Running To You Read online

  As I headed home, I reminisced about tall, dark and handsome Dr. Brooks, so beautiful and yet so dark. He had to be at least 6’5“. His shoulders seemed to stretch out for miles. I didn’t see a wedding band or a tan line to indicate one either. However, with physicians washing their hands so much, many choose not to wear a ring most of the time.

  When I entered the apartment, I noticed that Cooper had the bar covered in paperwork for the Texas Real Estate exam. Upon further exploration, there was even an application for FBI fingerprinting. It was great to see him so involved in moving forward with this process. I secretly knew that if he was going this far with the process that he was planning on staying with me in Texas for a while. Pouring a glass of wine, I heard Cooper come home from a run. “I may have to change my exercise routine; the heat is horrible this time of day. Geez, it is freakin’ hot here! However, I did happen to see a quaint little place called Sambuca’s that features live music every night with various artists. I would like to try it out for drinks later tonight. They are featuring their sexy-sax night for musical entertainment. You game?”

  “Absolutely, sounds like fun. After the day I have had, I would love to unwind listening to...what did you call it, a sexy-sax night?” giving him a wink and a big smile. Besides, we deserved a fun night out.

  Pulling out the ingredients to make a salad, I decided I had enough of these Manolo heels, so I chunked them off just as Cooper walked into my path. Dodging shoes, Cooper threw up his hands in retreat. “Hey, what gives? Whatever it is, I didn’t do it, I swear,” as he continues to chuckle and duck. I didn’t realize that I was so vigorous with my shoe-tossing exercise. However, I was apparent that I was beginning to fume again about Dr. Brooks’ attitude today.

  “Oops, sorry Coop. I didn’t realize I was using you for target practice.” Giggling back at him, “but you have to admit, I was dead on with my aim!” Laughing at him, I reached for my wine. Coop didn’t miss a beat, “Hey, spill on your meeting with the mysterious Doc?”

  “Well, I did get past Ms. Millie Watson, the cranky gatekeeper at his front desk. I had a 2 second conversation with Dr. Brooks, but you were wrong, he did say no to me today. However, I will prevail in due time. And just so you know, I did give him the Alexandra Morrison wink when I left, putting him on notice that I would see him again soon!”

  Changing the subject from Dr. Cranky, “hey, Mr. Stylist, what do ya say we go to my closet and pick out what I can wear tonight that’s not brown!” sharing a laugh with my built-in fashion guru. Eagerly following Coop, we headed off to my closet for a fashion lesson.

  I finished the chicken Caesar salad and refreshed our wine as Cooper cleared off his paperwork so we could eat at the bar. “Our bar is covered with all of the real estate info; Coop. Looks like you are diving head first into becoming a real Texan!” Coop just glared at me, he has told me before that he will always be a Bears fan, none of this Dallas Cowboys business. So he knew what I meant by my real Texan comment. Thank goodness he was barefoot, or I might have a shoe war on my hands.

  Cooper is just the cutest guy and always so playful, turning almost any situation into a comedic act. His dark hair is down to his neck with longer layers, very wavy and always has that messed up, just had sex look. He shaves almost every morning, but his chiseled chin always has a day-old scruffiness to it by mid-afternoon. I realized early on that he was different and although he had many female friends, he never went out with anyone specific. It wasn’t until my freshman year in college that he told me he was gay. His very religious family disowned him and it was so painful for him to admit it, but when I shared that I had known all along and loved him anyway, he never looked back. He is still a chick magnet, but like me, hasn’t been lucky in the love department with the fellas! Maybe the move will be good for both of us in the love department.

