CHAPTER 7
DRAKE
A week had passed. My sprain had healed quite faster than I had expected, which meant that I could return to football anytime soon.
However, the idea of training in our business suddenly seemed more appealing to me. Maybe it was a sign of maturity for me, or perhaps I’d just gotten bored of football and wanted change in my life. Whatever the reason was, it didn’t matter. My father was ecstatic to have me in his office, learning the ropes of running our pharmaceutical company.
I filed an indefinite leave with the Windfield Warriors. Coach was quite disappointed, but he understood my obligation in the family so he let me go without any problem.
It was a rough first two weeks for me during my on-the-job training. Dad made sure I went through all the challenges of a regular employee, understanding the basic elements that made our business thrive. I was assigned a mentor who actually drilled me and put me to a lot of grueling hands-on exercises. What’s more, I was earning much less than when I was playing football. Nevertheless, that was of course temporary. I could still enjoy the perks of being a Walton kid, such as having my own chauffeur.
From time to time, Dr. Hill’s face would show up in my head, distracting me from my work somehow but also inspiring me to keep on. It was strange how connected I felt to her, how attracted I was in spite of our brief professional meeting.
Maybe I should ask her out? That was a question that had been toying in my mind. I had to at least find out if she wasn’t dating anyone serious at the moment.
The question remained a question for long, until I saw her coming out of my buddy’s sports shop one day. It wasn’t a strange scenario since she did mention she’s into fitness. She is, after all, a sports doctor.
I followed her with my gaze as she walked back to her car, her shiny brown hair blowing in the soft breeze, her blue eyes glimmering even from afar. The sway of her hips caught my eye, stirring in me a deeper sense of physical attraction.
Without thinking, I started after her. “Dr. Hill!” I called out. She didn’t seem to hear me. To my disappointment, her car sped off before I could reach her.
I could always just drop by her clinic. I checked the time. Maybe she was on her way to the hospital.
Call me silly, but I was totally smitten by this woman. I couldn’t really explain why. All I knew was that I suddenly wanted to see her. I couldn’t even recall the reasons I’d been feeding myself for holding back. We’re both single, as far as I knew. At least I didn’t see any engagement ring or wedding ring on her finger. That was a good enough sign.
I rushed to the hospital, eager to catch her there, to once again look into her eyes. At this time, I would have to ask her out straight. No more acting like a mere patient and beating around the bushes.
Alice was at her desk as usual. She looked up with a bright smile as I entered. “Oh, hello, Mr. Walton,” she greeted cheerfully. “You seem to be very fine now.”
“Yes, but I was hoping to talk to Dr. Hill about something important…” I said.
“Oh, I’m sorry but she isn’t here today,” she answered, to my utter disappointment. “I believe she has a family affair to attend to, before she leaves for a convention.”
“I see,” I said. “Do you know when she’ll be back?”
“I believe next Monday,” Alice said.
“Alright, thanks,” I said, heading out the door with a feeling of dejection. I would have to wait another week before seeing her. It felt like forever.
I went back to our building with a heavy feeling. My dad was waiting for me in my temporary work desk.
“I’d like to see you in my office,” he said as soon as he saw me. His face was blank, so I couldn’t tell if I was in trouble or what.
I followed him wordlessly to his massive office on the top floor of the building. It was like being transported to a five-star hotel office. My father obviously adored expensive, luxurious things.
“What’s up, Dad?” I asked casually. Our relationship had indeed taken a better turn the past weeks, but there was still so much to fix. Or maybe we just needed a lot more time.
“I want you to supervise our people at the medical convention that we are sponsoring,” he said, going straight to the point. “Our company is the major sponsor for this event, which takes place annually and is participated in by a lot of doctors and medical experts in the field from all over California. We’ll be setting up a booth and giving out flyers and free samples.”
“Sounds good to me,” I said at once. “When and where is it?”
“It’s going to be for three days at Everland Mountain Lodge.”
“What? Really?” I said in surprise. The mountain lodge was two hours away from Windfield, and it was a well-known upscale resort that was often utilized for corporate events and conventions.
“Is there going to be a problem?” Dad asked with a frown.
I shook my head, chuckling. “Just surprised,” I said. “It’s actually a good surprise. I haven’t been to that place for ages now!”
“You are not going there to have a good time, though,” he warned. “It’s not a vacation. It’s work, so I want to know that you are ready to handle this responsibility.”
“Sure,” I said with a shrug and a grin. “Don’t worry, Dad. I can handle it.”
He didn’t look convinced, but he eventually nodded and dismissed me from his office. I went back to my work station, all the while looking forward to the trip. I was scheduled to leave the following day already.
I didn’t waste any time that afternoon. I immediately studied all the records of the past conventions that our company has sponsored. Walton Pharmaceuticals had definitely played a major role in many of these events, which is probably one reason our sales have continuously been picking up the past years.
Later on, I also got to have a meeting with the company’s delegates and event organizers. That’s when I learned that we were also sponsoring a dinner for all Windfield doctors who were participating.
The day wore on fast. Before I knew it, I was already home packing for the sudden trip. I slept early, excited for what lay ahead.