Rivals and Lovers (Closed for MistressOfAlaok)

[Gr8chtr]

Dr. Christopher Marks, MD, eased himself into the chair at the far end of the 5-person table on the raised dais in a hotel conference room that looked like so many others. God, how many medical conferences had he been to in his still-new career as a biomedical researcher? At 29, he had just finished his residency in internal medicine but rather than going into practice he accepted a research associate position at one of the top medical schools in the country. Dr. Skadlow, Chris’ mentor from his previous med school where he earned his MD, had invited him to be a part of a panel discussion with three other physicians. Dr. Skadlow had framed the topic and had asked Chris to prepare a short paper on a topic of some controversy in the biomedical world. There was to be one other panelist, sitting to Chris’ right, taking the same viewpoint as Chris’ paper and two panelists at the other end whose papers would take a contrasting position. Dr. Skadlow would serve as host and moderator.

Chris had received the names of the other three panelists in advance and was OK with all of them. He had met them all at least once and read their published papers. Although two of them would be advancing a contrary position to his, Chris knew them to not be cut-throat competitors. However, just two days ago Dr. Skadlow had sent an email saying that one of the two was ill and couldn’t attend. He informed the three remaining panelists that he would bring a last-minute replacement. Fine with Chris.

Though not his usual style Chris had arrived early and, hence, was the first panelist to arrive. From his seat on the raised platform he watched as the attendees began to drift in. He soon saw the other two original panelists as they each made their way forward. Finally, he recognized old, Dr. Skadlow enter the room followed by someone whom Chris presumed was the substitute. Clearly, the substitute was a young woman, but she had turned to speak to someone such that his view of her was obscured. Chris was curious but remained calm.

Until the substitute turned and walked toward the dais. “Fuck!,” It was all Chris could do to not yell out loud. “Shit!”. The substitute panelist, one of the two opponents to the position he was taking in his paper, was none other than Aubrey Turner, now Dr. Aubrey Turner, MD. Aubrey was three years behind him in medical school. They had clashed from the first time that they met when, as a 4th year student, he supervised some of her work in Dr. Skadlow’s lab. She never deferred to him and advanced her own ideas as though she were the senior member of the team. In one particularly angry encounter Chris lost control and told her that if she were a man, he would have invited her outside to the parking lot where they could settle their differences with their fists. He hadn’t seen Aubrey since he went on his residency but a year ago Chris published his first article in a medical journal. In the next issue Aubrey submitted a brief letter to the editor criticizing nearly everything about what he wrote.

Chris could feel his face beginning to flush. He glued his eyes onto the center aisle, knowing that Aubrey would have to use that aisle to get to the platform. Their eyes met and locked. As soon as he saw that no one else, other than Aubrey, seemed to be looking at him, he silently, but clearly, mouthed “fuck you”, being careful to ensure that Aubrey was watching.

 

[MistressOfAlaok]

Dr. Turner - or Aubrey, as few dared call her - waited in the hotel lobby for Dr. Skadlow as they had agreed to meet in person before the discussion was to start. At 26, Aubrey had done quite well for herself and was now working as a medical researcher for a large pharmaceutical company. Whilst more than qualified enough to work with actual patients, rather then simulations, testing alternatives and numbers, the young doctor could not think of anything worse than treating actual people. It suited her just fine to work for a company that was focused on results. Results and money. It was all a numbers game to the company. Research a problem, churn out data, develop a medication, experiment with it, publish the data, then - most importantly - get paid! No people involved, or at least as few people as possible. Just the way Aubrey liked it.

She had not seen Dr. Skadlow in ages, when he called her and asked her to join the panel discussion. The last time she'd seen him, was when she was still in her early years of studying and whilst she had nothing personally against the doctor, she did not remember those years fondly. As a female, it was hard to be taken seriously in the medical field. Head nurses with experience were listened to reasonably well and so where midwives and the ones specialising in children. That's where it ended. Often enough, a trainee nurse would be taken more serious, simply because he was a he, not a she. The medical world was a men's world, which Aubrey grew to resent, making it only worse for herself.

Dr. Skadlow's invitation however, was an opportunity worthwhile taking. The more conferences she attended, the more discussions she participated in, the more speeches she gave... All valuable additions to her CV and beneficial in her climb up the ladder in this male dominated industry. So despite being pissed off that she had been a replacement, rather than a first choice, Aubrey didn't sleep for 2 days, as she prepared herself for this discussion. Especially when she noticed who she'd be debating against. Christopher Marks. Chris, the guy who had always been Dr. Skadlow's faithful hound, back in medical school.

She still remembered the time it had really escalated between them - although if you asked outsiders, maybe neither of their version of events was a 100 percent correct. Chris had been *supervising* the work she was completing as part of a paper she was writing. As he was an older student, he had to be there as part of his own education and available for questions from the juniors. Aubrey grind her teeth thinking of it. Christopher had not only been available for questions, he had been full of unsolicited and condescending advice, until the point it made Aubrey sick. Then he had had the guts to tell her he'd have solved the matters outside, if she had been a man. *If she had been a man.* It had been an insult added to injury to the female doctor. She had told him she was still happy to settle matters outside, but of course the coward had not taken her up on that. Probably lucky for him, Aubrey mused. She'd have skinned him alive!

Finally Dr. Skadlow showed up and whilst exchanging pleasantries, they headed to the conference room, where they entered together, engaging in polite but superficial conversation. As it would soon be time to start, the respected Dr. let her go and she turned to walk to her seat. As she walked past, her eyes locked with Chris's and instantly Aubrey's stomach seemed to enjoy a roller coaster ride. The dog still made her sick! "Fuck you." he seemed to be mouthing as she approached to take her seat.