  Since our apartment has dual master suites, there is no fighting over who gets the bigger bathroom. This apartment was perfect for us in location and amenities. The only downside is that it stretches my budget thin. Cooper has always been good with his money, so he has savings to tide him over until he’s working full time again or picks up a great modeling contract. The agent that helped us relocate indicated he had a few connections in the modeling industry, so the networking has begun. My ability to save money was difficult while trying to pay for college and repay student loans. I refuse to take any money from my father and shudder at the thought of even thinking about him. He was furious that I did not take his offer to work for his publishing company, Morrison Industries, or let him help pay my tuition. As soon as I could, I distanced myself from him, worked part-time barista jobs and plowed head first into becoming my own person. Dad and I never see eye-to-eye on my choices, he always wanted me to follow his path, work for him, and walk in to a position at his company. There were many options for me there, but the employees would know that I just stepped into a role rather than earn it, and I wanted to earn being my own person. This strong willed streak has led to many a disagreement between us and many tears, which usually resulted with me walking away from him, rather than standing up to him. When I turned 18, I moved in with Cooper and started at Northwestern, putting myself through school and doing it my way.

  “Hey, did you drown in there?” Coop was yelling through the door. “No Coop, I’m fine, I was just finishing the final touches on my hair, and I'm still not happy with it.” Opening the door, Cooper’s eyes were big as golf balls, but he wasn’t smiling. I blurted out “Oh shit, do I look that bad?”

  “Alex, you look amazing! You’re a tall drink of water in those tight-ass low-riders!”

  “Really Coop, you’re just proud of your stylist handiwork, and you have me blingin’ from here to the moon. You’ve got me in 7 bangle bracelets, 3 necklaces, 5” long drop earrings, a cream RUFFLED...RUFFLED mind you, top! Coop you know I hate ruffles, I don’t know why I let you talk me in to this blouse and all this jewelry. I feel like a mannequin that a 5 year old is playing dress up with."

  As if Coop could read my mind, “Alex, it’s only a ruffle at the neckline and the blouse looks fantastic tucked in the low-riders with that brown belt. Now go get those Manolos you used for target practice and let’s get movin’. There is fun out there to be had tonight!” dragging me out the door.

  Sambuca’s is a happening place, and in full throttle as we make our way to a table over in the outdoor lounge area. We still have a good view of the stage and the sax player is playing one of my favorite songs by Dave Koz, Start All Over Again. As if the song is an epiphany, that is exactly what Cooper and I are doing, starting our lives over. Or more than that, maybe we are at least, starting the next chapter.

  Noticing the song’s resemblance to our fresh start as well, Cooper took my hand and had me dancing before I knew it. I am sure that most of the patrons around us thought we were a couple, but neither of us cared. At that moment, we were the only ones dancing and giggling, just enjoying the moment. We received a round of applause when the song finished.

  The restaurant and bar are really noisy and I thought I heard my phone ring, but missed the call. I didn’t recognize the number, so I waited for the voice mail; it seemed to take forever to deliver. Finally, a message appeared. “Alexandra, this is Grayson Brooks. I wanted to apologize for my behavior today in the office and would like to make it up to you. I have surgeries scheduled on Monday and would like for you to accompany me in the operating room with your equipment. If you could please call Millie at the office first thing Monday morning, she will get you squared away with all the details. Enjoy your weekend and I will see you soon.”

  “Yeah it worked! Today was my lucky day after all!” I squealed! Wow!

  “Holy crap Coop, it was my day after all! That was Dr. Brooks apologizing for his behavior today and inviting me to do surgeries with him on Monday!” I gasp; feeling like the air was just disappeared right out of me. My body was immediately filling up with a tingle all over. “Coop, order us a couple of crantinis. We must cel
ebrate!”

  “You must have given doc that sex-me-up look and had him getting a jump-starter in his pants on your way out the door!”

  “Cooper Roberts, I can’t believe you just said that. Get control of yourself! I did no such thing. It was merely a see-ya-later WINK, only a WINK!” But I could feel the heat of my blush, he knew what I had done. I had flirted with the doc. I don’t feel apologetic for it; I am totally attracted to Grayson Brooks. What’s not to like, he’s sexy, smart, and gorgeous. Besides, his chosen practice is special to me. I want to see what more we have in common.

