She liked me. I was, in fact, her shining star. And right now she was protecting her territory.
"Eric, I don't need to tell you how fond I am of you. Youāre the best I've ever seen come up through the ranks here. And don't for a second think I'm saying all this just to keep you. I don't compliment capriciously, do I?"
No, she doesn't. And right now, I know -- she's having an effect on me. I'm melting. But I keep silent. Thank Christ this is happening on the phone and not in person. That was her mistake, she should have said all this with me in the room, I'd be silly putty.
"I want to know what we need to do to keep you here, Eric. if you leave -- I'll hire a hit man. If it's the money, that can be easily rectified. We can talk about making you a name practitioner -- "
"Dr. Krantz -- I appreciate your sentiments and Iām grateful for everything youāve taught me. But frankly, Granvilleās doing more than talking to me."
Silence. Cold, deadly cold silence. Her favorite weapon.
"I gather your mind's made up then? I gather...you've already accepted the position at Granville..."
My mind is made up. I tell her. She is silent again, I know she's losing, she knows she is losing and it's honestly, quite sad. I've been at this place since I finished interning. It's -- like the end of an era. But I'd be a fool to pass up an offer like this and Krantz knows it. She knows it! Would it be too much to ask for her to admit that.
"Okay, Dr. Lewis. You win. Iām sorry to see you go, but Iād be a fool to keep you from taking advantage of an opportunity. But I promise you one thing, Dr. Lewis, you will miss this place! And youāll be back."
We share a last laugh. "I may just, Dr. Krantz. I may just..."
"Donāt let those stars get in your eyes, Lewis. Youāve still got a lot to learn."
"Yes, Dr. Krantz. I do. Thank you."
I hung up the phone comfortable about parting with the Terminator. I was her student. She was my teacher. Now, with my appointment to Granville, we will be equals.
Gulp.
