in his eyes.
“No. Not after she put a gun in Reid’s face,” his attempt to make it sound cynical failed. The grief monopolized his tone of voice.
“I’m so sorry for you both,” Lucinda bit her lip. “That must have been… frightful.”
“It was.” Both men nodded, “although Reid isn’t sure she would really have pulled the trigger.” This time there was no accusation in Luke’s words. It sounded more hopeful than anything else.
“You’re not?” Lucinda was obviously surprised to hear that.
“No, I’m not. I mean, she was very mad at me and I do think she was over the edge, but I just can’t believe she would have shot me in cold blood.”
“What did you do to make her that mad?” Lucy looked startled that she asked it out loud and she saw how Luke wanted to rush to Reid’s defense, but was stopped by Reid’s hand on his.
“I’m in love with her son. Apparently that’s very appalling to some people.” He looked her in the eyes. Not unfriendly, but not very endearing either. His silent question was all over his face. And what’s your problem with me?
Lucy lowered her head, sipped her wine and then looked at Reid.
“It’s not you,” she started and sighed. “Well, it is you, but it’s not personal.” Everyone at her table looked puzzled, so she continued: “When I saw my grandmother again, I realized how much I’d missed Oakdale and then she told me about the new neuro wing and with my earlier work experience in Memorial I hoped I’d have a chance… but today I heard you’ll be the new Chief of Staff and well…” she leaned back in her chair, “that makes it all a little complicated.”
“Enlighten me,” Reid replied.
“Well…Bob Hughes and I are not related…”
“That’s a huge plus in my book,” Reid smiled. “I’m starting to think everybody in this town is related to each other one way or another.”
“Well, you still could be right about that, because you and I are… in a way, now.”
Ah. That was the sticking point, was it?
“Let me assure you, Lucy… I will not hire anyone because they are related to Luke, in whatever shape or form. But I also will not exclude anyone because they happen to be related. In two days I’ll be back at work. Call me to set up an appointment and we can talk about this.”
Lucy nodded, visibly surprised and relieved.
“On that same note,” John started and he gave Lucinda a don’t-start-with-me-again-look, “that’s what I wanted you to talk about.”
“You wanted to put in a good word for Lucy?” Lucinda looked confused.
“No, for Duke.”
Reid felt uncomfortable. Was this his future? Luke’s relatives suggesting new personnel to him?
Luke picked up on it. Of course Luke picked up on it, Reid thought with a smile.
“Guys, could we please order first? I promised Reid dinner and all he’s getting is work…”
“I agree,” Lucinda wasn’t a big fan of Duke anyway, “Can’t we table it?”
Somehow it felt unfair. He’d listened to Lucy. Reid wasn’t very good at finding some middle ground, but he tried anyway.
“Let’s order and while we’re waiting, John can explain to me who this Duke is.”
Lucinda didn’t look pleased, but everyone else gave him a nod, so Reid was satisfied. This satisfaction grew when the waiter had left with their order and John cleared his throat a little defiantly.
“Okay, about Duke. Officially his name is Ian Kramer, by the way, but everybody calls him Duke.”
“Duke Kramer,” Reid had heard that name before and that could only mean one thing… it had to be a interesting doctor… “That name does ring a bell.”
“It should… his name is all over the Medical Journals. Almost as much as yours,” John laughed. “He specializes in Neuromuscular diseases and is quite respected in his field.”
Reid gave him a nod. “Yes, I know him. By reputation, that is. We might have shaken hands at a conference, but that’s about it. Why would Duke Kramer be interested to work in Oakdale, though? If I’m not mistaken, he’s in New York?”
“That’s right. But the facilities are not meeting his needs anymore. He’s outgrown them, so to speak. And your new neuro wing is exactly what he’s looking for.”
“So why hasn’t he contacted us, yet?” Reid was intrigued.
“Because of me,” John said without hesitation or shame, for that matter. “He will not return to Memorial if I’m working there.”
“Because…?”
“Because I’m his father and he hates the thought of nepotism.”
“Well, it’s quite the theme of this party, isn’t it?” Reid rolled his eyes and they all chuckled.
