341 Max comes to work 2 (2/2)

On the way out, they passed next to Foxy's desk.

”We are heading out, Foxy. Thanks for today.”, Max told Foxy and paused when he saw a small movement of Foxy's fingers which told him to come closer.

”Director Brooks is lingering by the elevator since you returned.”, Foxy told Max, only for him to hear.

Max responded with a nod.

”Director Brooks, don't tell me you are lost?”, Max asked when he and Liz approached her and he pushed the button to summon the elevator.

Irene glanced at Max and Liz and slightly frowned at Max's hand that rested on Liz's shoulder.

Irene is 99% confident that she is looking at the same woman (aka Elizabeth) from that event when she was introduced as the director of marketing, and she seems to be the same woman from the photos she received. And that means… she is Max's girlfriend... the one Max is dating for real.

Irene reminded herself to stay present. ”No, I'm not lost.”

”Your office is one floor lower.”, Max stated the fact.

”I know. I was hoping that you will have the time to talk to me. It should not take more than five minutes.”

”I apologize, director Brooks, but I mentioned at the end of the previous meeting that I have an important engagement. You can send me an email or talk to Foxy about scheduling a meeting.”

Max glanced at Liz and saw that she looked at him and then at Irene.

”Oh, I apologize. I forgot to introduce you. Elizabeth, this is director Brooks. She joined us as the director of marketing recently. Director Brooks, this is Elizabeth, my girlfriend.”

”Nice to meet you.”, Liz and Irene lied in unison.

Liz and Irene shook hands briefly and Max was pleased by Liz's confidence. This is his Elizabeth Williams, Isaac's daughter, and an accomplished neurosurgeon. She will not show her insecurities to an outsider. Suddenly, Max was overwhelmed by a warm and fuzzy feeling that spread from his chest to the rest of his body. Liz is allowing him to see her soft side because she let him in. How wonderful!

The elevator dinged and the door opened.

”Excuse us, director Brooks…”, Max said while leading Liz into the elevator.

Irene plastered a smile that faded as soon as the elevator door closed. She was furious. What important engagement? Isn't this only a lunch-date? He cut her off during a meeting with an excuse that he can't give her a few minutes, and it was because his girlfriend was waiting for him! Shameless!

In the underground garage…

”What are you thinking?”, Max asked Liz as soon as they entered his car, unsure what to expect because Liz was quiet since he introduced her to Irene.

”I don't like how she is looking at you.”, Liz said after some time.

Max was relieved after hearing Liz's answer. ”I like how you are looking at her.”

”Really?”

Max nodded earnestly. ”Confident, ready to defend your territory.”

Liz exhaled. ”You would not say that if you knew how nervous I was.”

”Don't look down on yourself. Confidence can come from inside or from the outside. You never needed to defend your relationship, so this is new for you. But as long as you keep that external confidence, it will seep inside, and it will become a part of you.”

Liz thought about his words and concluded that they made sense. When she started working, she was timid around senior surgeons and not sure if she is worthy of working among them. But she never allowed that to show. In time, she proved to them and to herself that she is skilled enough, and her initially-faked confidence became real.

”Do you think Irene is upset that you refused to give her those five minutes of your time?”

Max smirked. ”Furious.”

”She looks like someone who is not used to rejection. Keep on pushing her buttons like that and she will reveal her true self.”, Liz advised him.

Max nodded in agreement. ”Then, you will need to come to my office more often.”

”I will.”

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