Aubrey carried a folder with her research material and deliberately and obscenely drummed on it with just her middle finger. For Chris' eyes only. He'd get the message. If not, she'd make sure he got it loud and clear later, if she had the change! Aubrey took a seat in her spot and slowly opened her folder. She'd shred that pathetic man-boy! the woman thought, as Dr. Skadlow began his session, welcoming everyone with the nicest of words.

 

[Gr8chtr]

Chris had acted completely impulsively when he mouthed "fuck you" to Aubrey. He had been just cautious enough to see if anyone else would see his gesture, but beyond that he hadn't given a thought to the consequences of his action or to how she might reply. In their previous spats Aubrey had sometimes been quite resourceful with her tactics, but drumming her folder with her middle finger was creative even by her standards. The temerity of her response actually caused Chris to smirk with some grudging admiration.

But her action simply emboldened him. He was not going to be bested by this woman! As old Dr. Sadlaw rose to welcome the audience, Chris suddenly had an insight. He had what he assumed to still be Aubrey's cell phone number from the past when they were working together. Like just about every 20-something, he had been playing with his own phone as he waited for the session to begin. He started to text rapidly, realizing that in just a few seconds it would be so impolite for any of the panelists to be using their phones that Aubrey could not return a text before it was her turn to speak.

Chris typed rapidly: Oh, OK, you want a street fight? Fine, bring it on! My co-presenter is speaking first, then your co-presenter, then me, then you - then we get to comment on each other's work. If I were you, I'd be plenty nervous when it was finally my turn to speak because when you're done and the cross-talk begins, I'm going to shred your work until nothing's left!

Chris quietly put his phone in his pocket, trying to appear calm and composed. In fact, his heart was beating rapidly and he could begin to feel sweat running down the back of his neck. Uncomfortable though it was, his physiological reaction didn't surprise Chris. As a medical professional he understood the "flight or fight" reaction. What puzzled him, though, was that he was beginning to have an erection.

 

[MistressOfAlaok]

Aubrey felt her phone buzz and barely had time to glance at it. She noticed the unsaved number, but as she read the words, she instantly knew who they were from. She felt a heat rise up in her chest. Why did Chris have her phone number?! How dare he? Why had he kept it? A hint of confusion crept through her mind, as she was busier wondering why he had kept her number, then she was angry about his words. As the young doctor had no time to reply anyway, she pushed her thoughts aside. Instead she just shot daggers at Chris, when she looked over to him, before concentrating on her papers.

As the debate began, it turned out Chris was right about the order of speakers - another small detail to piss Aubrey off. Throughout the first Dr.'s turn, Aubrey did make notes, points she wanted to attack him on later in the session. However, her heart was not fully into it. She was not here to tear apart this particular male - although he did deserve it, in Aubrey's mind. She was here for Chris. Wait... No. She was here for herself! The woman mentally kicked herself in the bum, scolding herself for getting distracted so easily. She was here to proof her own points, to once again show what she was capable off, no matter what others did. Yet her glance kept travelling to Chris.

As it was her co-presenters turn, Aubrey made halfhearted notes again. Things she felt she might need to defend or even correct later on, if they were questioned. As a true perfectionist, the woman was rarely happy with her own work. Even rarer was for her to be happy with someone else's work.

But once Chris stood up to have his turn, Aubrey was all ears. She watched him like a hawk, as she made notes on paper. Using steno script, she did not even bother to look at her writing, instead watching Chris's every move while he spoke. Everything he said, the smallest detail, she wrote her notes on. As she watched him, she noticed how tall he stood. How he spoke with confidence, barely glancing at his notes. The young doctor felt annoyance. Not at Chris - or not just at him - but at herself, as she noticed she was impressed with this. Not many speakers could *perform* like that. The previous two, for example, had clearly been nervous and even amongst well established doctors, Aubrey often noticed they lacked in smoothness of delivery. Chris however, seemed to own the stage and Aubrey hated that he impressed her.

Then it was her turn. Sadly she was not allowed to criticise Chris's, oh and don't forget his co-speaker, just yet. Luckily Aubrey had prepared well, a couple of sleepless nights as a price for her preparations and had enough to speak about herself. As she spoke, she tried to focus anywhere but Chris, avoiding all eye-contact. It would make her angry - as she told herself, not admitting she might feel other things too - and angry was not good when being professional.

Finally Aubrey took her chair again, relieved this part was over. Now she could concentrate on what she came here for: Criticise Chris and defend herself!

 

[Gr8chtr]

The other person on Chris' side of the question was Dr. Stephanie Henderson, a very well-established and very well-respected biomedical scientist. Likewise, on the other side Aubrey's partner, Dr. Martin Ferraro, was equally respected. Henderson and Ferraro were the heavy weights; Chris and Aubrey the "newbies". Having attended, but not participated in, a previous symposium featuring these same two antagonists, Chris knew that although neither of them were reluctant to be clearly critical of the other's work, they weren't hostile toward one another either and their criticisms, though often sharp, were of the work not of the person.

Chris knew that Dr. Henderson would carry the weight of their team. He decided that all he had to do was not make a fool of himself. And, in terms of making his presentation that should be easy. It wasn't that he was wildly confident about his research paper, it was that he was supremely confident in his ability to make a presentation. He was damn good at it.

As Dr. Henderson spoke, Chris took only token notes. He knew that Henderson didn't need him to defend her work. Likewise, when Ferraro spoke. As those two speakers gave their presentations, Chris began to think about how he might make his attack on Aubrey when the time came. It was a hard choice. He realized that he might not be able to develop a well-thought-out argument on the fly. To get nasty, might do more harm to his reputation than it would to Aubrey. Then, he had an insight. He didn't need to counter her every point, all he needed to do was to make her irrelevant. That would really hurt.

