AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Of course. I'll just finish this sentence before I forget." He finished a few more words, pressed "return" with a flourish, and pushed back his chair.
"What's up, pussycat?" He always knew how to charm me.
"I need you to oversee something while I'm gone."
"Shoot."
"I'm hiring Vic to be a resource for Calla to start our clinic marketing campaign."
"Marketing campaign? We are busy enough as it is. Do we need a marketing campaign?" Hugo raised a good point. Ever since they published that crazy "hottest neurologists" article, we have been overflowing with patients. Some have to wait a little longer than we'd like.
"That's a good point, but I thought we could do more of an awareness campaign. Plus, add in all the good work our foundation is doing. That work mostly goes unsung. I don't mean it for publicity for us necessarily, but to raise awareness for what's going on in the world and give us a more consistent social media presence. Makes us more relatable and hey, I think it's time we get with the times. What do you think about that?"
Hugo rubbed his chin as he thought. "Yes, I could get behind that, but maybe it's something we bring up at the Ops Meeting. We should have clearly defined goals for the project so that we can give Calla and Vic exactly what we want. Or at least guidelines and maybe they can come up with the deliverables."
"Hey, that's a good idea. Let them think through this."
"They're the experts anyway, not us. Definitely not me." Hugo pulled up his chair and looked at his screen attentively. I guess this conversation was over.
"Thanks, man. Appreciate the input."
"Anytime. Floppy Dick."
I threw both arms in the air to match my rolling eyes as I walked out of the office.
I went to the break room to pour myself a coffee. My thoughts were filled with Calla, but I knew what I had to do.
Exhaling sharply, I couldn't deny that I felt hurt when Calla couldn't tell me she loved me. I knew I should be patient and I told her I would be, but it was harder to do than to say. I also knew I was thinking through all of this with objective, sound logic. It all made sense, and it was best for everyone.
Looking at the week ahead, things were falling into place. Logistical planning for Somalia was coming together, a new project to busy Calla with was coming together. I was sure I could finish my current workload before I left. Everything looked to be in order.
Just one last thing to do.
Chapter 28
Calla
Dominic had been acting strange for the past few days. He was quieter, and I didn't feel like he was reacting to my flirting as he usually did. I'm pretty sure we would have had a few more passionate moments had our week been normal.
His brain seemed to be occupied, and he always had a lot on his mind, but this was different. He seemed a little sad, a little withdrawn. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. But I knew he had received the patient records from the potential Somali
I could see him walk past my office a few times and head to Hugo's office. I kept my head down, focusing on catching up on all the data input and making sure all the supplies for the office, the clinic and his upcoming foundation trip were taken care of. I knew that my work was important in making this all come together and it felt good that he trusted me with this job.
Dawn, the head of logistics, poked her head in.
"Hey Calla. Thanks for the finalizing that order. I know we had to rely on our European partners to make sure we got it to Somalia, but thanks for working through that maze."
"It was so interesting. It was my pleasure. Is it going to arrive on time?"
"We are doing our best. Dr. Harrington is leaving in a couple of weeks, so fingers crossed, the international courier can make it happen. Anyway, thank you!" She waved and then left.
Two weeks? He's leaving in two weeks and didn't mention it to me? I wonder how long he's known.
I tried to keep working, but it was tough. I felt sick to my stomach, and it made me doubt everything that I had with Dominic. At least, everything I thought we had.
Just then, Dominic came to my office.
"Hi, Calla."
