I should have known I should’ve canceled the conference from the second I stepped off the plane. Toronto was all shinny white. Everything in sight was covered in at least a foot of snow, it looked like something from a movie. The smell of eastern white pine trees filled the air as I stepped out into the world again. It was absolutely freezing, I could barely feel my finger tips and we’d just landed not even 30 minutes ago. The cold ice caused me to slip off the stairs right into the snow. I recover gracefully, of course, and head to baggage claim. This was always the worst part of the entire flight, no one pays attention to what bag they grab or don’t grab. The conveyor belt went around a couple times and I diligently watched for my bag, this wouldn’t be the first time I’ve ended up with the wrong suitcase. It never came around. This was not happening again I remember thinking, not again. I start the hike to customer service along with a couple of families. Some people had nasty looks on their faces and it just made me sad for them. I’d always tried to make the best out of the situation and always see the good in people. I guess others just couldn’t be bothered by the thought of anyone else. I waited my turn and finally talk to a representative. He only tells me that if it didn’t come around then it didn’t make it. Joyful, I thought. Just as I was inquiring about how to get compensation from the poor baggage claim guy, some man walked up right in front of me and started talking to my guy as if I wasn’t there.

 

“Excuse me sir I was talking to him” I said in the nicest way possible.

 

“And?” he folds his arms over themselves and peers down towards me. “My situation is much worse than the loss of your blouses ma’am.”

 

I had never met such an arrogant man with no regard for others. At this point in my day I decided it was best for me to just walk away. My personal values had already been put to the test today and I didn’t know how much more they could take. Compassion goes a long way when you want something so I thanked the man for his time and headed on my way. I didn’t even get compensation for my baggage I just didn’t care after everything that happened. I went outside and hailed a cab. The driver was smelled and spoke mostly French. I gave him the address and hoped for the best. He got me safely to my hotel room and I walked in. The concierge had a soft smile, I could tell she was trying to get through her day and still be happy. She checked me in and gave me my room key. I went straight to my room plopped my luggage down and tried to review my pre made speech some Asian lady, that the hospital hired to write my speech, wrote for me after that tragic first speech. I got nervous every single time I had to go on stage. Psychologically I never got comfortable putting myself out there. Despite everything I kept on speaking.

The next morning started off like any other, coffee the hair then make up then clothes, all in under 30 minutes because I oversleep religiously. Whatever happens in the morning puts me in the right mindset for this large feat of speaking to about a thousand random old guys. I was back to the regular mindset and had completely left the day before me in the past, or so I thought. I get up on stage and begin:

​

“Hello all, my name is Dr. Sarah Kay. My mom was a cardiothoracic surgeon at the major hospital in Chicago. As you can imagine my childhood rarely involved my mother, let alone my father. After my dad left, she inherited millions from her half of the monetary contributions. She attempted to pay off multiple nannies to ensure that I was taken care of… Like any normal child, I ran each off within a month of their first day. Before my mom passed, she would always tell me to reach for the scalpel. Of course, for most kids’ scalpel was replaced with stars but in my household the end of the universe was the end of the operating room. Growing up and watching my mom save people, as cheesy as it sounds, inspired me. I loved how she came home from work every single day exhausted but on a high from a surgery or interesting study she was researching. As a kid I had always loved science and the body. I was amazed at how the body could fight off diseases and how it could essentially repair itself. Later in high school I found myself only studying for sciences. I easily surpassed the biology and anatomy classes they had to offer but failed in almost every other subject. I had no interest in English or math, I only wanted to learn about the body. After many applications and major changes, I ended up in the same field that had nearly destroyed me as a child; cardiothoracic surgery. However, my interest was very different from my mom’s. I was enthralled my organ procuration and how the rules and regulations effected patients. I agreed with most of the rules but ultimately thought things needed to change in order to really be fair and equal wit organ transplants. I personally clung to heart transplants in particular because I believed my mom could have lived with a heart transplant. My work was not only in the lab and the operating room it was in hotel conference rooms and any arena that would let me speak.  After many years behind the research I found the courage to speak up and share my story.”

Those lines always enthralled the crowd but I was only here for the research. Heart transplant regulations are some of the strictest, and rightfully so. I, however, think many patients would benefit from transplants that are closet to the no matter what spot you are on the list. I know to many that seems unfair or harsh but the reality is the longer you wait the higher the chance is for infection or rejection. Hearts are the most central part of the body, the regulate how the rest of the body functions. I believe transplant teams should work the same. Use the hearts closet to patients to provide the most effective mechanisms.