His presentation went well, and Chris knew it. His confidence rose. As Aubrey spoke, he took copious notes, although he wasn't sure that he needed them to execute his plan. But, focusing his attention on her started to make a different impression on him. As much as he hated to admit it at the time, he always knew that Aubrey was smart. What he hadn't focused much on was how she looked. Seeing her in her "professional woman" suit, standing alone at the lectern, it came to him that she was a damn good looking young woman as well.

As designed by Dr. Skadlow, when the cross-commenting began his teammate, Henderson, when first, followed by Aubrey's teammate, Ferraro. Then it was his turn. As he spoke, sitting in his chair he occasionally glanced over at the other side. He started off with a few, mild challenges to Dr. Ferraro's presentation, acknowledging that he was mostly echoing Henderson's critique. Then, he said, "I have to admit that, although I don't agree entirely with Dr. Ferraro's conclusions, he has summarized the other side's arguments very well. I have read his work and respect it." Glancing at Aubrey he continued, "I don't really have any comments on Dr. Turner's presentation. Dr. Ferraro's presentation of their arguments was so clear, I don't see any need to say anything else."

 

[MistressOfAlaok]

Aubrey continued to make her notes, although she was not particularly challenged during the first speaker, Chris's other half, as she joked. She hadn't expected it much, as she knew Dr. Henderson was a senior doctor and mostly was participating for the benefit of Dr. Skadlow and because of an interest in Dr. Ferraro, not in the two *trainees* as she still saw the younger doctors. It still bothered Aubrey, she didn't like to be overlooked or dismissed, but she kept telling herself she'd have her chance... As Chris took his turn, she braced herself, expecting him to make a real move, to criticise her every point. She mostly was excited about this.

He looked up to speak and... Nothing. Well, he said enough, just nothing that had to do with her or any of her research. Aubrey had to pinch herself as to not let her mouth hang open in astonishment. She felt white hot anger rise up inside her. Along with something else. She felt herself becoming upset. Ignored, insignificant and all of a sudden it became clear to her what Chris was doing and she stopped listening. She crossed out just about everything she had noted down, whilst Chris finished and her co-presenter took his turn.

When it was her turn, Aubrey stood up and glanced over her notes. Gathering herself together, Aubrey delivered her counterpoints. After she had scratched many of her original plans, she went a different road.

Working for a company highly focused on the financial side of medicine, this was something Aubrey had learned a lot about and something she'd grown to find interesting and even like. It was also a point that hadn't been addressed much yet and something she felt she could safely comment on and criticise in the discussion.

As she questioned the other doctors research in a very financial matter, the young doctor brought forth some very valid points. However, her heart was not in it. Chris's smart move had really messed with her head and the young woman could swear she could see the other participants eyes glaze over, silently dismissing her too - whether it was true or not.

Finishing up, Aubrey felt like she might cry, although she would never show this feeling on the outside, her face still as hard and determined as ever. She was angry, but mostly at herself. Why had she let Chris get to her so much? She had known the senior doctors wouldn't pay her much attention. This whole meeting had been to gain experience and network anyway! Why did it bother her so much that this *nothing doctor*, a male non the less, dismissed her too?

Aubrey sat through the rest of the time chewing on her bottom lip. Deep in thought. Or maybe not so deep in thought. She was mostly just wishing she was somewhere else. A nice drink and a dip in the hotel pool maybe? Henderson and Ferraro continued their discussion, as planned and Skadlow led with some general questions and challenges. No participation - besides sitting and looking pretty, Aubrey thought bitterly - was required. This only gave Aubrey more time to think of alternative places to be. She shocked herself when her thoughts found her in Chris's hotel room. To trash it! she quickly thought to herself.

As the discussion ended, Dr Skadlow spoke up. "I do hope to see you all at the seminars and lectures during the next 2 days, taking place in this facility! I promise you, they'll be very interesting. Again, thank you for coming! I do suggest a drink at the bar, we deserve it! he spoke joyfully, after thanking all participants. Aubrey smiled back politely, nodding at her co-presenter in acknowledgement, before beginning to pack up.

 

[Gr8chtr]

Chris tried to appear calm after he made his mild-critiques of Dr. Ferraro's research and, cleverly, disrespected Aubrey by simply saying nothing about her work. He fully expected a verbal assault from her, like the one that she had laid on him when she wrote the letter to the journal editor trashing his first publication. But, it didn't come. Instead, Aubrey branched off by focusing on financial issues. Chris was stunned. He was ready for battle; he was not ready for what seemed almost like a retreat by her.

Chris glanced over at Aubrey as Dr. Skadlow was wrapping up. He could see the cold, hard look on Aubrey's face, not entirely atypical of her, he thought. What he didn't see was fire. He didn't see any drive to get back at him. Was she turning the tables? By not responding in anger was she, essentially, dismissing him just as he had so pointedly dismissed her?

Oddly, Chris found himself feeling a little sad, himself. And, oddly, he felt a little sad for Aubrey. Curiously, he realized, that he had wanted to fight her, practically to the death - at least psychologically. Of course, he wanted to win, to conquer her, as he had wanted to do when she was his assistant. Fighting, though, is still being connected, he realized; withdrawing is the opposite. Did he, somehow, want to be connected to this irritating woman?

As Chris entered the hotel bar where Skadlow had suggested that attendees might have a drink, his head was still spinning with the thoughts that had suddenly came to him as the panel presentation had ended. Again, surprising himself, he found that he was scanning the crowd for Aubrey. It didn't take long to find her.

What to do? Given all that had just happened, he could hardly go up to her in a friendly way and say "Hello". Echoing is first move, he pulled out his phone, found Aubrey's number and sent a short text:

Even though I still disagree with you and Dr. Ferraro, you actually made some very good points that I ignored.

