Marrying Mallory (4 page)

She smiled. Nothing like tooting your own credentials but
reassuring to see a recent newspaper article telling how Whitman was the best
in his field. 

A blonde opened a door and glanced at her. “Mallory
Harrington,” she said.

Mallory stood, noticing the woman’s perfect features. Had
the doctor made his nurse look like a Barbie doll at her request, or had she
been born beautiful? Mallory said hello before following her to the
consultation room.

Once both were seated on comfortable chairs, the woman
smiled. “I’m Dena. I’m Dr. Whitman’s assistant.”

Did Dr. Whitman hire his staff according to their
appearances or their skill? She wondered because the receptionist and Dena both
had small noses. Okay, maybe she was being ridiculous, but she couldn’t help
being self-conscious about her big nose when it seemed many females had cute
diminutive noses.

After Dena looked over her medical form, she left to get the
doctor. Mallory took a folder out of her briefcase. She might as well start
grading the seventh grade book reports. From past experience with Josh’s and
her medical appointments, she knew it could be a long wait before the doctor
came. It was good to be prepared to do schoolwork. Or she spent time reading to
Josh. Toby seldom had time to take Josh to any appointments, but it wasn’t so
bad now that he was older and didn’t need all those baby shots.

At the sound of a knock on the closed door, she slid the
papers back into the report folder and said, “Come in.”

The door opened and a tall man in his thirties walked in. He
extended his hand to her. “Hi, I’m Dr. Whitman.”

She clasped his hand and liked his firm shake. “I didn’t
expect you so soon. I was grading papers.”

He grinned. “I can leave and come back later.”

She stared at his black hair, broad shoulders and perfect
smile for a moment. She wondered if his nice straight teeth were the result of
wearing braces. “Sorry. I meant it as a compliment. I’m used to waiting forever
in the examining room at other doctors’ offices.”

“I try to be punctual. I know the patient’s time is
available. What do you teach?”

“Junior high English.” Why did Dr. Whitman have to be even
hotter in person? She bet he got more women wanting plastic surgical procedures
because of his looks. 

“I wish I had an English teacher who looked like you in
junior high.”

She laughed, surprised that he was flirting with her. “Do
you usually flatter prospective patients? Is this your way of making a nervous
woman feel more comfortable before hitting her with the cost?” 

His blue eyes looked amused. “Dena, we have a smart one
here. She figured out my technique.”

Dena muttered, “I’m not sure what’s going on here, but if
you want, I can leave early.”

“Of course not. Thanks for getting me back on track.” He
patted Dena’s shoulder. “I thought there was a reason I kept you around.” He
turned back to Mallory. “I heard you want a nose job.”

“You heard right.” Even though he’d flirted with her, she
bet Dr. Whitman wouldn’t try to talk her out of having her nose fixed.

 “I’ll tell you about the procedure but I’m guessing since
you’re a teacher, you’ve already researched it thoroughly.”

Mallory nodded. “I did go to your website and read how you
create a natural nose that fits the individual’s face. How long does it take
for you to do this type of surgery?”  

“Typically, rhinoplasty surgery takes one to two hours. Some
surgeons make incisions on the outside or the underside of the nose. I prefer
to use incisions inside the nose which are hidden. I don’t pack the nose like
some doctors. I use a special suture to sew the lining back in place instead of
using packing to hold the lining in place. I think this is better for the
patient.”

“No packing sounds great.”

He walked to a desk and picked up a digital camera. “I want
to photograph you. I use computer imaging so I can show you a reasonable
outcome of the procedure you want. Also you can show me what you like and
dislike. I want us to be on the same page about what I think will be in your
best interest and for you to have a realistic image of what to expect.” 

“Not all plastic surgeons use the computer imaging,” said
Dena. “It helps the patient see what can and can’t be done surgically.”

Dr. Whitman nodded. “Once the bandages are removed, it’s too
late to discuss expectations.”

Dena glanced at her watch. “If you don’t need me, I’m going
to do some paperwork.”

“That’s fine, Dena. Thanks.” Dr. Whitman pointed to a spot
in the middle of the room and said, “If you could just stand here, I’ll get the
simulated imaging done to show you what to expect after surgery. It might not
be exactly what it will look like but close.”

