This is a work of fiction. As this is in the Romance category, it takes time to build the entire story, including the sex. Be patient and enjoy. Your feedback is always appreciated.
MEETING DR. STEIN
In my capacity as the Regional Manager for a large pharmaceutical company, I was given the charge of developing a partnership with the Cardiology department at one of the major New York City Hospitals. Dr. Stein was part of the faculty at the hospital. She was the physician I was told to contact when I met with the chairman of the Cardiology Department.
"Dr. Stein, in her capacity as the President of the local Cardiology Society, has worked with other pharmaceutical companies and in that capacity also deals with the companies who want to work with our department," stated Dr. Burton Johnson.
Working through the local representative, I was hoping to have a more meaningful discussion than expected based on what the representative told me. The representative warned me that "Dr. Stein is luke-warm to products and it has been very difficult for me to gain face time in front of her. I'm hoping that by you coming with me to see her will enable us to get some more quality time with her."
"Make it quick. I'm very busy, really too busy to talk right now so be quick about it and don't waste my time," was the way Dr. Stein addressed me.
"And good afternoon to you too, Dr. Stein" as she did little more than glance at me, never extending a hand to shake as I introduced myself to her. "David Bloom, the Regional Director for Zenith Pharmaceuticals."
That was my introduction to Dr. Barbara Stein.
"If this is not a convenient time," I remarked, "Perhaps we can meet either before or after the next Society meeting next week. I really do want to meet with you to see how we can work together, my company and the Society and with the hospital."
She scribbled something on her business card and said, "Call me Monday after 4, and I will see if I can find the time to meet with you next Wednesday."
"Not a problem, and thanks. I'm looking forward to getting to work with you" as I handed her my card.
"Just in case you find time before next week, you can reach me on the cell."
Our phone conversation was just as curt. I called her on Monday and I reminded her that I was going to attend the Society meeting and asked her if we could we meet either before or after the meeting.
However, after much give and take, she told me that she will try to get to the meeting a few minutes before and she could possibly give me five minutes of her time.
"I will be in the lobby bar starting at 5. I will wait for you until the meeting starts. If you come, you come. Thanks and I'll see you on Wednesday."
THE MEETING
After spending my entire business career in the pharmaceutical industry, I was almost ready to retire. My investments and stock options will allow me to do so in a few years when I turn 55. I was married, widowed too soon, raising two, soon to be married daughters. I have had a few relationships over the years, but currently, no one as good as my beloved wife. At this time there was no other woman in my life.
I was very surprised when Dr. Stein walked in about a half an hour prior to the meeting.
"Thanks for coming," I said as I stood up pointing to the empty chair.
"My last patient canceled and I was able to clean my desk."
"I'm glad you did and thanks again."
Dr. Barbara Stein, no wedding band on her finger, looked much different than when I first saw her in her lab coat. She was wearing a summer dress, no stockings and sexy heels. I figured she was about 10 years younger than me. She was molded into that dress. Medium sized breasts, riding high on her chest with a waist and hips that were made for the dress she wore. This was an elegant, good-looking lady.
"First of all, can I get you a drink?"
Without hesitation, Dr. Stein said, "I can certainly use one."
I signaled for the waiter.
"A glass of Chardonnay, please."
"I'll have the same. I'm not here to convince you to prescribe my company's products. My representative is paid to do that. My goal is to find out what my company can do to work with your department in the hospital and with the Society. Then I shut up.
"We are always looking for educational funds to support our programs, Mr. Bloom," Dr. Stein said. "The funds are important to educating not only the community physicians but the educating the physicians βin-training as well as the need to produce patient educational materials."
The wine arrived.
"Cheers and here's to the start of a good relationship, professional relationship." I quickly amended my statement.
We clicked glasses and for the first time since I had met her, Dr. Stein smiled. It was a subtle smile, but one where her facial features became more prominent and well defined. She was a very good-looking woman.
"First of all, it's David, please. What would be your top priority?"
After giving it a second, Dr. Stein said, "I'm under a lot of pressure to put together a half day symposium on congestive heart failure at the hospital. I don't have the funds, and the Chairman has been on my case for the past few weeks."
"Perhaps I can help. As you know, my company is coming out with a new product for congestive heart failure in the late fall, probably by Thanksgiving. If you draw up a proposal with the funds you will require, I will run it by my boss and see what he has to say. If you want, I can provide you with the names of some of the investigators of our product. Maybe one of them can be part of your faculty? We have enough time to set something for the fall if you get me the paperwork sooner rather than later."
"I have not done this before. When would you need the proposal?"
"While you are applying for an educational grant, officially, I cannot handle the paperwork for you. However, I can lend some guidance to the process so it will make your job easier. I've done this before, too many times to mention."
"That would be very helpful and appreciated."
I asked, "Can I meet you for lunch next week or in your office where we can have about an hour to go over things?"
"I have no hours on Monday afternoon. I could meet you for lunch at noon."
"Pick the restaurant and let me know," as I confirmed the date.
She looked at her watch and realized that the meeting was going to begin in a few minutes. I paid the bill and we walked to the meeting together. There was some small talk. A very good sign, professionally and perhaps personally!