Truce?

 

[MistressOfAlaok]

Aubrey made her way to the bar, trying to put the whole fiasco behind her. As they had exited the conference room, Dr. Skadlow had given her some compliments on a few of the points she'd made, mainly the financial side. She had smiled and thanked him, then thanked him again for the opportunity to speak today. When he invited her to join him for dinner and be introduced to a few other doctors, Aubrey declined with a heavy heart. She blamed the late nights of research and the travels to get here in time, that she'd rather unwind a bit. In truth, she kicked herself for passing up this opportunity, but she simply felt too drained. If she was this easily dismissed by Chris, a nothing doctor, the last thing she now wanted was to fight for the attention of a dining room full of established doctors!

Aubrey easily found the hotel bar and entered, looking for a secluded corner, where she sat down in one of the 3 lounge chairs around a low table. From a passing waiter she ordered a glass of water and a cocktail. As she kicked off her shoes, placing them next to the chair, her water was brought in a tall, cold glass.

Folding one of her feet - clad in smooth, black stocking - underneath her, the other dangling just above the floor, Aubrey sipped her water when she heard her phone. Work, probably! She thought sourly. When she looked, her mood became even more sour. Chris! Boasting of his victory, undoubtedly.

Aubrey almost didn't open the message. Almost. Something made her. Maybe the feeling that even though he'd be boasting and taunting her, at least he wasn't ignoring her. Instantly, Aubrey was angry with herself. Why did she care? Why did she want his attention? He had given an admirable presentation, despite his idiotic points of view, but that was no reason to now crave his attention! With an angry glare - mostly at herself - she opened his text.

The woman nearly spat out her water, reading it. It... It nearly sounded like an apology. Truce? Aubrey shook her head in disbelief and stared at her screen for ages. Was he teasing her? Was this some evil ploy of his? Was she to let her guard down, then be crushed? Or was he sincere? What did the truce mean? For how long would it last? She could not really see herself and Chris become friends. She might've found him attractive or be attracted to his general intelligence... If they hadn't clashed so much!

Finally she sent back a reply to him.
Nice thought. I'm not drunk enough for that.
Sent. Yet... Aubrey kept staring at her phone, as if not finished. She didn't really know. Did she want the truce? Did she trust it to be genuine? Impulsively, she decided to add a second message.

"Yet." was all she wrote, followed by 3 cocktail emojis. She swallowed and hit sent. How Chris would take it, was up to him. All of a sudden Aubrey didn't hate the idea of him taking it as an invitation and sharing a drink or two...

 

[Gr8chtr]

As soon as he hit "send" on his phone and sent his "Truce?" message, Chis began to wonder what the fuck he had just done. After a couple of years of sniping at each other either in person or in the professional literature, their most recent interaction was him mouthing "fuck you" to her and Aubrey giving him the finger right back. What did he think was going to happen? Why did he have any hope - if he was even hoping - that she would respond at all, or if she did, that it would be anything other than hostile. He was surprised that he got a quick response.

Nice thought. I'm not drunk enough for that.

"Well," Chris thought, "that's the end of that. But, at least, her response wasn't as hostile as it might have been. Just a plain blow-off." Still, he felt a little burst of sadness.

Yet...and 3 cocktail emoji's

Chris hadn't even had a chance to take more than one other breath when Aubrey's second text arrived. He was stunned. What was she doing? Was this sarcasm? Was it an invitation? An opening?

Chris found himself suddenly with a mixture of emotions and thoughts that he couldn't instantly decipher. He felt a little like a college freshman flirting with the cute girl in the library. What was going on here?

One of Chris' grandmother's favorite expressions jumped into his head, "In for a dime, in for a dollar." Or, more modernly, "Go big, or go home." Chris sent back a reply.

"I see that the server is already bringing your first cocktail. So, if it takes two more cocktails for you to be drunk enough to discuss a truce, the drinks are on me. I'll need a few myself."

Having sent his message, Chris picked up his own drink and started to walk slowly in Aubrey's direction. Because of the crowd he had only been able to see her face and head from across the room. As he slowly approached he could see all of her. He was taken aback. When they worked together in the lab much of the time she was wearing scrubs if she had just been on clinical rounds. Or, she wore loose-fitting jeans and shirt. Here, she was sitting with a nicely-stocking leg folded up under her and the other leg ending in her shoeless foot casually dangling above the floor. Shit! She looked pretty damn hot. Chris had never thought of her that way before. Subtly, another reaction was being added to the mix of Chris' confused emotions and thoughts.

 

[MistressOfAlaok]

A disinterested waiter in a cheap suit plopped Aubrey's espresso martini in front of her on the table, spilling half of it over the table in his rushed manner. He mumbled something that might pass for an apology, hastily wiped the table off with a tea towel sticking out of his pant pocket, before leaving Aubrey to her half empty cocktail.

The woman grimaced at her drink. If she was only getting halfs, it would take a fair bit to get drunk enough! Enough for what exactly though? Dealing with the days disappointed? The truce? Or the betrayal if it turned out to not be a real truce? Christ! Why did she even want a truce with that dickhead?!

She received another message. "if it takes two more cocktails for you to be drunk enough to discuss a truce, the drinks are on me." Aubrey huffed. Well, he must be wanting it real bad, if he was willing to buy her drinks. Oh well, the woman had learned that if anyone - especially a man - was willing to give you anything for free, you took it. You took it and then some! She suppressed the nearly flattered feeling.