“But tell me, John… do you think I can change his mind?”
“Not about the nepotism,” John shrugged. “But I’ve been thinking about retiring anyway. So with a call from you and the fact I won’t be working there… yeah, this might work.”
Reid smiled. “Okay, I’m willing to give it a try, so here’s the same deal I offered Lucy. Set up an appointment and we’ll talk.” He looked up, saw the waiter coming and wrung his hands. “But can we please return to the real important stuff in life?” He pointed at the nearing food. “Let’s eat already!”
Previously on As The World Keeps Turning:
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 #18 #19 #20
#21 #22 #23 #24 #25 #26 #27
Author: SYLnl
Title: #28 Nepotism and comestibles
Rating: PG
Summary: Vacation is almost over
Big Thanks To: ltklo, for helping me out with my hyphenations
Disclaimers: See chapters #1 to #27 and you’ll get the picture:-)
Their meeting was a huge success. Their plans received several ‘I wish I’d thought of that’s’ and Bob’s facial expressions left nothing to the imagination.
“I’m really impressed,” he concluded at the end of their conversation, “and I’m sure the board will be too. It does make me realize I made this job more time consuming than it had to be.” Bob tapped his fingers on his desk, deep in thought. “And I must say, Reid… you’re doing exactly what I hoped you would do… pulling Memorial into the present, preparing it for the future.”
Bob winked with a broad smile. “You’re really putting your energy where your mouth is and I’m pleased with that. Not surprised, but very pleased. And I also recognize Luke’s influence in all of this, so I can only repeat myself: you two make a great team.”
“That we do,” Reid agreed with a proud smile and Luke gave Bob a nod. For the billionth time these last weeks Luke asked himself why it had taken him so long to see that. To acknowledge how Reid was building him up, where Noah had been tearing him down. To realize how Reid was focused on Luke’s strength, where Noah had been focused on his weaknesses.
For the same billionth time he knew this train of thought wouldn’t bring him anywhere. There were no stations along this route. It was just a pointless circle that undermined his self-confidence. So once again he jumped off the train and squeezed Reid’s upper leg.
“It took me awhile, but I’m glad I finally came to my senses.”
“We all are,” Bob assured him with a telling grin, “These last two weeks the nurses station used up a lot less hankies and needed a lot less pep talks.”
“Hmmm,” Reid rubbed his chin, “I’ll have to work on that one. I like them scared.”
Luke wasn’t completely sure Reid wasn’t serious, but joined Bob in laughter anyway.
Their parting was friendly and with a content smile Luke put his arm around Reid’s shoulder and pulled him close.
“How about it, my Malicious Monstrosity… dinner at the Lakeview to celebrate?”
“Celebrate what?” Reid had his arm around Luke’s waist and pulled him even closer.
“Do we need a reason for some good eating?”
“Valid point, Snyder. Let’s celebrate that we don’t need a reason for some good eating.”
The restaurant was pretty busy and Luke was glad he’d called when he did. He wouldn’t be surprised if they had snatched away the last table!
They were following the waiter, when Luke heard his name and recognized the voice immediately. His “Grandmother!” came out before he actually spotted her and Reid was also scanning the room. Emma was here?
When he saw Luke wave at someone, he felt a little disappointed. It wasn’t Emma. It was the business tycoon grandmother. He had seen her around, but never really talked to her. He knew she was Lily’s mother, though, so he was cautious and restricted himself to a neutral look.
Luke showed no restrictions whatsoever. He hugged his grandmother with great enthusiasm and in his voice was only sincere happiness.
“I didn’t know you’re back in town! How was Montega…”
Lucinda kissed her blond treasure on his cheek. How she loved this boy. Her eyes strolled to the man next to him. It was obvious he felt guarded and she understood. Her smile was genuine as she involved him in the greeting procedure.
“Dr. Oliver, what a pleasure to run into you both. I would love it if you would join us, but I understand if you prefer a dinner for two…”
Her eyes were vibrant, her look was honest. For some reason Reid liked her immediately and smiled. He looked at Luke and his hopeful smile told him enough. His smile broadened. How could he say no? So he didn’t.
