“I think so,” I said. “We saw encouraging results in mice every single time we ran the tests. Substantial growth—growth of healthy tissues. The impact it could have on humans would be life-changing. People wouldn’t have to live with a chronic disease and be on oxygen, or, worse, develop cancer.”
“Atlas has done most of the work on this project,” Dr. Hamilton said. “By the time I get there, he’s already done for the day.”
“Just because I have to head to the clinic,” I explained, not wanting the glory I didn’t deserve.
“He’s modest,” Dr. Hamilton said. “The first time I interviewed him, I knew I was in the presence of greatness.”
Derek stilled and gave a slight nod. “Wow.”
I really didn’t deserve his praise. Derek was a rocket scientist, and I could never do that.
“It’s no wonder why you and Daisy butt heads,” Dex said. “She likes to be the alpha. She grew up with a bunch of boys, so she’s used to doing her best to outshine us. That’s what she’s trying to do with you.”
“We don’t butt heads anymore,” I explained. “We work well together now. She’s my favorite colleague, actually. Whenever I need someone to brainstorm a patient with me, she’s my first pick. She’s…really smart. And she cares.”
Dr. Hamilton gave a nod after he chewed his bite. “She’s very special.”
“And the favorite,” Derek said.
“Totally the favorite,” Dex added.
Dr. Hamilton didn’t deny it.
Something happened with one of the kids, and a tantrum ensued.
“Little Deacon, what’s going on?” Derek set his plate aside and went over to his sons, trying to resolve the issue with his kids.
The third one continued to play like nothing happened.
Dex grinned with pride. “That one’s mine. Derek doesn’t like the fact that he’s not the only one with cute kids anymore.”
The third kid pushed another one over and took his toy.
Dex’s face turned stark white. “Ryan, what the hell was that?” He set his food aside and joined Derek on the deck.
Dr. Hamilton finished his salmon burger then wiped his hands with a napkin. “The nice thing about being a grandfather…it’s not my problem.”
All three kids started to cry.
I chuckled. “Yeah, you already paid your dues.”
He took a drink of his beer and stared at the lake. “Are you and Daisy okay?”
“Yeah, we’re good. But I have to ask something.”
“Shoot.”
“Are you inviting me to things just to set me up with your daughter?” It was flattering, but it was also disappointing because I thought his intentions were genuine. It had seemed like he was invested in me as a person, as a friend.
He turned to look at me, putting down his beer at the same time. “She told you.”
“Yeah.”
“The answer is no. Our relationship is independent of that suggestion. I invited you here because I wanted you here. I thought you’d enjoy my company as well as my sons’. The reason why I didn’t tell her you were coming was because…I just didn’t want her to make the wrong assumption about my intentions.”
“Thanks for explaining that to me.”
He moved his hand to my shoulder and gave me a pat before he looked at the lake again.
“I’m flattered that you suggested that to her.”
He grabbed his beer and took a drink. “I stay out of her personal life as much as possible. I did the same with my sons, but I was a little more involved in that because we’re all men. It’s different with her, as much as I wish it weren’t. It was really uncomfortable for me to mention it to her, and I could tell it was uncomfortable for her too. But I just wanted the suggestion on the table, some encouragement, is all. If you guys are just friends and have no interest in each other, that’s fine. We can forget about it.”
“Well…I asked her out.”
Dr. Hamilton turned to look at me, his eyes narrowed in surprise before they filled with excitement. “Her response?”
“She said she had to think about it.”
He grinned then looked forward again. “Good.”
It was dark out, and everyone was waiting for the fireworks to start.
Most of her family had blankets and chairs on the dock so they could have the best view possible. Bear and Riley took the couches that everyone had vacated. Daisy was still in the house, and I waited for her to come out so I could actually talk to her.
She stepped out and shut the glass door behind her, a cookie in her hand.
“You’re going to avoid me until I leave?”
She took a bite of the cookie and chewed it as she stared at me. “I don’t have an answer yet.”
“That’s fine.” I broke off a piece of her cookie and popped it into my mouth.
Her eyes narrowed. “How dare you?”
“How dare you not bring me one?”
Her eyes narrowed more, then she went back into the house and retrieved an extra.