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Jo nodded, and they resumed the walk, but things remained quiet between them until they were just a few minutes from Jo’s apartment building.
“Who is she?” she asked.
“Her name is Jessica. She works in the ER, and she’s up for the same promotion that I am, but she’s not vindictive. For that, I am assured.”
Jo snickered. “You may think that, but some people can change. Especially if they feel threatened.” Again, the silence. Ali hated that anything like this could put a strain on their relationship. She tried to be so optimistic, but this was the first time that she felt fearful that the bond they’d been moving towards was going to come crashing down.
They reached Jo’s apartment, and Jo unhooked Maverick, and they both watched as he ran to his water bowl. Ali laughed. “Thirsty boy,” she said.
Jo nodded, then met Ali’s gaze. “Maybe we should slow things down a bit. I can’t be the reason you don’t get the promotion. I wouldn’t feel right about that, especially when you have been working so hard to get it.”
Ali moved in closer to Jo, as she continued to argue all the reasons why they needed to go their separate ways. There was just one reason Ali wouldn’t accept losing the fight.
“Jo, we don’t even know what repercussions could come of this. Nothing may happen. So, until it does, I’m not going to worry about it. Are you?”
“But…” Jo started.
Ali reached up and touched her lower lip. She couldn’t tell Jo what all was in her heart. She couldn’t tell her that over the course of their paths crossing, she caught herself falling for the woman she should avoid. She opened her mouth, but no words would come out.
She moved in, and they kissed, her hand going up to Jo’s chest and just staying there. Her tongue swooped in and claimed a moan. She couldn’t say all of that when Jo was steadily consuming her heart. They would just wait things out and see what happened. With any luck, they were just worrying for nothing.
A couple of days later, Ali reached the nurse’s station and glanced around. There was only one nurse she was looking for. May sat behind the computer, her eyes drawn into whatever she was reading. Ali cleared her throat, which finally broke May from gawking at the computer.
“Oh hey,” she said, smiling.
“Do you know where Jo is? I need her to help me with something.”
May smirked, and Ali tilted her head. “I think she had to take something to Vincent in ICU. She should be back soon.”
“Thank you!” Ali headed away from her and glanced over her shoulder to find that May was back staring at the computer. She didn’t want to make noise in the elevator, so she slipped through the door and hurried up the stairs to ICU. She checked around to see if anyone was looking in her direction. When she saw that the ward was bare, she hurried towards Vincent’s room. She peeked inside and saw Jo at his bed.
“Hope you like the comic book. Found it at a garage sale over the weekend.”
“Thanks, Jo.” He leaned in, and they embraced. Ali grinned and continued to watch the sweet encounter.
“How are you feeling?”
“Good! They say I could get out of ICU tomorrow. Will I come back to your floor?”
“Yep. And we’ll have a bed waiting for you.” Jo ruffled her fingers through his hair. “I have to get back to work, but I can’t wait until you’re out of here.”
“Bye, Jo.” She turned around and saw that Ali was right there. Jo’s mouth hung open until they left the room.
“I’m sorry. I just got that comic book and had to bring it to him. Did you see his face? Wasn’t that worth it?”
Ali laughed. “Come here.” She pulled Jo after her and through the door to the stairs. She pressed Jo up against the wall and kissed her passionately.
“You’re not mad?” Jo breathlessly asked as Ali brought her back into a kiss. They stayed there for a moment and embraced one another, their tongues soothing each other’s as they kept their passionate moments behind closed doors. Yet, anyone could walk through the stairwell, and they’d be caught. There was something daunting and exhilarating about that.
“I missed you,” Ali replied, parting from the kiss.
Jo grinned. “I love it when you startle me like that.” They held hands the rest of the walk down the steps until they reached the stairs, and they reluctantly had to pull back.
“When do you get off? I was thinking we could meet up at your place. I’ll bring the dessert, and we’ll stay in, all cozied up in bed together.”
Jo groaned. “As amazing as that sounds. I have to work until midnight.” She made a face. “But tomorrow night, I’m free. I could whip us up some dinner, and you’re all the dessert I need.” She winked, and Ali laughed as Jo opened the door, and they stepped out of the stairwell together. She gave a slight nod, then looked to see Julia coming out of the office. Their eyes met, and Julia smiled, but the smile didn’t quite graze her stare.
“Ali, I need to see you for a minute.” Julia waved her over, and that pit in her stomach returned. Jo rushed off, and Ali slowly moved to the office. She knew that would most likely not be a good sign. Julia closed the door behind them, another red flag, then turned to face Ali. “I have some news,” she began. Ali swallowed and nodded. “I just heard from the board that you have been short-listed for the promotion. In fact, there are only two people they’re even considering. You have a really good shot here. You just need to keep doing what you’re doing, and this should be your promotion.”