While standing for her photos, she said, “I read on your
website that it depends on the patient’s skin. The result is more dramatic if
the skin is thinner. I’m hoping my skin’s thin.”

He smiled. “You’re right. Are you trying to get a job here?”

“Hey, that’s an idea. I could work here part-time so I can
afford this surgery.” She shrugged. “I realize you aren’t serious and it’d be
hard for me to drive here. My son’s only five years old.”

Dr. Whitman gave her a concerned look. “You’ll have to make
sure you don’t do any heavy lifting and bending for ten days. That might be
hard with an active little boy.”

“His grandparents are taking him for two weeks in June, so
I’m hoping to schedule it after school.”

“You can take your seat again. We’ll take a look at the
images in a moment.”

While he was working on the computer software, she said,
“I’m in a wedding—”

He looked up from the monitor on the computer software, and
interrupted her, “Not your wedding, I hope.”

Why would he ask that? Maybe he was thinking she shouldn’t
have surgery too close to her own wedding. “It’s not mine. My friend’s getting
married in August and I’m her matron of honor. She’s worried that I won’t be
presentable. I told her I’m sure the swelling will be gone by then if I have
the surgery in June.” She laughed. “You know how some brides are. I told her
I’d be sure to ask you.”

“Swelling improves anywhere from one to six weeks following
closed rhinoplasty. You can minimize this time by sleeping with your head
elevated for several nights after nose surgery.”

“Good. I’ll tell Elizabeth. That’s my friend. Another friend
Heather has been engaged twice but both times broke it off before the weddings
could take place. Heather’s biggest fear is having her marriage end in divorce.
When she gets married, it’s for life.” She exhaled deeply. “And that’s what I
thought but it didn’t work out and now I’m divorced.”
Why could she never be
quiet?

“I was engaged once but she broke it off. It was good that
it happened before we married.” He pointed to the wall where he had side and
front views of what her nose would like after surgery. “Okay, here we go. Our
goal in rhinoplasty is to provide a more balanced, refined, natural look
without compromising function. The nose is shorter in length. See how the small
hump on your bridge is gone. Your nose is thin so doesn’t need to be narrowed.”

She stared at the images. She looked truly beautiful for the
first time in her life.

“You need to keep your expectations realistic. Any nose job
should simply enhance you natural facial features and emphasize your unique
look. There is no ‘perfect’ nose. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t like
something.”

“Are you kidding? I love what you’ve done.” She turned her
head and her eyes met Dr. Whitman’s. “Thank you. I’m excited and it’s going to
be hard to wait until school’s out to get my nose done. You were blessed with
an incredible talent as a plastic surgeon.”

He grinned. “Usually I get this response after the surgery
and when the splint comes off.”

“Could you email me these images? I want to show Elizabeth
and Heather. And my mom. My friends don’t think I need to get it done, but once
they see the after photos, I’m sure they’ll be convinced.”

“Yes, I can do that. It’s a big decision so it’s good you
want to wait until June.”

Something occurred to her about being put to sleep during
her surgery. “Do I have to be put to sleep for this type of cosmetic surgery?
I’ve never had surgery. The reason I ask is because I’m sure you noticed I talk
too much. I hate to think what I might say while under anesthesia.”

He chuckled. “So you’re afraid you might mention some deep,
dark secret.”

“Well, nothing too exciting but I’m sure I would say
something lame.” She’d probably tell something personal about Toby or maybe
she’d blab about a few of the dumb things she did as a child. She could cover a
lot of years while asleep for a couple of hours during surgery.

“I prefer intravenous sedation for my patients. Some
surgeons prefer general anesthesia where a tube is placed into the windpipe to
enable the patient to breathe during cosmetic surgery. With the IV sedation
there’s less nausea, less bruising, and it’s easier to shape the patient's nose
to their face without the general anesthesia tube in the way. It’s similar to a
deep state of sleep walking and the patient breathes for herself. Do you have
any other questions?”

She shook her head. “I’m good.”

“I’ll take you to our office manager, Sharon. She’ll discuss
the cost with you.” 