Aubrey couldn't help herself and looked up, through the crowd at the other end of the bar. She was happy to have found the secluded corner. The socialisers seemed to have no interest in sitting in the lounge chairs. When she spotted Chris - and shit! He was heading toward her! - she ducked her head down and got out one of the papers in her folder. It happened to be a work related matter she had to proof read. When Chris was close to her, Aubrey was - very suddenly - completely absorbed in the paper, seemingly absentmindedly sipping her cocktail...

 

[Gr8chtr]

Chris walked slowly toward Aubrey, not wanting to seem as though he was coming on too strong. After all, he had taken a big step in reaching out to her. As she looked slightly his way, Chris was sure that Aubrey saw him approaching.

Then, WTF! She deliberately snubs him, pretending to all of a sudden being caught up in her work. Chris felt himself becoming instantly angry all over again. It felt like a slap to his face. He started to take some quick steps toward her, ready to unload a barrage of angry words. But, a half-step in Chris slowed his step and took a deep breath. He realized that an angry outburst from him would end any possibility of making the connection to her that, somehow, he seemed to need.

Walking slowly and stopping a few feet away from Aubrey, Chris said, "I can see that you have work to do. If you want, I'll sit down at another table and keep sending your drink refills until, perhaps, you're drunk enough to consider a brief chat."

 

[MistressOfAlaok]

Aubrey could see Chris coming from the corner of her eye and felt nervous, however uncaring she might have appeared. Why did she feel like that? Plenty of times they'd budded heads and she'd felt nothing but commitment and confidence, even as she scrambled for evidence against his points. Why, now she was in his presence again, did she feel like this?

Chris suggested he'd buy her drinks from afar and let her work. Aubrey wanted to reply with a snarl and tell him to indeed do just that, fuck off and... But she couldn't. Instead she put the papers down in her lap. She was surprised to find herself smiling almost apologetic. "No, no, it's okay. I don't even really want to do this work... But you know how it is, they agree to give you time off, then send you stuff to do on your days off," she gestured to the papers in her lap, with a shrug of her shoulder. For a change, this wasn't an issue the young female doctor felt was an problem related to working in a male industry. There was just always too much to do, for everyone who was qualified enough.

Just then, a waiter came past, excused himself and took 1 of the 2 unoccupied lounge chairs, to add to another table. Aubrey smiled and waved to the remaining one. "You better just sit down, before they take that one too!"

 

[Gr8chtr]

Chris wasn't sure what to expect from Aubrey after he made his first overture. Either stone-faced silence or a sharp-tongued rebuke would not have surprised him, and, he realized, would not have been altogether inappropriate considering the tone he had taken with her at the presentation. Strangely, though, he did care. The best he hope for was some indication that she was willing to explore something like a truce, as he had proposed.

No, no, it's okay. I don't even really want to do this work...You better just sit down, before they take that one too!

Chris was shocked, but tried not to show it. Not only was there tacit acceptance of the idea of having a discussion, but Aubrey's message and tone was friendly and even inviting. Chris' second surprise was that he felt a small ripple of warmth flowing over him when Aubrey invited him to sit at her table.

Despite his sudden warmth, Chris now faced a quandary. He hadn't thought at all of what to say next. How to start this conversation. What to do. He quickly decided to acknowledge her graciousness and engage in a little small talk before heading into the deeper water.

"Thanks, Aubrey, for offering me a chair. That's gracious of you, all things considered." Chris wasn't sure what to follow up with, then saw that her glass was less than half full. "Either my presence has caused you to gulp half of your cocktail or the waiter didn't give you much of a full one, " he quipped. "So, how about if I order both of us another drink - per my promise - before we discuss something like a truce?"

 

[MistressOfAlaok]

Chris thanked Aubrey for offering the chair. It felt like some smart ass comment with hidden meaning. But all of a sudden Aubrey felt tired. It was that tiredness that kept her from scowling.

After the discussion she'd felt drained, as she had received a nasty blow - or so she felt. Now, she was just feeling tired. Maybe the long trip and all the hours researching beforehand finally caught up with her. Or was it that she finally was allowing herself to let her guard down in front of Chris?

Aubrey decided to not think of it too much. Why ruin an otherwise half decent night? Chris was about to buy her drinks, for fucks sake! He made a comment about her nearly finished drink and in response she sipped the last of it out, before letting out a little snort.

The 'giggle snort' surprised even the woman. That normally only happened when she was around people she was very comfortable with - hardly anyone. "The waiter spilled have the cocktail when bringing it," she explained. "Don't give yourself any credit for my seemingly excessive drinking!" Aubrey joked.

Such a comment would have normally been said harshly, meant as an insult. Now, she noticed herself saying it in a playful tone of voice however. What the hell was happening?!
"I could do with another, thank you. Espresso Martini, might help me stay awake long enough to have the other one you promised to buy me too." As Aubrey spoke, she shrugged out of her designer suit jacket. The hotel bar was heated and the fancy jacket not particularly comfortable. Hanging it over the arm of her chair, she revealed a silk white top with thin shoulder straps.

 

[Gr8chtr]

Chris wasn't sure what to expect from Aubrey after his offer to replace her half-glass with a full one. He had made the offer in good faith and as an entree to what would, presumably, soon be an intense and difficult discussion. But, he thought, there was some room for optimism. She had, after all, invited him to sit down with her, even though he had offered to just send a drink to her table.

I could do with another, thank you. Espresso Martini, might help me stay awake long enough to have the other one you promised to buy me too.

Aubrey surprised him yet again. Not only had she started her comment with something like a giggle - a giggle for Christ's sake for her of all people - but her acceptance of his offer at least hinted at a willingness to hang out with him for more than just one drink. Chris found himself more than a little interested in that possibility.

