Page 18 of Pierre
Ambry checked the vital signs of her patient once more, giving a reassuring smile. Most of the patients were in no hurry to leave the ship and go back to their miserable existence. They hoped, prayed, that they would be allowed to sail with the ship.
“You’re doing wonderfully, Mr. Moreau,” she smiled.
“Just John,” he said with a sad smile. “How are the others?”
“They’re doing well. You were all very, very lucky when those tanks blew. It could have been much worse.”
“I think that’s what they hoped for,” he said, shaking his head.
“Who? Who hoped for it to be worse?” she asked quietly. He said nothing, turning his head away from her, but Ambry wasn’t deterred. “You know, John, I have friends who are trying to stop what’s happening here, but they can’t do it without help.”
“No one can stop what’s happening here,” he said quietly.
“I don’t believe that,” she said, shaking her head. “I come from a family of people who seek justice for others and who always strive to do what’s right.”
“I didn’t think such people were alive any longer,” he frowned.
“I promise you that there are hundreds of such people in existence. If you want to talk further, let me know. It can be between you and me.” She patted his hand and stood to leave the sick bay. Turning, she gave another brief smile and then walked into the medical team room where the others were completing their charts for the next shift.
“So,” smirked Judy, “did you finally do the deed last night?”
“Judy, let’s keep it professional,” said Ambry. But her blushing face gave her guilt away. The others just smiled at her, Elliott giving her a nod.
“Listen, I don’t blame you, and I’m straight. That was one smoking hot male. Besides, you can tell that he’s absolutely mad about you the way he protects you. And don’t let the local bed-hopper get to you.”
“Hey!” said Judy with a smirk and a frown at the same time.
“Oh, come on! Everyone knows you like sex more than the average human. Don’t be ashamed of it. As long as you protect yourself, and him, who cares? Anyway, don’t let her get to you. She got it on with big bad Butch last night.”
“What?” gasped Ambry.
“You weren’t supposed to tell,” grimaced Judy. She gave the evil eye to Elliott and then looked at Ambry. “What was I supposed to do? That guy is unbelievably hot and, damn, is he massive.”
“Judy, I do not want to hear about my boyfriend’s teammate’s body parts.”
“Fine, but you’re missing out.” She just started whispering to the other nurses, and when Ambry got frustrated by her, she stood and left the room. Elliott called out to her.
“Ambry!”
“I can’t listen to her any longer. I’m taking a walk. The next shift should be on any minute now.”
“I know. It’s not that. Just don’t let her get to you. She’s jealous of you and your man. Don’t let her get in between the two of you.”
“What do you mean?” asked Ambry.
“Honey, I love that you’re so innocent, but that woman takes delight in knowing she can break up relationships. You’re going to see her try and do that. She’ll touch his arm, laugh like they’re having a private joke. She’ll knock on his door late at night in her little short set with no bra or panties. It’s her style.”
“Why haven’t I seen that before?” frowned Ambry.
“Because you weren’t seeing anyone before. Listen, she just doesn’t care who it is. It’s like her wish to show you that a man can’t be true. Or a woman.”
“Wait, did she do that to you?” she asked.
“She did. I really liked this woman, Ambry. She’s special, and I’m not the guy who sleeps with whatever opens their legs.”
“Who was it?”
“It doesn’t matter now. She actually serves on this ship. She’s an engineer. Smart, beautiful, everything I wanted in my life. Judy stuck her nose in. Told her about all the ‘fun’ we have while we’re on leave or out at sea on other ships. When I saw her as we boarded, I thought maybe I could get time to speak with her, but she didn’t even look my way.”
