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I’d helped write these recommendations, and even I was impressed by the breadth and thoroughness of her presentation. Cassie covered the success metrics and evaluation as well.
We looked like we were in sync, taking turns presenting. Maybe I was the only one who could sense the invisible wall between us, more impenetrable than the barrier layer of her hazmat suit.
“Now,” Mr. Nielsen began. “Are you saying we have to redo the 2009 hospital survey?”
“2009 is closer to the twentieth century than to today.” Cassie smiled. “I’m sure you don’t make decisions for the whole commonwealth based on antiquated data, do you?”
“The data is still good.”
“The data predates COVID-19. I’m sure you don’t mean to suggest healthcare facilities were unaffected by a worldwide pandemic.”
“Well, no, but... uh...” Mr. Nielsen continued to try to argue. Although she never talked down to him, Cassie talked around him so much that he eventually had to give up his ridiculous objections. Somehow she talked him around to where he was happy about it, too.
Judging by the handshakes and thanks once she’d finished, it was clear the presentation had been a success. “Are you sure you wouldn’t want to work with us?” one of the Health Department dudes murmured to me as they walked out.
“Oh, I think you’d find me disappointing. Dr. Croft really did all the heavy lifting.”
The departmental dude turned to Cassie and shook her hand, then handed her his card. “If you ever need a break from patient care.”
“Thanks,” she said, her voice noncommittal. The departmental dude stepped away to speak to Dr. Okafor and his colleagues, leaving us almost alone.
This felt too much like an embarrassing exchange with an ex, especially considering we’d never even held hands. At least not without PPE.
But I had no urge to make sure she knew I was better off without her. I wasn’t sure I was.
This was the woman who’d believed I was sexist. Hopefully I’d just shown her how much I believed in gender equality—and most of all her. “Did I pass the test?” I tried.
She turned to me and her gaze fell. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions about you.”
I wasn’t prepared for that much honesty. “You were amazing.”
“Youwere. You make it look easy. I was a rambling mess.”
I waved away her worry. “You weren’t, but even if you were, they’re not smart enough to tell the difference between science and rambling.”
Cassie cringed. “I probably overprepared then.”
“No, it was perfect. Thank you for the presentation.”
“Glad it was ready early.”
“I’m hardly surprised with you on the case.”
She offered the smallest fraction of a smile and started to turn away.
“Cassie—” I started at the same time that she turned back, saying, “Davis—”
I gestured for her to proceed, and she said, “Go ahead.”
“No, you go ahead,” I said, as she motioned for me to speak.
We each gave a little laugh. Three days ago, this had all felt so easy.
Two days ago, she’d texted Everett.
“Are you... feeling better?” Cassie asked.
If that was all she wanted to know, the answer was easy. “No.”