​

 I then left the sage and took my position at the question booth. This was always the worst part of the conferences. I would answer the same question at least 5 times just because people were too scared to say their question aloud in front of the crowd. This process went on for about an hour to an hour and a half depending on the turn out. Toronto however was very different. For the most part everyone spoke nicely to me and was supportive of my stance on hearts. But there’s always that one. This man had to be 6-foot-tall, dark brown hair that flowed ever so faintly in the wind, and dreamy brown eyes that just made you fall in love. He just looked like a nice man who was raised to respect others. I don’t know exactly what it was but he just looked good. Until he opened his mouth. After waiting in line for what had to be hours I was down to one last comment or question. From past experiences I had learned the last person especially if it was a man was always looking to compliment me or ask me out to dinner. This was unlike any other time I had ever experienced.

​

“Hello! What can I do for…” I stopped dead in my tracks. I recognized him from the day before. It was the same rude man from the airport that dismissed me. Before I could gather myself he says

 

“Ah so it was you. My apologies for my behavior at the airport. My name is Dr. Colton Smith.”  “I do think your opinions on transplantations are quite interesting. I am dying to know why you think by speaking to older surgeons, who are on their way out of the medical field, is going to change the original protocol that most of these dinosaurs created.”

 

My only comment I could say at this point was “So why are you here” I did these nerve-racking conferences to inform people about the hearts. I always keep my focus on the medical benefits or disadvantages to avoid men who are just bored. Hearts transplants can help save lives, men’s terrible pick-up lines make me want to end my own. Its just not what I’m here for, bottom line.

“Short story: I have to go to at least one of these things a year to keep my license and this one was the most interesting from the list they gave me. I also googled you and watched your first speech and was hoping it would be as entertaining as that.” He grins waiting for me to lash out in anger and defend my views.

 

“Dr. Smith, I’m sorry to disappoint but this is a subject I am passionate about. I will not stand here and allow you to belittle me. I am packing up now so I can leave so see yourself out.” I had no energy to stand for any longer entertain some man who obviously was just bored. This man has no respect for me or professionalism. It was truly baffling. I just wanted to shake him and talk to his mother about the way he was raised. I tried so hard to keep my calm. I couldn’t explain why I was letting him get to me, I could normally just turn it off and walk away but Colton was different.

 

“Fine” he said “I’ll wait”

 

“Wait?” What now I thought.

 

“Were going to dinner to discuss my questions. I have lots” he paused, seeing my reaction.

 

“Don’t worry ma’am my hospital makes all of us at least invite the speaker to dinner. At least this time I get to invite a beautiful woman instead of an elderly man who needs help cutting his steak.”

 

“One hour” I laughed at him, out loud. This man had some nerve. After telling me he was here because he was required to come he wants to take me out. Part of me was flattered, and the other part was vastly confused. Everything about him confused me. How could he look so nice but act like such an ignorant man. He looked like everything I wanted in a man but boy was I wrong. I was interested at this point. I don’t know how he did it but I wanted to know more about him even if he was an ass for most of our relationship so far. “pick me at the Hilton on West Ave at 8, and don’t keep me waiting” I added. You could see in his eyes he got excited. I could tell that he was holding back his smile and any other emotion. Personally, I think he was excited I was finally playing his game.

 

I packed up my things from the convention and headed to the hotel to get ready for my date, or maybe just dinner, at this point I wasn’t sure about any of it. I went through every shop on the walk back to try and find something nice to wear and ended up with a little black dress and red stilettos. I had no idea where we were going or how to dress but I figured that you couldn’t go wrong with black. Our conversation kept replaying in my head in hopes I’d remember what he said about location or really anything that wasn’t completely rude. The more I sat there thinking the more I hated the idea of going out with him, even if it was just a formal dinner his boss paid for. For a second I lost sight of the purpose of my venture. I forgot all about the hearts and started following my own. I had never gotten caught up in the boy craze or even had a boyfriend, this was all so new. I felt excited but terrified at the same time. It felt like I was waiting forever for Colton to show up. I found myself day-dreaming as I sat in the lobby waiting. I looked at the clock and it ready seven forty-eight pm. I gave myself twenty minutes until I called in room service. A few minutes went by and I couldn’t help but think of the worst possible scenarios; What if he showed up in cargo shorts or jean cut offs? What if he didn’t show up at all? Then at eight o’clock sharp he walked through the door. He was wearing a black suit with a red tie. Instantly I knew I chose the right outfit. I don’t know how we matched so perfectly but it made my heart sink all the way to my feet. He had done something to his hair because it was in the most perfect shape but still gently flowed when he moved. As he got closer I could smell his cologne it was a mix of spices with subtle tones of geranium, sage, and rosemary, pulsing with recognizable whiffs of patchouli and incense. It gave me the chills when he smiled almost blushing. He was so hot, until I remembered our encounters before.  How could someone who looks like that act so immature and rude towards a woman I wondered. He greeted me then walked me to the car and opened my door.

 

“So, Dr. Smith where are we going”

 

He turned and smiled at me, one hand on the wheel and the other on the gear shift, “don’t worry about it you’re safe with me.”

