366 The conference in Portland 7 (1/2)

Liz's mind was filled with Max and she could not wait for the last presentation of the morning to be finished. She thought that she will have a peaceful lunch, but as soon as she stood up from her table in the event hall where the conference was held, two people approached her with questions. By the time she reached the restaurant, a few more people joined, and they ended up sitting at a table for twelve, with Liz being the center of attention and people from the neighboring tables were listening to Liz as well.

They were curious to find out how she managed to secure resources for expansions of the neurology wing in the Franciscan Medical Center and how she utilized them.

They are all doctors who depend on their hospitals to make investments or bring in donors, and Liz's presentation was showing much more than a few new EKG machines.

Liz was happy that her presentation attracted so much attention, and she had difficulty not mentioning Max.

Max cautioned her not to bring him up because that might be the green light for others to swarm the Alpha group, requesting donations. Liz understood this, but she knew that he also wants her to take the credit that is rightfully his.

Liz told them about the fundraiser and how she spoke with the donors, and she explained that if they want to know more about the amounts gathered and the reasoning behind the allocation of resources, they will need to talk to Chairman Lee.

Liz is aware that if not for Max, many of those donors would not show up at the event six months ago… and if not Max, donations would be spread through the hospital and not focused on the neurology department… and if not for Max, Liz would not know how fortunate she can be when the right person is by her side. Thanks to Max, so many things fell into place and turned much better than she thought it's possible.

The afternoon passed quickly.

Liz used breaks between presentations to respond to Max's sweet messages that put a smile on her face. She could not wait to return to Seattle and sink into his embrace. The good thing is that tomorrow is Saturday, so they can spend the next two days indulging in each other's company.

Five o'clock approached and Liz was conflicted. Part of her wanted to go to Seattle and see Max as soon as possible, and the other part of her thought that Dr. Kaviraj has a good point: this is a conference and Liz should try to mingle.

More than once, people in her inner circle told her that she is stiff and unapproachable. This might be Liz's chance to try improving her social skills.

'The after-party lasts two hours. I can stay for half an hour, and if it works well it can be for one hour. Like that, I'm socializing, and I go home to see Max before the party is over…', Liz mused, happy that she figured out the compromise between not staying until the end, but still doing her part.

Liz went to the bar that was already bustling from the chatter of medical workers, and she got herself a glass of wine.

She turned to see people chatting in already formed groups and realized that she has no idea how to approach someone and start a conversation. How do you chat-up a stranger? The fact that people are already engaged with someone only makes the situation harder.

Well, if she can't find her victim… cough-cough… her conversation-buddy, she will call it quits. With this, Liz decided to stay next to the bar counter and sip her wine. If someone starts talking to her, she will respond, and if not, she will leave when she finishes the glass which can be within ten minutes (if she sips slowly).

She didn't notice when Dr. Snow reached next to her, and she was startled when he spoke: ”I didn't have a chance to tell you that your presentation was amazing. I was waiting for the right opportunity, but you were always surrounded by people.”

Liz plastered a smile. Somehow, she forgot about him.

”I am available now.”, Liz said while hoping that the glass next to her lips is making her smile genuine.

Liz wondered, why is she so awkward around Dr. Snow? Well she knows, it's because he showed romantic interest in her. But by now, Dr. Snow should know that Liz is not available, and she should relax. But for some reason… she can't relax.

Liz was glad that Dr. Snow started commenting on her presentation because she didn't know what to talk to him. And he had some valuable feedback.

Dr. Kaviraj approached them. ”Liz, with what flight are you going back to Seattle?”

”From here, I will head to the airport. Do you want to join?”