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I go on and call up each nominee, giving them their small piece of reverence. Even the batshit boring Dr. Bora appears happy with his offering. After I’m done sharing, I take a deep breath and reveal the reason behind my madness. It’s time for my redemption.
Holding up my sliver, I reveal, “I don’t deserve this because…I’m a fraud.”
I don’t think the crowd can handle any more excitement, and the room erupts into pure bedlam. The pandemonium doesn’t deter my confession, however. “I am probably the person least deserving of this award, as my recent unorthodox practices shit all over this honor and what it’s meant to represent.”
My confession soon hushes the room as they all eagerly wait for me to air my dirty laundry.
“I’m not proud of my actions, and it’s time I pay for my wrongdoings. For the past…” I pause, as I don’t even know how long it’s been. As I’m calculating my sins, I see Chad unexpectedly run over to the stage. I figure he’s finally grown a pair, and I’m about to get what’s coming to me.
With that thought in mind, I quickly declare, “For God knows how long, I’ve been fuc—” But I don’t get to finish. The air gets ripped from my lungs when Chad hip-and-shoulders me and yanks the microphone from my hand. I stumble, completely caught off guard, as I thought he was about to punch me, not bump me out of the way.
“What Dr. Mathews is trying to say is that for God knows how long, he’s been focusing on becoming a better doctor. Some of his research methods may be unorthodox, and at times, he’s felt like a fraud because he’s surrounded by so many intelligent and gifted colleagues who seem to be discovering the next big thing. He’s a perfectionist, and he really is his own worst enemy. But in no way are you undeserving, Dr. Mathews.” Chad turns to look at me. “What you just did shows everyone what sort of a doctor you really are. You shared your entitlement with your fellow nominees because you are selfless. And if that doesn’t show this room what kind of a doctor you are, then I don’t know what will.”
This time, I’m the one whose mouth has just hit the floor. What the hell is going on? Why is Chad saving my ass? Did he not hear me when I called his fiancée a gold-digging whore?
“Three cheers for Dr. Dixon Mathews!” Chad exclaims, egging the stunned crowd on. By the third cheer, I can tell they’ve bought his bullshit spiel.
Before I have a chance to deny his kind but incorrect claims, some pop tune comes blaring over the speakers. I look over at the DJ and almost fall flat on my ass when I see Max over at the booth, looking at me knowingly.
What’s going on?
“Dr. Mathews,” Chad says from between clenched teeth. “Take a walk with me.” I don’t have time to get a word in edgewise because he stands behind me and practically shoves me down the stairs.
As I walk through the inquisitive crowd, I dodge hunks of glass, the sight outlining what a nightmare the past five minutes have been. We casually saunter out the balcony doors a few seconds later.
Fortunately, only a few people are out here. I gather the night’s proceedings grew too spectacular for their tastes, so they snuck out for a much-needed cigarette. The thought has me reaching into my jacket pocket and diving for my own nicotine savior.
As I breathe in my Marlboro, I feel a touch better. “You care to explain to me what the hell is going on? Why on earth would you do that? I thought you’d be more than happy to watch me throw myself under a bus. Instead, you’re up there making excuses for me. Why?”
Chad blows out a deep breath. “Can I trouble you for one?” he asks, looking down at my pack. I didn’t know he smoked, but I offer him one without hesitation.
As he takes a long drag, his shoulders instantly drop, and he smiles. “That’s the first cigarette I’ve had in over two years,” he confesses.
“Oh?”
He nods and turns to look out over the balcony railing. “Yes. Rebecca says smoking is a filthy habit, and it was her excuse not to kiss me.”
It takes all my willpower to keep hidden that offering to smoke a stranger’s cock is an even filthier habit, but Chad must be able to read my thoughts loud and clear.
“But now I know that was only one excuse in a long list of many.” I wasn’t expecting that reply, so I continue smoking in silence. “The answer to your question is I won’t allow a lying bitch to make a fool of us both.”
I thump my chest as I choke on my intake of smoke. “Excuse me? Are you saying that you believe me?” I query, unable to believe my ears.
“Yes, I do,” he confirms.
“How? I mean, I’m thankful that you do, but I just told you your entire relationship is a sham. Why would you believe me and not her?”
Chad sighs, appearing plagued and saddened by the truth. “Because deep down, I always knew. I’m not stupid, Dixon. I knew that Rebecca was more interested in my wallet than she was in being my wife. But I thought maybe one day she could grow to love me.”
Us men, we are all closet sentimental fools. No matter how many people warn us, we have to find out the hard way.
“And Max told me,” he adds.
“Max?” I question, pausing from taking another drag.
Chad nods and finally turns to look at me. “Yes. He told me he had seen you brushing off Rebecca’s advances last night. He also confirmed that he heard her at the table.”
I feel like a complete ass. “I’m sorry, Chad. I truly am. I should have pulled you aside and been a little more discreet about the entire thing.”