As Aubrey moved to doff her suit jacket, Chris called over the waiter - yes, the same one that had spilled half of Aubrey's drink before - and ordered an Espresso Martini for her and a bourbon on the rocks for himself. For some reason that he couldn't name, he played a macho role by turning around in his chair as the waiter left and telling him "And...this time, make sure the lady's drink is a full glass."

The brief few seconds it took for Chris to turn around and snark at the waiter gave him just enough time to begin to think about how to raise the "truce" subject. It was going to be an unpleasant conversation, why put it off. But, things changed suddenly.

Turning back to face Aubrey, Chris was confronted by the view of her sitting across from him with her silky white top and thin shoulder straps. Despite having worked previously to train himself to keep his eyes up at the eye-level of a woman with whom he was speaking, Chris' eyes scanned Aubrey's silk top, pausing where the silk nicely outlined her breasts. Suddenly, diving into a deep conversation was no longer on the top of his mind.

Almost as though his words were being driven by some outside source, Chris awkwardly said, "Aubrey, your outfit is...uh...very professional, but...umm...it really looks nice on you."

 

[MistressOfAlaok]

Aubrey watched Chris order her another drink and - when she thought he couldn't see - rolled her eyes at the macho tone of voice. It better work, she thought. Had she overestimated herself? Was Chris just another macho-man? The female doctor felt her - only just - thawing heart begin to freeze again. "Whilst I do hope the glass arrives full this time... Would you like to organise a pissing contest with him too?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, as she looked at the waiters back, past Chris's face.

Aubrey just couldn't help herself. She had long ago taught herself to always look out for the worst in people and she'd have a hard time letting go of that habit. Especially with someone like Chris. He complimented her outfit and looking down at herself, she thought he was mostly complimenting her boobs. Or was that her seeing the worst in the situation again? The woman took a deep breath and decided to be... more lenient. "Thank you," she said. For once, she didn't have another reply ready.

It was easier to get angry, easier to brush aside the compliment and make some smart ass comment or accusation maybe. But what did one do if genuinely complimented? Or if complimented, with implications, but not minding it? Did she like it. Aubrey cleared her throat, just about to probably say the wrong thing, when the waiter was just a few tables off. Relieved she could change the topic, Aubrey nodded her head in his direction and smirked at Chris. "Here he comes, let's see if you made an impression."

 

[Gr8chtr]

Having blundered impulsively into the compliment about Aubrey's appearance, Chris had no idea of what response to expect from her or what to say in return. He accepted her "thank you" with a simple "you're welcome". The two sat for a few moments in awkward silence.

Here he comes, let's see if you made an impression.

The waiter's return allowed Chris and Aubrey to have something safe to talk about. And, indeed, he had returned with appropriately full drinks, maybe even a little more generous than would otherwise be the case. Chris decided that a simple "thank you" to him would also suffice; no need to pull the macho thing again.

Although Aubrey's first drink was only a half ration, Chris' first bourbon had been a full, standard pour. His second now sat before hie and there was, of course, the promise of a third later on. Based on his previous experiences he knew that if he were to have anything like a truce talk with Aubrey he had to begin before he put much more booze into himself. Although, the prospect of getting drunk with Aubrey seemed strangely appealing to him.

"So,..., " he started hesitatingly, "uh...I admit that I was basically an asshole today at our presentation. You made some important points in your presentation. In fact, focusing on the financial aspects of our competing arguments was very innovative. I should have...uh...really acknowledged your contributions in my rebuttal. I apologize for that."

Chris took a big swig of his drink before continuing. Consciously or not, he realized, he had started with the lesser of his two hostile moves. It wasn't that hard to apologize for not recognizing Aubrey's contributions but he wasn't quite ready to apologize for the "fuck you" whisper. He didn't think that he was entirely at fault; she had hurt him with her letter to the editor criticizing his publication. Still, mouthing "fuck you" was clearly out of line.

Chris continued, "And, of course, I shouldn't have mouthed "fuck you" when I saw that you were going to be on the panel. That was...well...clearly out of line." Chris dropped his gaze some so as to not make eye contact with her and took another swig before continuing. "Umm...well, Aubrey...I have been pretty angry with you since you sent that letter to the editor criticizing my article. I mean, well..., of course it's OK to publish critiques, but we worked together in Skadlow's lab and...well...I didn't think that you would criticize my work publicly. It..uh..kind of hurt me, you know?"

Having finished at least for the moment, Chris slumped back in his chair. He felt exhausted. He had no idea of how Aubrey might respond. And, somehow, how she responded seemed to matter to him a lot.

 

[MistressOfAlaok]

Aubrey had to admit she was somewhat surprised Chris didn't pull some smart ass comment for the waiter out of his arse. But then, it seemed to be an evening full of surprises! Before she knew what she was doing, her glance travelled up and down Chris's body, appraising. Like a farmer checking out a bull, if you wanted to be that blunt. As soon as Aubrey realised what she was doing, she tore away her gaze and grabbed the drink instead.

After picking up the glass, she raised it slightly in Chris direction. Not a proper clinking glasses kind of toast, moreso an acknowledgement, before she sipped on it. Then she practically choked as Chris... Apologised! He even addressed the fuck you. Then he spoke of how angry - and upset? - he was about her criticisms in the research paper.

Aubrey's eyes blinked rapidly in surprise. "Wait. Worked together? We never worked together. You were just being a condescending prick who wouldn't let me experiment on my own. Thinking you were better than me, for no reason other than being another privileged pig!" she spat. If she admitted, this reaction was not very fair. He had just apologised! Chris and apologising. To her! That was not even part of her weirdest dreams... And now all she could do was pick out a part she didn't like and used it to rock the boat again.

