"Meet us for lunch."
It was signed, 'L. Granville.' Yes, that Granville--the owner, the man. What did he want me to have lunch with him for? The insecurity crept up in me... did I screw up? Did I ruffle feathers already?
I went to the top of the building, to the Executive Dining room. All the way up in the elevator, "Dr. Granville, it won't happen again. I had no idea..." or "Dr. Granville, whatever it is, give it to me straight. I'm new here and I'm sure this is just a simple misunderstanding..."
I spotted him at "his" table... with a stunning, young woman. Mid-thirties, chestnut hair, regal features-- if she were thinner she'd have been a fashion model-- but she looked healthy, secure and confident even from where I stood.
Granville spotted me and waved me over. I checked my coat, checked to make sure I had my beeper. I'd alerted my assistant to beep me in fifteen minutes, just in case I needed a getaway.
"Eric Lewis, this is my daughter, Rebecca. Rebecca, this our newest, greatest star, Dr. Eric Lewis. We stole him from the clinic in Century City."
We shook hands, hers was long, with flawless nails and no rings... oh, God. She was single.
She was also breathtaking to look at. Must have been tall, though it was hard for me to tell with her sitting down. She wore peach silk like no one I'd ever seen before. I thought for a moment, if I were straight, I'd have known this was my lucky day... instead, it was just a problem to be solved as quickly as possible."
"Dad always carts me down here whenever there's a new, single Doctor on board. You must forgive him, he thinks if you're over thirty and unmarried, you can get arrested."
We laughed.
Even Granville laughed. And then ordered some very expensive wine with a very expensive lunch. Even Drew would have been impressed.
I passed on the wine, but was becoming enchanted with Rebecca Granville. It played into my exact idea of what I'd wanted to be growing up -- a doctor with a wealthy socialite beauty on my arm...
And damn it, she was funny too.
"So, Dr. Lewis -- what's your ethnic origin? Do I detect Italian?"
I took a breath to answer her and she stopped me, "No, don't tell me, I love guessing... hmm, strong features, dark hair and eyes... hmmm.... Portuguese?"
"You're right, Portuguese. You should play Vegas."
Granville giggled with joy, we were getting along.
Then I was beeped by Janeanne... I was glad. I'd been enjoying myself far too much. I knew I had to make a quick exit or else...
"You'll come to dinner next week, Eric. Rebecca's only in town for a short while and we have to give you time to propose."
We laughed. I felt queasy.
I left, not looking back at her.
