―What did Nancy say?‖ Max asked Luke.
―Doctor Jenson.‖ He answered.
Doctor Chang looked back and forth at the both of them
recognizing the name, ―Wow, you two move quickly.‖
‗I‘d like a referral to him.‖ Max said.
―I was actually going to suggest it Mr. King.‖ She said
opening the folder she had and pulled out the lab results. ―I had
them double checked as Mr. Shayne asked, but they‘re not good.
I‘ll phone Doctor Jenson and set up surgery for a biopsy.‖
―No—―
―Max?‖ Luke started but he held up his hand.
―No biopsy. Take the lump. I‘m not wasting time finding
out if it‘s benign or malignant. Take the whole damn thing, she‘s
not going through two surgeries. Is that clear? You tell Jenson
that if he gets rid of it, I‘ll fund his next research project and the
amount of money he receives is based on her prognosis.‖
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Her eyes widened, that was a dream for any researcher.
She had meant to protest his request, but no smart physician
would turn down such an offer, ―Mr. king this may be nothing—―
―I‘ll go somewhere else that complies with my wishes
Doctor Chang. I‘m serious. When you contact Doctor Jenson,
set up an appointment as soon as possible, and I‘ll discuss this
with him. I know what it‘s like waiting around for surgery or
between surgeries for results. If it‘s benign then it may be a
pointless surgery but Lily won‘t have anything to worry about.‖
―All right Mr. King, I‘ll speak to Doctor Jenson.‖ She
resigned knowing that it was better not to argue with him. She‘d
dealt with plenty of determined families like this, but Max King
had money and a reputation and she really didn‘t want to cross
it. She recognized his name immediately when he introduced
himself and from the way he was holding her young patient, she
knew that he meant every word he said.
―come on Honey,‖ he said reaching for her clothing, ―You
need to get dressed, you‘re going home.‖ He glanced up at the
Doctor, ―I expect a call by this evening on those appointments
Doctor Chang.‖
―I‘ll do my best.‖ She said as Max pulled the curtain to
give Lily some privacy.
After the Doctor left Luke pulled Max aside, ―Thanks.‖
Max nodded, ―I should be thanking you for that phone
call. I may look in control, but I‘m a fucking mess on the inside.‖
He whispered casting a glance over his shoulder at the curtain.
―My mother—―
―yes, I remember Max. Breast cancer. Look, I‘ll take her
home, make her something to eat—―
―I‘m coming.‖ He interrupted, ―Luke, you know I love her
more than my own life. I can‘t leave her even for a minute. I‘ll
clear my schedule for the next few weeks.‖
Luke saw the anguish in his friend‘s face, and finally
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nodded, ―Okay. I‘m not going to be greedy and demand that she
spend every second with me, but we‘re not going to smother her
either even though we‘re both dying to do it. So we‘ll take turns.
That way there‘s always someone with her, and someone taking
care of business.‖
―I may not be able to hear what you two are saying, but I
know it‘s about me, so stop it.‖ Came a voice from behind the
curtain.
Max grinned. That sounded more like Lily. It even
brought and expression of relief to Luke‘s face. ―Sure honey,‖
Luke said.
Once at home Luke sent Lily to her room to get ready for
bed while he went to the kitchen to make her some decaffeinated
tea and a snack. Max followed him.
―You‘ll have to manage in my absence,‖ he told Luke.
―I‘m going to be spending a lot of time here.‖
―No problem.‖ He said without turning around as he
filled the kettle, ―We can balance things out together.‖
―I‘m staying the night to.‖ Luke stilled, set down the
kettle and turned to face his friend.
―With Lily.‖ Max said.
―Max, she‘s my baby sister.‖
―Yeah, and she‘s my future wife.‖ He countered. ―You
already know how I feel about her.‖ He paused swallowing hard,
―If this is serious, I don‘t want to miss out for a moment. You
have to admit, she‘s more mature than her age, and she‘s a big
girl. She can make her own decisions.‖
―I‘ve seen the way she looks at you; she wouldn‘t deny you
anything Max. This is my concern and she has enough to worry
about.‖
―Something the three of us will take on together, but I‘m
not leaving.‖ He said just as his phone rang. It was Doctor
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Lietha Wards
Chang.
Luke finished making tea while Max was on the phone.