  I could not shut my brain down the rest of the evening, as my mind was busy role-playing how Monday would go down. Typical Alexandra Elise Morrison mental behavior, I am a planner, a forecaster. It was a good thing I had something to occupy myself with, as Cooper was finding himself interested in a cute fella next to us in the lounge. The music was fantastic and the ambience of Sambuca’s was both sophisticated and eclectic. The décor dedicated to beautiful European detail of rich colors and ironworks, with a side order of energy.

  Coop made sure he danced with me a few times just to keep me entertained, but he spent most of his conversation time with his new found friend, Mark, who happened to be in our same apartment complex. I was happy to see him make a new friend and who knows, maybe there was a new friend out there for me too. As we made our way home, it was late but we were both full of conversation about the evening's turn of events.

  “Good morning Ms. Millie, it’s Alex calling. Dr. Brooks left a message asking me to phone you this morning about his case today.”

  “Ah, yes, Alexandra, he asked that you meet him in the OR lounge at 9:30 and he would take you back and get you all settled with the staff, if that works for you? He said he left you his cell number just in case you have any questions.” Millie still maintained her friendliness from Friday, so maybe she didn’t get in too much trouble.

  “Ok thank you Ms. Millie. I hope he wasn’t upset with you on Friday after I left.” I am trying to keep the peace with the gatekeeper, but also curious as to Dr. Brooks’ disposition afterwards.

  “Oh sweet dear, you know how men are sometimes. They often react too quickly, while all along they are simply trying to hide their emotions. He felt badly that he took such a tone with you, but I think it was more about his patient, than anything to do with you per se. Just be patient with him, he is still trying to adjust to life in private practice, a big change from the controlling military. Good luck today and I will chat with you soon.” Ms. Millie hung up so quickly, it seemed as though she fretted that she may have spoken out of turn.

  The rules of the surgical environment are strict for reps to go in to. In order to meet up with Dr. Brooks, I actually had to play his voice mail for the bitch-on-a-power trip at the control desk to get the process started. I think this may be partially because he has been so stern about letting reps in to his procedures. I changed into scrubs so that I could meet him in the physician's lounge as he requested. When he walked in, I had to take a deep breath. Getting a glimpse of Doc in his scrubs took the wind right out of me. He is so sexy. Oh sweet jeez, I felt warm all over just drinking him in. I have met a few cute doctors, but all I can think about while I am this close to him, is getting to know him more. Besides his good looks, he really cares about his patients, as Millie had told me, and he must be a passionate man to pick a specialty like breast cancer to focus his practice on.

  “Hello Dr. Brooks, I am really grateful that you extended the invite for today. Please let me know when you have a few minutes so that we can discuss the case.”

  I realized that we were now alone in the lounge. Dr. Brooks stood and took my extended hand, this time our handshake was brief, but he was smiling very warmly, and again, I felt the tingling sensation that I did the first time we met. He must have felt it too, pulling his hand back quickly.

  “Alexandra, once the patient is fully asleep, we can go over the steps of your equipment again, just to make sure I have the intended steps in order. Once I am scrubbed in sterile, I assume that you will operate the equipment?” His eyes became so stern; I felt a hole begin to burn into my own.

  “Yes sir, I will follow your lead.” Dr. Brooks took me to the first patient's room and introduced me to her and the family as a colleague? I observed him as he discussed her procedure, prognosis and answered questions. I was amazed at his bed-side manner and the way he was so endearing to her, her husband and their family. His professionalism impressed me, but his ability to put them at ease was so appreciating to watch. I wished that kind of attitude and care for every patient that has to undergo surgery and treatment for breast cancer.

  As we made our way to the operating room, I got a chance to drink in his beautiful physique, so muscular and toned, the scrub pants just sitting on his hips. He walks with quite a strut, filled with confidence all the way down to his tennis shoes. Following him to the room, we join all the masked strangers that seem to glide around the room, like a choreographed dance, so very much in sync. I noticed a few gazes my way and then back to Dr. Brooks, but no one on the team spoke of my attending the procedure. After a few moments, there was room for me to bring in my equipment and get set up. The nurse came over and retrieved my information for the patient record and asked me a few questions about my equipment. It’s euphoric to bring new technology to the market and very fulfilling to know that you are providing shorter procedures for the patients and improving the process.