The female doctor sighed and sat back, trying to at least pretend to relax again. "Okay, I guess that was my reason for the harsh criticism on your paper," she began hesitantly. Talking of feelings was quite alien to Aubrey. "I thought you were an absolute asshole and publishing against you was an easy way to..." To what? Get revenge? Advance her own career? Who was she kidding, Aubrey searched for words. "It was an easy way to feel better about myself. I'm sorry," she said.

She took a big gulp of her drink. Her last words tasting rather sour in her mouth. Lowering her glass, she finally met Chris gaze. "I apologised," she said, trying to make him understand that she meant it. And that it was a really big deal to her! "How about you get to call me, or say whatever horrible thing you want to me, for that? I promise I won't get angry. This time," she offered with an awkward, slightly dorky grin. "Oh and as for the fuck you... Well, I responded in kind. I think that was one of the most civilised conversations we have had, before now!"

 

[Gr8chtr]

Chris had really put himself out a lot. Like most men, he was not accustomed to talking much about his feelings, let alone apologizing for a previous action. When Aubrey half raised her glass in a toast, he was very pleasantly surprised. Until... Wait. Worked together? We never worked together. You were just being a condescending prick who wouldn't let me experiment on my own. Thinking you were better than me, for no reason other than being another privileged pig!

Chris could feel his blood pressure rise, feel his face getting hot and red. He took in a deep breath about ready to let out with one, big, fucking outburst of anger. Then...damn...she kind of took it back, or at least admitted that she had acted out of anger and then apologized herself.

It didn't escape Chris' attention that Aubrey had taken a large swallow of her drink, leaving it almost empty. He followed suit as she offered - almost playfully - to allow him to call her whatever he wanted.

"OK", Chris grinned, "I was really close right now to saying "Fuck you" all over again. Shit, nobody's ever called me a privileged pig before.” He swallowed the last bit of his bourbon. “So…you have given me a new title and been creative about it as well. I congratulate you on that.”

Chris hesitated before continuing, lowering his eyes as he did. For some reason he was hesitant to meet her gaze squarely. He wasn’t sure why. But, as he lowered his gaze, his eyes, of necessity, scanned once again back down her body. Why did this have such an effect on him? They were obviously not friends and certainly not prospective lovers. Taking a breath, he regrouped and raised his eyes to meet hers. “I suggest at least a temporary truce while we order and drink the second drink that I promised you.” Somehow, he now felt absolutely gleeful about the prospect of the two of them getting a good, fucking buzz on in each other’s company.

 

[MistressOfAlaok]

Aubrey could see Chris' face tightening and expected for him to lose it now. It'd have been fair turn taking, suppose, she thought. Instead he took a deep breath and took it pretty well. She had to give him that. He'd been taking everything pretty well tonight. She wondered what had happened. Girlfriend that calmed him down a bit? What do you care anyway?! She berated herself quickly.

The woman noticed his eyes roam her body again and instinctively took a deeper breath, pushing her chest out just a little. Aubrey noticed she didn't really mind it, the looks. Had he always watched her like that? Chris spoke of the last drink her had promised her and she nodded in agreement. "Yes. Temporary. Maybe tomorrow I'll be wanting to skin you alive again," she said casually, but with what she hoped was a disarming grin.

Aubrey didn't think she would ever grow properly comfortable around Chris, but she had to admit that she didn't feel as hostile against him at the moment. No need for him to think she couldn't be battle ready in an instead however! The woman lifted her hand to signal a waiter. She was happy to see a new face approached them to take an order.

"Vodka on the rocks. Grey goose." Aubrey looked at Chris. "How about this round is on me? Wouldn't want to bleed you dry now," she offered. She wasn't even sure how sincere she was herself. The young doctor had been raised to be independent and fair and partly she really was trying to be just that right now. But she also had to admit it was partly a challenge for Chris. Did she expect him to be too proud to accept a drink from her?

 

[Gr8chtr]

Chris didn't have any idea of what to expect in response to his "temporary truce" offer. He was hoping that the offer of him buying another drink would sweeten the deal. He was a bit confused, though, about his own motives. He was not one to ever take back an offer and he had offered to buy Aubrey a second drink. So, he couldn't hardly now back away from that but, somehow, he seemed to be as interested in continuing hanging out with her as he was in keeping his word. Odd.

Yes. Temporary. Maybe tomorrow I'll be wanting to skin you alive again.

Chris noted what he thought was a mischievous grin on Aubrey's face as she accepted his offer but making clear that it might be temporary only. Was she teasing him or was she literally putting him on notice? He didn't have time to respond as the new waiter appeared almost suddenly after Aubrey raised her hand and ordered a drink. Chris quickly ordered another bourbon on the rocks for himself. Then, another surprise:

How about this round is on me? Wouldn't want to bleed you dry now.

Chris was nearly shocked yet again. He clearly didn't see this one coming but he immediately perceived the intent. In a small way this was Aubrey claiming the lead. His first impulse was to counter strongly, but in a polite way so as to not seem overtly aggressive or hostile. But, he decided that this might just interrupt the "temporary truce" that they had just agreed to. Chris' second thought was to say something like "Oh, OK, thanks. I'll buy the round after this one", but his memory of what he was like after four bourbons made him realize that this was not a way to go.

But the temptation to throw a zinger at his rival was too strong to resist. What would throw her off base and still allow him an edge of power. Chris wasn't too drunk yet to not think quickly.

With an equally mischievous grin he said, "Sure, thanks. I never turn down an offer from a beautiful woman."

 

[MistressOfAlaok]

"Sure, thanks. I never turn down an offer from a beautiful woman." Aubrey's brow furrowed in response to this. She wasn't sure whether to think him a sleazebag or be flattered. Maybe she was something in the middle and that something made her want to press his comment. "And exactly how often do you receive offers from beautiful women?" she snorted, with a slightly arrogant smile, after the waiter had turned and set off for the bar.