“We share lots of dinners for two, these days, so I can skip one…”
“Great!” Lucinda immediately made sure her table setting was changed into five and the waiter took only a few minutes to create a larger table and the right amount of chairs.
“That’s why I love to come here,” Lucinda confided to Reid, who sat next to her. “Nothing is a problem. You can tell them what you want and how you want it, and it’s done.”
Reid smiled. “If only life could be like that.”
“Exactly!” Lucinda tapped his hand. “Wouldn’t this world be a much nicer place?”
“For the two of you it would,” Luke grinned and Reid raised his eyebrow.
“Ah yes, I always forget… you don’t care if things don’t go the way you’d like them to go.”
He could hear Lucinda chuckle and Luke grinned.
“Touché.” He quickly changed the subject by pointing at the two empty seats. “Who is joining us, Grandmother?”
Lucinda smiled. “My Johnnie, of course. And some lost soul I picked up in Montega.”
Hmmm. Luke looked at Lucinda. She wasn’t the type to take in strays. She’d build them a shelter and make sure they were okay, but she wouldn’t take them in. So what lost soul…
“Hello Luke!”
“Lucy!” Luke jumped up to hug his cousin, “What a great surprise!”
He turned to Reid and introduced them to each other. Reid noticed this Lucy felt uncomfortable around him and barely looked at him. He didn’t care. Lucinda was on his left and Luke was on his right, so he’d make it through this dinner. The odds were even more on a great evening when he recognized the man approaching the table. This was Lucinda’s Johnnie?”
“Dr. Oliver! Reid! What a surprise to find you here!”
“The surprise is mutual, Dr. Dixon. John.”
They shook hands, smiling at each other.
“It’s great running into you, because I was meaning to talk to you…”
Before John could finish his sentence, Lucinda interrupted him.
“John! No shop talk at dinner, please.”
“Dinner isn’t here yet,” John pointed out with a amused smile, “and I haven’t seen Reid for a few days, so…”
“So whatever it is, it can wait a day longer. John! The man took a few days off, remember. Stop harassing him!”
Reid’s surprise didn’t stay unnoticed and Lucinda tapped his hand again.
“I always make sure I’m up to date about the important stuff, Reid. And since you’re living with my grandson, you’re part of that important stuff now.”
“I think I can live with that,” Reid said calmly and the woman smiled.
“I sure hope so. I’m afraid you don’t have much say in the matter,” her smile became a little mischievous, “I just can’t help myself. I need to be on top of things.”
“And meddle in whenever you get the chance,” John said with an willing smile.
“True,” Lucinda laughed.
“So it’s up to us to make sure you don’t get that chance, then,” Luke grinned and Lucinda smiled at him. She had only been away for a few weeks, but her grandson looked more at ease with himself than she’d ever seen.
Her informants had describe Dr. Reid Oliver as a genius doctor, but also very dominant and rude, and she’d shared Lily’s concerns about Luke’s interest in the man. Based on the rumors, Luke was way out of his league with this neurosurgeon, but Lucinda had seen one interaction between Luke and Reid - without them knowing she was there - and the way Reid had smiled at her grandson had giving her some peace of mind. She had picked up on the respect between the two men and had decided right then and there, she would give Luke the benefit of the doubt. And she was happy she did. Her grandson looked absolutely radiant. She wished her daughter could see him now.
“Have you spoken to your mother yet?” Lucinda looked at Luke and sighed when she saw the sadness in his eyes.
“No. Not after she put a gun in Reid’s face,” his attempt to make it sound cynical failed. The grief monopolized his tone of voice.
“I’m so sorry for you both,” Lucinda bit her lip. “That must have been… frightful.”
“It was.” Both men nodded, “although Reid isn’t sure she would really have pulled the trigger.” This time there was no accusation in Luke’s words. It sounded more hopeful than anything else.
“You’re not?” Lucinda was obviously surprised to hear that.
“No, I’m not. I mean, she was very mad at me and I do think she was over the edge, but I just can’t believe she would have shot me in cold blood.”