  As the surgery was now in full swing, Dr. Brooks was asking me questions about where I grew up and my college years. I told him about my studies at Northwestern and how a recruiter for PMC that brought me to Dallas. I was trying to decipher whether it was a deposition or if he was really all that curious about me on a personal level. I knew I was certainly curious about him and wanted to get to know the handsome stranger that could be the handsome devil in disguise.

  “Where did you do your medical school training?” trying to find out more about him.

  “Alexandra, I did all of my training through the military, so I was in many different locations.”

  “Did you have a favorite?”

  “Yes, yes I did. My favorite time was when I was stationed in Europe, specifically, Austria. It is a beautiful place, less tourism. The fall season is breathtaking and I really enjoyed snow-skiing during the winter while I was stationed at that post, a truly fabulous, scenic countryside.” I could see his eyes dancing above his surgical mask, when he looked over at me.

  “Do you ski, Alexandra, or like sports and outdoors?” His question suggests that he might have an interest in me as well.

  “Yes, I do like to ski and I am a sports fanatic. I like to play basketball, for exercise I like running and Pilates. I am a huge Bears and Cubs fan, sorry if you all are Cowboys fans!” trying not to get run out of the room.

  “Well, we have the Bears in common, I too love the Bears!” as he winked at me. I couldn’t decide if Grayson Brooks was just agreeing with me or he really did like the Bears, which is interesting...maybe he has lived in Chicago? I desired to know more, but we were finishing the procedure and I had to move my equipment.

  As we exited the procedure room, we discussed how easy the surgery went and the 30 minutes he saved just by using my equipment, which had him beaming with excitement. Since he was still in a mask, I could only see his sapphire blue eyes, but that was enough for me, they were gleaming.

  “Alexandra, on a busy OR day, I usually have 4-5 cases. Your equipment could give my team about 2 hours back of our day for another procedure or for some play time on the basketball court maybe?”

  “I am pleased that you are happy with the outcome of our demonstration, this is obviously the conclusion that I had hoped you would come to.” Of course, what I really wanted to say was, if you weren’t such a stubborn-ass, you would know that by now. And would have had several days to hit the court already, you hard-headed jerk!

  “I have to get to a meeting with the hospital foundati
on committee about upcoming fundraising, but I would like to discuss your equipment options more. Would you be available to meet me for dinner tonight, say 6:30?”

  “Absolutely, I have an appointment that should wrap up by 5:00,” trying to contain my excitement, but I'm sure that he could see my breath quicken.

  “I will text you the reservation info later” turning, he rubbed my shoulder and walked off before I could say anything else. But I was quite certain that I had just made serious headway with Dr. Brooks. Tonight I would have to be careful, because after all, I need and want his business first, but after that I am going to learn as much as I can about Dr. Grayson Brooks.

  Certain that Drew was pacing the floor of whatever state he was in today, I wanted to share my excitement. I knew he would be awaiting news about how the procedure went down. I anticipated a million questions on how I managed to wrestle Dr. Brooks into an equipment demo. “Hi Drew, are you patiently waiting to hear how bad it was?” Okay, so I am teasing him, but he’ll get over it.

  “Alex, don’t jack with me. I’m not in the mood,” but I knew he was playing, “please tell me it went great,” I could hear the anxiety in his voice “and then I need to understand how you managed to get Dr. Brooks to say yes to a trial. What tricks did you use?”

  “First of all, I didn’t use any tricks. You told me to be myself and I was, but he turned me down. After he thought about it, he reached out and left me a message indicating that he would be willing to give it a try. Secondly, the case went wonderful, and I have a follow up dinner with him tonight.” Pausing slightly to hear him finally take a breath, “Before you go all bossy on me, I got this for now, let’s not push him. He’s on board with hearing purchasing options and realizes the initiative, so I have him where I need him to be, after just one case. I will know more about the budget cycle after dinner tonight.” I informed Drew that I had another appointment and needed time to prep for the dinner meeting with Dr. Brooks.