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“There are so many times when we’re together that I think you want me to kiss you. Yet, others, I feel like you’re purposely pushing me away.”
“Ali,” Jo whispered.
Ali reached up and touched her finger to Jo’s lips. “There are so many times that I fight the urge to reach out and touch you. Yet, others, I just don’t have the willpower.” Ali withdrew her finger and swooped in, her lips crashing against Jo’s, her heart echoing into the night.
“We can’t,” Jo blurted, pushing Ali away. She shook her head. “Do you know what would have happened if we had been interrupted?”
“I don’t even care. I know there are rules, and we have to abide by them, but sometimes you have to go with your heart and just once say damn the rules.”
Jo’s eyes narrowed in on her. “Rules? Are you kidding me? This isn’t about rules, Ali. Your boyfriend is just feet away, and if he would have caught you, the rules would have been the least of your worries.”
“My boyfriend?” Ali’s jaw dropped. “Do you mean Nolan?” Jo slowly nodded, and Ali started to laugh, the laughter picking up as those words sunk in. “Nolan is gay, Jo. I thought you knew that. His boyfriend is in Milwaukee. I’m not with Nolan. Where you got that notion is beyond me.”
Jo’s cheeks flushed, and she looked past Ali. “I…I…” She closed her mouth and shook her head. “You guys seem so close. You kissed in there. I just thought…”
“You thought wrong. Is that why you’ve been so cold around him?” Jo sighed. “I’m only into women, and I know there are rules, and you totally might not be interested, although that kiss tells me more than I need to know. At least, I think.” Ali smiled softly.
Jo heaved a sigh and moved in closer. “Damn the rules,” Jo whispered before wrapping her arms around Ali and pulling her into a jaw-dropping kiss. Ali’s knees buckled, and they just held one another. Nothing could disrupt Ali’s happy heart.
Johanna
After having the weekend off, Jo woke up to the birds singing outside her window. Or rather, it felt that way because she hadn’t once been able to erase the smile off of her lips. She considered texting Ali over the weekend, telling her again how much she truly enjoyed herself on Friday night. However, it all seemed like it would be a little too much like high school. They were in a good place, and Jo didn’t want to screw that up.
So, instead, she hurried through a shower and was certain to check herself to make sure she looked extra cute that morning. Even though that also seemed a little too much like High School. She wanted Ali to appreciate how she looked and would do anything to get her approval.
She arrived at the hospital with an extra pep in her step. If she grinned any harder, she would have surely busted a gut. She didn’t care. Just imagining getting to see Ali that morning had her giddy. And yes, that was much like a schoolgirl. Their friendship had turned a corner and branched over into something deeper. She was relieved to learn that Nolan and Ali were merely best friends, and that Nolan wouldn’t chase after her because he would never be interested in what Ali could offer him.
When she reached the floor, she looked around for Ali, but she wasn’t readily available. That saddened Jo, but the day had only begun. She would have plenty of time to find Ali and talk to her. After all, they had to have some sort of talk. Like what would this mean for them? She knew, in her heart, they couldn’t just go out there and tell everyone that they had kissed and expect a warm reception. The rules were there for a reason, and she wasn’t looking to get fired over it. So, she would play her cards close to her chest and see what Ali had in mind.
“Hey, Johanna.” May looked up. “it’s going to be a busy day today and look what just came on the board.” May pointed to a section on the computer, as Jo looked over her shoulder. Her eyes narrowed in, and a weight fell to her gut. It should have been great news. She wanted Vincent to be home where he could recuperate after his kidney transplant. He was doing well, so that was why they would remove him from the hospital and just monitor him on a regular basis.
“Great,” Jo mumbled.
“You don’t look too happy about it,” May replied. “I know you’ve gotten close with him, even reading to him periodically on your lunch hour.” May tilted her head and gawked at Jo. “But the fact that the doctors feel he’s ready to be released means that he could get on to living a happy and healthy life.”
“Which is what we all wanted. Of course, it’s fantastic news.” Jo stepped away from the computer. So why did she feel so sad? It was like a weight had fallen on her, threatening to continue to hold her down. She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat and went to the other computer. She would have her goodbyes and rejoice in the fact that Vincent would be able to get out of the hospital. She knew that’s what he wanted. She just hoped that he would get the care and attention he deserved at home. “Excuse me,” she mumbled. She got up and hurried down the hall to the restroom. She locked the door behind her and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Tears had already started to fall. She shouldn’t have gotten so attached. Everyone warned her, but it was hard when you formed a bond, only to see that it had to end.
Jo ran some cold water and splashed it on her face before giving herself one more glance in the mirror. She wasn’t perfect, but presentable. She opened the door and nearly ran straight into Ali, who was coming inside.
“Hey,” Jo quickly replied, glancing away so Ali couldn’t tell that something was wrong.
“Hey,” Ali softly added. “I just heard the news. Vincent is going home. That’s great.” Her words fell off. “I know you and him formed this bond, so it’s probably difficult, but he’s healing, and nothing bad can come from that.”
“I know.” Jo quirked up her lips. “I suppose I’m just being a bit selfish.”
Ali shook her head. “You have a good heart, Jo. Keep that but be happy that he’s on the road to recovering with his new kidney. He’s healthy, and that’s what you have to focus on.”
“And you’re right. I know that.” Jo dropped her gaze before looking up to find that Ali still had that generous smile on her lips. “Good to see you this morning.”
Ali’s lips even got wider. “Likewise.”
As Jo attempted to brush past her, Ali reached out and took her hand. There was this electricity that shot through Jo’s body for several tantalizing seconds. Jo looked over and stared, but Ali had dropped her gaze to their hands. She smirked, then looked back up, never pulling away from the touch.
“About Friday,” she began. “Let’s keep things professional, alright?”
Jo’s gaze dropped, and she fought the urge to yank back her hand. Professional? Is that how Ali wanted it? She opened her mouth, but the words were stuck in her throat.
“I mean,” Ali continued. “I liked it. It was nice, and I don’t want to lose that feeling, but…” Her words trailed off for a second. “I thought about it all weekend, Jo.”