“What did you do to make her that mad?” Lucy looked startled that she asked it out loud and she saw how Luke wanted to rush to Reid’s defense, but was stopped by Reid’s hand on his.
“I’m in love with her son. Apparently that’s very appalling to some people.” He looked her in the eyes. Not unfriendly, but not very endearing either. His silent question was all over his face. And what’s your problem with me?
Lucy lowered her head, sipped her wine and then looked at Reid.
“It’s not you,” she started and sighed. “Well, it is you, but it’s not personal.” Everyone at her table looked puzzled, so she continued: “When I saw my grandmother again, I realized how much I’d missed Oakdale and then she told me about the new neuro wing and with my earlier work experience in Memorial I hoped I’d have a chance… but today I heard you’ll be the new Chief of Staff and well…” she leaned back in her chair, “that makes it all a little complicated.”
“Enlighten me,” Reid replied.
“Well…Bob Hughes and I are not related…”
“That’s a huge plus in my book,” Reid smiled. “I’m starting to think everybody in this town is related to each other one way or another.”
“Well, you still could be right about that, because you and I are… in a way, now.”
Ah. That was the sticking point, was it?
“Let me assure you, Lucy… I will not hire anyone because they are related to Luke, in whatever shape or form. But I also will not exclude anyone because they happen to be related. In two days I’ll be back at work. Call me to set up an appointment and we can talk about this.”
Lucy nodded, visibly surprised and relieved.
“On that same note,” John started and he gave Lucinda a don’t-start-with-me-again-look, “that’s what I wanted you to talk about.”
“You wanted to put in a good word for Lucy?” Lucinda looked confused.
“No, for Duke.”
Reid felt uncomfortable. Was this his future? Luke’s relatives suggesting new personnel to him?
Luke picked up on it. Of course Luke picked up on it, Reid thought with a smile.
“Guys, could we please order first? I promised Reid dinner and all he’s getting is work…”
“I agree,” Lucinda wasn’t a big fan of Duke anyway, “Can’t we table it?”
Somehow it felt unfair. He’d listened to Lucy. Reid wasn’t very good at finding some middle ground, but he tried anyway.
“Let’s order and while we’re waiting, John can explain to me who this Duke is.”
Lucinda didn’t look pleased, but everyone else gave him a nod, so Reid was satisfied. This satisfaction grew when the waiter had left with their order and John cleared his throat a little defiantly.
“Okay, about Duke. Officially his name is Ian Kramer, by the way, but everybody calls him Duke.”
“Duke Kramer,” Reid had heard that name before and that could only mean one thing… it had to be a interesting doctor… “That name does ring a bell.”
“It should… his name is all over the Medical Journals. Almost as much as yours,” John laughed. “He specializes in Neuromuscular diseases and is quite respected in his field.”
Reid gave him a nod. “Yes, I know him. By reputation, that is. We might have shaken hands at a conference, but that’s about it. Why would Duke Kramer be interested to work in Oakdale, though? If I’m not mistaken, he’s in New York?”
“That’s right. But the facilities are not meeting his needs anymore. He’s outgrown them, so to speak. And your new neuro wing is exactly what he’s looking for.”
“So why hasn’t he contacted us, yet?” Reid was intrigued.
“Because of me,” John said without hesitation or shame, for that matter. “He will not return to Memorial if I’m working there.”
“Because…?”
“Because I’m his father and he hates the thought of nepotism.”
“Well, it’s quite the theme of this party, isn’t it?” Reid rolled his eyes and they all chuckled.
“But tell me, John… do you think I can change his mind?”
“Not about the nepotism,” John shrugged. “But I’ve been thinking about retiring anyway. So with a call from you and the fact I won’t be working there… yeah, this might work.”
Reid smiled. “Okay, I’m willing to give it a try, so here’s the same deal I offered Lucy. Set up an appointment and we’ll talk.” He looked up, saw the waiter coming and wrung his hands. “But can we please return to the real important stuff in life?” He pointed at the nearing food. “Let’s eat already!”
Previously on As The World Keeps Turning:
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 #18 #19 #20
#21 #22 #23 #24 #25 #26 #27