“Perhaps it would be best to talk to Ralph,” Edward said. He smiled warmly. “I’d like to help, but I’m rather involved at the moment. Besides, Ralph knows the machine better than I, particularly from a technical point of view.”
Nadine thanked them and went to find Ralph.
“That was rather civil of you,” Eleanor said.
“I feel rather civil,” Edward said. “Besides, she’s a nice person.”
“Perhaps this is a good time for you to resume your normal activities,” Eleanor said. “We’ve made fantastic progress.”
“It’s only a harbinger of what’s to come,” Edward said. “It’s good of you to worry about my teaching and supervisory responsibilities, but I assure you that they can slide for several weeks without causing anybody irreparable damage. I’m not about to forfeit any of this excitement with this new drug. Meanwhile I want you to start computerized molecular modeling to create a family of compounds from our new drug by substituting side chains.”
While Eleanor went off to work at her computer terminal, Edward walked back to his desk and picked up the phone. He called Stanton Lewis.
“Are you busy tonight?” Edward asked his old friend.
“I’m busy every night,” Stanton said. “What’s on your mind? Did you read that prospectus?”
“How about having dinner with me and Kim?” Edward said. “There’s something you should know.”
“Ah ha, you old rogue,” Stanton said. “Is this going to be some sort of a major social announcement?”
“I believe I’d rather discuss it in person,” Edward said smoothly. “What about dinner? It will be my treat!”
“This is sounding serious,” Stanton said. “I have a dinner reservation at Anago Bistro on Main Street in Cambridge. The reservation is for two, but I’ll see that it gets changed to four. It’s for eight p.m. I’ll call back if there is a problem.”
“That’s perfect,” Edward said. Then he hung up before Stanton could ask any more questions. Edward dialed Kim at work in the SICU.
“Busy?” he asked when Kim came on the line.
“Don’t ask,” Kim said.
“I made dinner plans with Stanton and his wife,” Edward said excitedly. “It will be at eight unless I hear back from Stanton. I’m sorry it’s such short notice. I hope it’s OK for you.”
“You’re not working tonight?” Kim asked with surprise.
“I’m taking the evening off,” Edward said.
“What about tomorrow?” Kim asked. “Are we still going up to Salem?”
“We’ll talk about it,” Edward said noncommittally. “What about dinner?”
“I’d rather eat just with you,” Kim said.
“You’re sweet to say that,” Edward said. “And I’d rather eat just with you. But I have to talk with Stanton, and I thought we could make a little party out of it. I know I haven’t been so much fun this week.”
“You sound buoyant,” Kim said. “Did something good happen today?”
“It’s all been good,” Edward said. “And that’s why this meeting is important. After the dinner just you and I can spend some time together. We’ll take a walk in the square like we did the evening we first met. How about it?”
“You’ve got a date,” Kim said.
Kim and Edward arrived at the restaurant first, and the hostess, who was also one of the owners, sat them at a cozy table wedged into a nook next to the window. The view was out over a portion of Main Street with its collection of pizza joints and Indian restaurants. A fire truck sped by with all its bells and sirens screaming.
“I’d swear the Cambridge fire company uses their equipment to go for coffee,” Edward said. He laughed as he watched the truck recede. “They’re always out riding around. There can’t be that many fires.”
Kim eyed Edward. He was in a rare mood. Kim had never seen him so talkative and jovial, and although he looked tired, he was acting as if he’d just had several espressos. He even ordered a bottle of wine.
“I thought you told me you always let Stanton order the wine,” Kim said.
Before Edward could answer, Stanton arrived, and true to character breezed into the restaurant as if he were an owner. He kissed the hostess’s hand, which the hostess endured with thinly disguised impatience.