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MARCUS
Acold burst of air greets me as I walk through the hospital doors of Scripps Memorial Hospital. My Grace is here, and I can’t wait to kiss her.
I wave politely to the ladies behind the desk in the large lobby. They know me from years of picking up Harmony, so they smile with a matching wink when they see my arms full of flowers and takeout. The elevator doors are open, so I quickly rush in and push the button for the tenth floor. The place is quiet when I step off.
“Hey, ladies.” I smile at the gaggle of nurses, and they wave.
Nearing the end of a long hallway, I hear an angry male voice. I wonder for a moment if a rowdy patient is giving my Grace a hard time, but when I turn to peep inside, I drop the bag and flowers and barge into the room so fast the fuckers head spins. My fist is up and ready, and my blood is boiling as the good Dr. Williams crowds a very uncomfortable Grace.
I watch as he quickly rights himself, but it’s too late; I see red, my fist starts to swing, but Grace slides out from between him and the wall and rushes me.
“Baby, stop! Trust me!” She shouts.
I hear the strength in her voice, and I know my woman is strong. If she says to stop, I won’t hit him…at least not yet. I make a last-minute move that only leaves him scared. My fist connects with the wall next to him as I snarl in his pathetic face.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
Dr. Dumbass clenches his jaw. He wants to hit me, say all the right things, and stay the big shot everyone thinks he is. I know better. His eyes tell me he’s shitting his pants at being caught harassing someone. My someone. I grit my teeth but step back when her soft hand squeezes my shoulder.
“Grace and I were just having a conversation. Nothing to be too jealous about…yet.” He tells me with a cocky grin.
“Or ever. Like I was explaining to you, yet again, Dr. Williams. I’m happily reunited with the love of my life. In fact, I absolutely will not miss your uncomfortable advances when you’re gone.”
He pauses for a moment, seeming to think over his next move while scratching his chin with his thumb in deep thought.
“Sally Ann, did you get all that?”
Just then, the woman steps out of the nearby bathroom. One that had been cracked open and had a great view of everything that just transpired. An evil grin slides across her face as Grace nods and crosses her arms. This was a setup, and these amazing women were brave enough to pull it off.
“I got every word. Thanks for the backup, Marcus,” Sally Ann says with a smile, and suddenly, security flanks the entrance, making the once prideful doctor start stuttering.
“You got to be kidding me with this shit. Don’t touch me. Do you know who I am? I make more than all three of you combined. I said don’t fucking touch me. I demand to talk to the Chief Physician. It’s fucking lies!” He shouts the last part over his shoulder as he’s forcefully removed from the room.
“Oh, you will, don’t worry.” The older nurse Salley Ann shouts.
“You sent her the video,” Grace asks Sally Ann as I take her in my arms for a much needed embrace. God, that was scary. My heart is still racing as I rock her in my arms. She laughs lightly and pats my back.
“Do you mean did I forward an email with the video to everyone that has the power to destroy his career? Including the good Chief Physician, Melanie Arvato, yes I did.”
We all have a good laugh, and several people rush in to ask what was happening. That started an even bigger conversation about the women being harassed by Dr. Williams and several of the men on staff in the hospital.
“Ladies, I think we can all say today was a win,” Grace says as a few nurses have to back out of the room to care for patients but nod their support. I have no doubt the events of today and the ones to come will spread through this hospital like wildfire. The power of that movement gave me an idea.
“But this was just one of many toxic people in power in this hospital.”
“Grace, I have an idea. May I?” I ask her, stepping forward to address the room. I remind myself to consider everyone’s feelings when I ask this. They all have families to feed…but some might have daughters like mine. When my love smiles at me, giving me the ok, I look around the room, making eye contact with everyone giving me the attention I don’t deserve on this subject. The tension is thick as I clear my throat.
“You all worked hard to earn the jobs you do day in and day out. With blood of your own, sweat and tears from family members who miss you because you work all the time.” That gets me a few laughs. “No one deserves to feel stuck in a job they're uncomfortable going to. That’s bullshit. I don’t work here and don’t know half of your stories, but if you tell me, I promise I’ll use my power in the entertainment industry to make sure your voice is heard. My daughter is six and fiercely independent…just like her mom. I don’t want her to grow up in a world where women don’t get treated with the respect they deserve, and I want to be part of the change we can make for the better.”
The room starts cheering, but I shake my head and laugh. More women have crowded into the room now, and I notice lots of glistening stares.
Reaching into my pocket, I pull out my business card.
“This is my office address and personal cell phone number. Sit down with me for as long as it takes. I’ll have a box of tissues, a camera, and zero judgment about what you choose to tell me. If you decide to tell me your story, I’ll make a collaborative video for the world to see. And you can trust me, ladies; the world will see it.”
Everyone agrees, and one by one, I meet several women with stories to tell. They all thank me and promise to be in touch. I have no idea what time Grace and I finally make our way home. We had to make a formal complaint and email a few more people the video.
Closing the front door to our home, I take a long breath of relief. I’m grateful she’s ok, and he didn’t hurt her. I’m also proud as hell.
