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Julia smiled. “It was my pleasure to make this happen. But you have the rest of this group to thank. I can’t stay; I have a meeting coming up. But Ali, may I see you for a moment?”
Ali nodded and hung up her head as she followed after her. There went her promotion if not her job. They stopped just outside the doors, and Julia turned to her, crossing her arms before her.
“Why did you say it was May’s dog?” she asked. “That looks suspicious, you know.”
Ali sighed. “I didn’t want anyone to use this against Jo. I’m the one that asked. I was worried that, once again, I would be accused of favoritism and, frankly, wanted to stop that before it was even a possibility. I’m sorry I wasn’t honest, but it was what I felt was in the best interest of our patient. And look at him, he’s excited.”
Julia turned to where Vincent and Maverick were, and she nodded. “He is, and fortunately for you, that’s why I’m choosing to look the other way. But next time, you should be honest with me because this tends to look like you’re hiding it because there’s reason for concern.” Julia arched an eyebrow. “Just remember that.”
“I will.” Ali stood there for a moment before putting the question out there. “What about HR?” she asked. “Are you going to tell them that May signed the document, even though she shouldn’t have?”
She shook her head. “Frankly, that could make things even harder to deal with. She could get in trouble, and I wouldn’t want that to happen merely because she was trying to help a friend out. This will stay between us.” She turned on her heel and entered the apartment.
Ali turned to the group, and Jo was watching them. She wandered over, meeting Ali halfway. “Everything alright?”
“Yeah, of course,” she replied. She gave a soft smile. “Actually, it’s better than it was. I’ll explain it all later. Let’s just enjoy the rest of our lunchtime. I packed everyone some sandwiches, and they’re in a cooler over there.”
“You thought of everything, didn’t you?”
Ali saw the twinkle in Jo’s eyes. She tried to think of everything but wasn’t sure she really fulfilled that obligation.
“How about tonight you come over, and I’ll make us something to eat.”
“Sounds good. I’ll bring the dessert,” Ali whispered.
That got a smile on Jo’s face, and Ali knew it was time to tell her everything. No matter how difficult the conversation would be.
Johanna
The aroma of chicken teriyaki wafted through the kitchen as Jo hurried to finish before Ali arrived. She didn’t get out of the hospital on time, and she felt like she was constantly rushing, but in the end, it would all be worth it.
When Ali rang the doorbell, Jo was ready to greet her guest. She went to the door and opened it up to find that Ali was at the door with a duffle bag in one hand and a grocery bag in the other. Jo noted the duffel bag first.
“What’s that?” she teased.
“Well, I was thinking if one thing led to another, maybe I’d be sticking around this weekend. I noticed that you and I just happened to be off tomorrow, and so there’s really no rush to go home…” Her words trailed off.
Jo smirked and nodded. She liked the way she thought. She then noted the other bag. “And that?”
“Dessert, as promised.”
Jo frowned. “When you said dessert, I must confess I had something else in mind.”
Ali winked. “Don’t worry, that is on my mind, too.”
Jo laughed and pulled Ali into the apartment. When the bags were out of her hands, Jo wrapped her arms around Ali’s neck and went in for a kiss. Their relationship was warming up, so she didn’t have any desire to watch Ali leave at the end of the meal.
“Now, that was a greeting,” Ali replied, grinning as they parted from the kiss. She took a whiff and gave a nod. “And that smells delicious.”
“Thank you! Chicken Teriyaki. I hope you enjoy it.” She reached for Ali’s hand and pulled her towards the kitchen, as Ali grabbed for the dessert. “What’s for dessert? Besides you.” She laughed, glancing over her shoulder.
“Strawberry Shortcake. Thought we could put it in the fridge to chill.”
“Sounds delicious.”
Ali opened the refrigerator and slid it inside while Jo went back to her supper. “Before the night is over, I do want to discuss some things that have been on my mind. Just should get it out in the open, and it should resolve some questions you might have, as well.”
Jo frowned. “Sounds serious.” She pulled the food off the stove and put it off to the side before turning back to Ali. “I’m all for conversations that have to be made, but if they’re something that would cause pain to either one of us, I’m not sure I’m prepared for that.”