“Discuss,” she said in a questioning voice. “I better warn
you that negotiating is my thing. I love to wheel and deal.” When she’d gone
with Toby to buy a new mattress set, she’d gotten the sales person to lower the
price by several hundred dollars. Toby had been impressed. 

“Okay, English teacher. I used the wrong word. I meant
Sharon will tell you the cost. I bet you were on the debate team in school.”

“Sorry. I don’t usually give the physician a hard time like
this.”

“Don’t be. I’m glad you aren’t shy. It’s important for the
patient to ask questions.” He paused, his eyes narrowed as though he was
thinking something through. “Mallory, you shouldn’t do nose surgery to try to
fit any sort of ideal image.”

“Well, I’ve wanted this surgery for a long time. I’ve never
liked my nose. Whenever I walk into a room, I wonder if people are staring at
my nose. That’s not a good thing when your career involves being in front of
people all the time.”

In a pleasant, brisk manner, Dr. Whitman said, “I’m happy
you came today. Email me your address and I’ll get those photos to you soon. My
website has a spot where you can contact me by email.”

It might be fun to fix her plastic surgeon up with Heather,
she thought. “Are you dating anyone now?”

Chapter Four

Her cell phone rang, saving him from giving her an immediate
answer. Why did she ask if he was dating anyone? Why did Mallory Harrington
have to ask such a personal question? She’d been so adorable with her questions
and comments about the surgery. He shouldn’t care about this new patient’s
life, but she’d definitely touched a nerve inside him.

Her nosiness couldn’t be because she wanted to date him.
Unless she wanted to make her ex jealous by going out with him. He rather
doubted that. She didn’t seem the type of woman who was into playing games. In
fact, he wished they had met under different circumstances. Mallory Harrington
was one attractive and intriguing woman. He hadn’t been interested in any
female since his fiancée broke their engagement.

Mallory dropped her phone into her purse and frowned.
Obviously, she hadn’t liked what the caller had said. 

“That was my mother. Toby, my ex, picked Josh up early for
the weekend. I can’t believe for once he was early. I wanted to talk to him.”
She shrugged. “I guess it’ll have to wait.”

He might as well ask her a personal question now. “Did you
want to talk to him about the surgery? I can get the pictures emailed to you
this weekend so you can show him.”

“No, I don’t want to tell him. I want to see if he notices.”
She grinned. “If he doesn’t I might ask for a refund.”

“I’ve never given refunds because I only have satisfied
patients.” He sat back and stared at her for a moment. “I’ve done revision
rhinoplasty but not on my patients. Other surgeons’ patients from all over have
asked me to perform secondary nose surgery when they’re unhappy with their
original surgery.”

“I bet they wish they went to you in the first place.”

“Many times the main request by these patients is to make
their nose look natural again.” She had good questions and didn’t seem to be in
a hurry to get home. Would it hurt to ask her if she’d like to get a cup of
coffee with him? It wouldn’t be considered a date, but just a business
conversation in case she needed more information before scheduling her surgery.
He felt it was important, especially since he thought she was charming, and he
didn’t want to give her any false hope that the surgery would make a drastic
change in her life. She’d still be the same person inside. 

She raised her eyebrows. “My mom called before you got to
answer my dating question.  I know that was rude on my part to even ask such a
personal question, but I had a purpose in mind. My friend, Elizabeth, is having
a dinner party. The main reason for this is to get me interested in someone I
knew before I married Toby. I thought you might like to come and meet Heather.
She’s a surgical nurse at Blanchard Valley Hospital. I think you two might have
a lot in common.” 

It wasn’t the greatest idea to mingle with a patient and her
friends socially, but his social life had been nonexistent lately. And it
wasn’t like he was taking Mallory out on a date. “Are you sure it’ll be okay
with your friends?”

“Yes, I’m positive. You’ll be doing me a big favor. I don’t
mind seeing Jeremy again but just as a friend. He’s the guy Elizabeth and
Heather are hoping I’ll want to date. I figure you’ll be a buffer, so all the
attention won’t be on hooking me up with someone I’m not going to be interested
in. I don’t plan on getting married again, so I don’t want to bother with
dating.” She couldn’t bear a second divorce if things didn’t work out again.