 

Instantly my heart sank. I did feel safe with him. However, I still wanted to know. I also knew I couldn’t show him how I was really felt since he’d been so rude about everything else so far. “oh, am I?”I replied as I turned towards him with a playful smile. We drove around for what felt like hours. The car was comfortable and it was then I realized exactly how tired I really was. The maple and mulberry trees danced in the wind as we drove by. The drive itself was stunning.

He looked over then just laughed “don’t worry about it baby”

 

BABY? Everything I thought I knew changed with one word. He called me baby... What does that even mean. For the entire car ride, I sat there looking out the window wonder what baby meant. Wondering what he wanted out of this so called “date”. My mind was racing so fast I dint even notice which way we were going until the car stopped. Colton got out and opened my door. I had no idea where we were but I saw a nice-looking restaurant so I headed over there. As soon as I started that way Colton grabs on to my arm, like he was escorting me. The mood had instantly changed, I suddenly felt comfortable and relaxed. He was exuding confidence but in a less arrogant way than before. It was almost like the new setting had changed him completely.

He took my hand and walked me to the restaurant where he had already made reservations. We followed the waiter to our table and ordered our drinks. As soon as he left Colton told me everything. He explained that he was never like in school and that’s why he comes off rude and ignorant. I didn’t get much of his background, he didn’t want to talk about it. He did tell me that he was in and out of foster care until he was 18. After that he learned how to do basic medical techniques from a medical student living in the cheap apartment complex he was staying at. He also told me that he’s actually been to a number of my conferences and just now got the nerve to talk to me. Colton also admitted that his boss isnt paying for dinner or requiring him to attend my conferences. We ordered our meals and talked about organ procuration and the rules and regulations that should change. Colton loved my ideas and even gave me more insight into how to reach out to board members to get them to update them. I loved talking to him and I wanted the night to go on forever. We sat and indulged in dinner and two different desserts until the staff told us we had to go. We laughed and fought over minuscular things like what people were wearing to how to pronounce crayon. I tried so hard to make the night last longer. We got in the car and he drive me back. I couldn’t even think about hearts at this point I just wanted to know him. All I could think about was if he was going to kiss me. I held my breath as he opened my door and walked me to my room.

 

“Goodnight Dr. Sarah Kay” he turned and left me standing alone.

 

No phone number, no kiss goodnight, no sign of seeing him again. Was he trying to be a gentlemen? I couldn’t help but think about him that night. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. For the next week I fought every urge to look him up on Facebook or google his phone number. Forgetting Colton wasn’t easy. I wanted nothing more than to prepare for my next conference which came as a surprise to the board of directors. I was hoping he would show up and stay till the last question was answer and take me to dinner again. The board didn’t think it was a good idea and scheduled my next conference for 3 months away. I settled with the idea of seeing him in 3 months. I had no real idea if he would actually be there or not I just kept dreaming of seeing him. Surgery went on and research continued, I was happy. I knew I could be happier though. I didn’t know what to do my heart was in two different places. I wanted to drop everything to go see him. I wanted to risk doing what I loved for love. Another week went by and the dazzle of him faded with each day. I had almost given up all hope until I checked my email one Thursday afternoon. The email read:

 

Dear Dr. Sarah Kay,

 

I cordially invite you at attend a seminar about hearts. It has been brought to our attention that you are an expert your field. We would love for you to explore what we study here on a daily basis and we would love for you to stick around after and chat with some of our friends. Come to 713 Russel Avenue. Take a cab there is not much parking. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Yours.

 

I was taken back. This in no way shape or form sounded legitimate but I knew it could be from Colton. I had to go and find out. I quickly told my closest co worker and we planned the trip. Anything could happen, it was all new, exciting, and absolutely terrifying at the same time. Finally, after a week of waiting we arrive. My palms stared to sweat. I had never been so nervous to open a door in my entire life. I stood there bracing myself for hundred of people rushing in to get good seats. I pull open the door and look around, no one is there. “We must have been told the wrong time lets try to sneak in!” My coworker Stephine’s runs to the door and slips herself in without leaving room for me. I pulled open the door instantly froze. There is no one but Colton in the entire auditorium. There he was Standing on a red carpet holding the largest bouquet of flowers id ever seen. Behind him was an orchestra that played the lightest love song I’ve listened to. He makes his across the room to me, still absolutely amazed at the situation, handed me the flowers then took my hand. He walked me on stage and set my flowers down in a vase with water.

He grabbed my hand and said, “Excuse me ma’am, can I have this dance?”

 

“I don’t know you that well how can I trust you?” I remarked.

 

“Don’t worry about it” he paused “baby”

​

In that moment I knew I was in love. We laughed at how crazy our story had become. He Held me tight and we danced for the remainder of the song and when it was all done, he dipped me down

and kissed me.

 

Without hesitation I said “Took you long enough”