Page 12 of The Ampersand Effect

“I don’t think I’ve seen you this discombobulated before,” Alix noted, somewhat distracted by the doughnut they were devouring.

Grier refused to turn her head, keeping her voice muffled. “I’ve neverbeenthis discombobulated before.”

She felt a gentle squeeze on her hand as Maren persisted with positivity. “Kindred spirits, Grier. Your soul felt something, and now you can’t rest until you allow your spirits to explore what might be.” “And on that earthy-crunchy note, who’s on deck for today?” Alix interjected, always eager to downplay the spiritual awareness that Maren used to explain all of life’s inexplicable challenges. “I’m seeing Jonah around nine for therapy. Are either of you working on him today? Where’s oncology at?”

Grier sat up at the change in topic. “I spoke to Dr. Vanders two days ago. He wants to take the leg. Basically said it’s a lost cause, despite how much Jonah and Molly are hoping to delay it. He says we all know it’s going to happen, and we need to get on board.”

“Ultimately, it’s Jonah’s choice. Vanders can’t cut him if Jonah and Molly don’t consent,” Alix reminded her.

“Yes. But they’re scared, and he’s… insistent.” Grier tried to remain diplomatic while choosing coarser words in her mind.

“He’s a bully. And an asshat,” Alix retorted, operating under less decorum than Grier was. “He’s going to get the hospital sued one of these times. And I don’t want it to have anything to do with Jonah.”

Trying to remain practical, despite sharing her friends’ sentiment, Grier gently admonished them. “He’s also one of the hospital’s golden boys and up for Physician of the Year next weekend. We have to tread lightly.”

“I can’t wait to watch you wipe that arrogant grin off his face when they call your name. Youknowhe thinks he has it in the bag. Smug bastard.” Alix ground their teeth as they finished their thought.

The Physician of the Year award was the most prestigious honor for the faculty at Aetheridge Children’s Hospital, presented each year at the annual fundraising gala. For it to be awarded to a non- traditional physician from the Integrated Health department was unlikely—it simply wasn’t an honor chiropractors received. It was far too common to see the award go to surgeons for their groundbreaking techniques and life-saving procedures. Grier was honored to be included in this year’s nominations, particularly because she knew it was due entirely to patient and family nominations that the hospital’s Board of Directors polled as part of the selection process.

Grier had been with the department for seven years. Her approachable demeanor and type-A organizational tendencies had fast-tracked her to department chair when the previous director left. She accepted the position conditionally, negotiating the privilege of continuing patient care—refusing to trade her treatment skills for bureaucracy and paperwork.

Her relationship with her patients was uncommonly involved. Being in the Integrative Health department and associated with long- term care, she spent hours with some patients each day, co-managing their symptoms with her team. Often, just being present through pains she couldn’t address was all the support she could offer. Her patient rapport and bedside manner were spirited and gentle, playful as much as educational, and, above all, supportive. She was a fierce advocate for each of her patients, often going toe-to-toe with other physicians when warranted.

She had earned respect as a knowledgeable provider, even among traditional doctors and surgeons, and was routinely included in interdepartmental conferences regarding patient care. Her fierce devotion to patients also extended to the other physicians, nurses and support staff. She was loved, and her team eagerly anticipated her recognition for dedication.

“I appreciate the vote of confidence, and that response alone would be worth all of Vanders’s ire, but I still think it’s unlikely that I’ll win.”

“You’re too modest, Grier. The whole hospital loves you. Don’t forget how much weight the employee and patient voting carries.” Maren said, offering a comforting wink. “You have a really good chance.”

Alix leaned forward. “Have you decided what you’re going to wear yet?”

“I haven’t had time. I figured I’d just do a long black dress from my closet.” She shrugged noncommittally.

Grier felt the looks of disapproval before she saw them. Both Alix and Maren were staring at her, mouths agape. They exchanged a glance, eyes simultaneously twinkling. Alix sat up straighter, fingertips pressed to the table, and calmly stated, “Change of plans for tomorrow. We are going shopping. Then you’re taking us out for pizza and beer.”

“What? No. Absolutely not.”

“Absolutely, absolutely!” Maren bubbled, shimmying in her chair. “Fashion show!” Her giggle was infectious.

Grier didn’t have the energy to fight them. Maybe a shopping tripwasin order. A new dress might make her feel sexy. You never know who you might meet at one of these functions. Maybe she’d find someone to take her mind off the captain. Even if she didn’t, she could ooze sex appeal for a night with her friends there to cheer her on.

“I don’t know how I got so lucky to have you two in my life, but I’m grateful.”

Toward the end of the afternoon, Grier was charting treatment notes before her final patient when Maren slid into her office, closing the door behind her. Her energy was palpable. Grier didn’t stop typing, but raised an eyebrow as Maren dropped into one of the chairs across from her.

“I just worked on Katie.”

Grier hummed a nonverbal response, wanting to get her charting done before her patient arrived so she could go home afterward. She needed an Epsom salt bath and a good book tonight, but she’d settle for the familiarity of her family’s Friday Night Film.

Maren crossed her legs and sank into the cushions. “I’m not sure if I should tell you what she told me—or if you’d prefer to remain ignorant.”

Grier stopped typing. Maren never dallied—she was gentle but direct. Inhaling deeply through her nose, she looked at Maren and asked, “Is this general hospital gossip it, or does it actually affect me?”

“It’ll affect you. Big time. Like… huge,” Maren swung her top leg back and forth, jittery with her secret.

“Then just tell me.”

“Well… you know Katie is the primary coordinator for the gala next weekend…”