Perhaps fuelled by the alcohol, Aubrey's body seemed to have a mind of it's own, as she felt herself place a hand on the armrest of her chair and push herself up and forwards. This caused her blouse to drop a little at the front and allow a healthy view of cleavage. The woman unfolded her legs, sliding the one she'd been sitting on out from underneath her, placing it on the floor, before folding the other leg and sitting on it this time. Leaning back into the chair, she rotated her now free ankle a few times. Her stocking clad foot and toes pointing elegantly outward, as she stretched.

Then it seemed as if the young woman's brain regained control and she noticed with a flash of irritation the drinks had not been brought yet. There was only so much banter she could endure, without the liquid courage. As an hardworking academic, Aubrey's social skills were not necessarily amazing and during small talk she would normally draw from a list of possible topics, such as the weather, someone's hometown or job. With Chris? She felt the list was not much use and thus she raked her brain for something to say as they waited on their drinks. "What are you scheduled to attend tomorrow?" she ended up asking, referring to the various options available in the conference's busy program.

 

[Gr8chtr]

As soon as his "beautiful woman" comment slipped through his lips Chris feared that he would get a feminist backlash from Aubrey. Given her focus on her career and their intense rivalry, his statement could be quite offensive to her. But...surprisingly her only comment was a tease in return asking him how often he got offers from beautiful women. Interesting.

As Chris was thinking about what to say Aubrey suddenly made a big shift in her posture. When she leaned forward, he got a clear shot - even without intending to do so - of her cleavage. Mmm...quite impressive. It surprised Chris that he hadn't noticed this before or paid much attention to her curves.

With his knowledge of the human body Chris realized when his so-called reptilian brain was kicking into gear. All of a sudden his brain was filled with fleeting images of what Aubrey might look like with fewer clothes. He tried to wipe these images out of his mind. Then...damn!...she shifted herself briefly twisting her stocking-footed foot in a tantalizing way. Perhaps all of this was unintentional, Chris thought, but still maybe suggesting that her primordial brain was kicking in too.

What are you scheduled to attend tomorrow? The change was sudden and Chris didn't miss it. She was deliberately moving back to safer ground. By God, he was not going to let his rival withdraw that easily. He could keep up a little pressure and let her decide how to handle that!

As Chris drew in his breath to speak, the waiter returned with their latest round of drinks. This would be Chris' fourth bourbon, and just thinking of how loose that would make him gave him the courage to plunge forward.

"Well...I will have to look at the schedule before I decide. I need to see if there is anything that will inform my current research. However, I make it a habit to take a 90-mintue break between 12:30 and 2:00. So, how about if we plan to have a leisurely lunch at one of the street-side cafes? What do you say, Aubrey? Can you stand being this close to me for another stint?"

 

[MistressOfAlaok]

Aubrey was pleased with herself as it seemed like Chris was fumbling for an answer after her teasing comment. However, she was also disappointed with herself as she noticed how little satisfaction it gave her to see him unsure of himself. About the only thing she had admired during his presentation earlier today, was Chris' seemingly smooth and confident ability to present his points. God forbid she admit it to herself, let alone someone else, but the young woman found it quite an attractive quality.

Saved by the arrival of their drinks, Aubrey sipped on her cocktail. How many had she been planning on having? She felt the warm buzz in her stomach already, announcing a tipsy state of mind. One she always saw coming too late...

"Can you stand being this close to me for another stint?" It took all of her self control not to look at least a little startled. Was Chris... Was he... Did he just ask her... Out? Aubrey couldn't stop herself from blinking once more than necessary, as her brain scrambled to catch up.

"If the cafes are anything like they usually are, we would be crammed in a lot closer to each other than this," Aubrey mumbled, her thoughts a little unfiltered thanks to the alcohol in her system. Immediately she wished she could hit the playback button. What a comment! she scolded herself.

To buy herself a little time, pondering the decision, Aubrey plucked her conference pamphlet out of her bag, pretending to study the announced events of the conference. As structured as she was, of course all this information, along with the choices of what to attend, with their the exact times had been committed to the young doctors memory a long time ago. But Chris did not need to know that...

"12.30 you said. The lecture I will be attending won't finish until 1, so I have an hour for you tomorrow," she finally said, attempting to put a hint of dismissal in her tone. What would she wear though? Aubrey couldn't help but wonder.

 

[Gr8chtr]

Chris took took large a sip of his drink as he awaited Aubrey's response. He needed the reinforcement because he feared what her response might be. Although his invitation was simply a casual lunch, it had the tone of asking her for a date. Shit! What would she think of that? Surprisingly, he actually cared what she thought.

If the cafes are anything like they usually are, we would be crammed in a lot closer to each other than this.

"WTF?", Chris thought as Aubrey made a pretense of carefully studying the conference schedule. Was this a come-on? From Aubrey, who never seemed to show any interest in him as a man? Moreover, what Chris thought of as his 'reptile brain' was now making itself heard strongly. Images of Aubry and him sitting close enough that their bodies would rub up against each other suddenly filled his mind. Even more surprisingly, Chris felt his pants getting just a little bit tighter.

...so I have an hour for you tomorrow.

Oddly, at first Chris felt a little disappointed. He had offered an hour and a half. "Ah," he realized, "Aubrey is jockeying for a little control. OK, she wins this one but mostly on my terms."

Chris snapped himself out of his own head, smiled and said with an enthusiastic but relaxed tone, "Great! Yesterday for lunch, I found a little bistro about two blocks from here. Wonderful tomato bisque, bread and mixed green salads. How's that sound?"

Before Aubrey could respond, Chris added, "As for as being 'crammed in a lot closer to each other', I can handle that if you can."