Page 14 of Hidden Desire

“Well, thank you. If you want to feel even younger, I will add that this wasn’t my first job.” Both of them laughed and it was easy between them. Way too soon though, it was all cut short. Stassi stood up and grabbed her trash.

“I’m going to have to head back to work. It was nice having lunch with you, though.”

“Likewise.” Sage tipped her water bottle in Stassi’s direction and watched her head back inside. She was glad that she had opted to head out into the courtyard for lunch. Thinking about Stassi brought a smile to Sage’s lips, surprising her. “Get over it, Sage. She’s too young and probably has a boyfriend or something. She dropped her gaze to the ground, disappointment falling to her chest. It wasn’t meant to be, but it didn’t mean they couldn’t continue their friendship. They got along and she could always use another friend.

Stassi

Still on for drinks? Have a lot to talk about. The message came through fifteen minutes before Stassi was off the clock. She released a yawn and stared at her phone. She would have dismissed Ariel’s message, but part of her wanted to check in on her friend. Ever since she had gotten the job, she had had to ignore calls and texts. She was too busy. Working too much overtime, and by the time she was done, she was exhausted. But now, putting her off would only continue to delay the inevitable.

Stassi

Yep. See ya in 30 minutes. Can’t wait.

It was a little white lie. It wasn’t like anyone would have to find out. She checked her watch, another yawn escaping. She sat down in her chair and shook her head. If she continued to yawn, she was likely to text back and tell Ariel another night would be better.

The elevator door opened, and a patient stepped out. “Hello, are you checking in?”

The patient rattled off her info, and Sassi quickly got her checked in. The time it took was ten minutes less than when she first started. She wondered if she would ever get there. Turned out, she had picked it up relatively quickly.

“Have a seat, and the nurse will be with you shortly.” She checked the box stating the patient was ready and pushed the chart off to the side. She leaned back in her seat and began strumming her fingers on her desk. As she continued to strum, she saw Sage headed her way. She stopped and sat up straighter in her chair.

Sage smiled and grabbed the chart. “Getting ready to leave?” she asked.

“Yep. It’s been a long day.” Stassi nodded.

“Yeah, that can happen.” Sage snickered.

“Do you leave after this patient?” Stassi asked. The conversation seemed to flow well between them. Whether Sage saw that, too, she wasn’t certain. However, after their impromptu lunch together, things seemed even brighter.

“I’m here until midnight.” Sage made a face. “Four more hours. Can I make it? We shall see.” Sage winked and then pushed past the desk to grab her patient. Sage was the one therapist that tended to be stuck without a nurse. She frequently grabbed her own patients, but Stassi found that endearing. Another part she found endearing was the way Sage would wink, giving an air of flirtation. Yet, she acted that way around everyone, so it could confuse a person.

They passed the desk, and Stassi looked back at her computer. Just one more minute. Just as the thought escaped her, she spotted Lucile from the ER. She didn’t miss a stride as she crashed into the empty chair at the desk.

“I’m your relief,” she said.

“Thank April was coming in overnight.”

Lucile shrugged. “Guess she has food poisoning or something. So, instead of replacing it, they did some shifting. This desk is stuck with me. Anything I need to know?”

“Nope. I think only three patients are scheduled, so it should be pretty quiet.” Stassi stood up and grabbed her purse from the desk. “Thanks for covering. I’m beat.”

“Anytime.” Lucile tossed a wave to her. “See you later.” She moved in and signed into the computer. Stassi went to the elevator and dug her phone out of her pocket. Ariel had replied to her message. Hope built inside that maybe Ariel was the one that was going to cancel on her, but no such luck.

Ariel

Drinks ordered. Hope you don’t have to be to work too early in the morning. ;)

Stassi laughed. She wasn’t the free spirit that she used to be, making her own schedule and having the time that her friendship circle required. She left the message unanswered and got in the elevator. She knew her limits, and Ariel wouldn’t push her to go past those.

The drive to the club was only five minutes away. She pulled into the parking lot, and it was dead, securing her a spot right next to the front door. She entered the club and spotted Ariel at a usual table of theirs. She went over to join her, and a beer was sitting in Stassi’s place.

“You weren’t kidding,” Stassi laughed, sitting down and taking a sip. She sighed. “I needed that.”

“Rough day?” Ariel asked.

Stassi snickered. “Define rough.” She then shook her head. “I don’t want to bore you with shop talk, though. How are you doing? Any modeling jobs that you just can’t resist?”

“Too many to count.” Ariel winked, a smirk raising the corner of her lips. “I am working on a fashion magazine spread for LA Now.”

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