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So, she opted to take Jo back home and maybe try the night some other time. She didn’t even attempt to get into her apartment because the mood had ended. But the next day, when she ran into Julia, she was stopped.
“Come to my office, will ya?”
Ali’s first thought was that it was something that had to do with the promotion. She had given some thought to how the night had ended, but it wasn’t anything she felt necessary to worry over.
However, Julia’s tone told her otherwise. “Ali, when I saw you two last night together…”
“We weren’t together,” Ali quickly defended. “We met each other there, so I don’t know where this conversation is going, but you can stop your thoughts right now.”
“Can I?” Julia tilted her head. “You looked rather cozy. She was dressed up. You were dressed up. It makes sense. And you immediately knew what I was about to say. So, if there’s something romantic going on here, you have to tell me. I deserve to know and I’m sure you’re well aware that it will hinder your promotion. The hospital has rules, and this won’t be overlooked.”
Ali sighed. “I’m telling you that there’s nothing inappropriate going on here. I have no romantic feelings for Johanna, and I don’t know how many times I need to say that before everyone will believe me.” Julia raised an eyebrow and Ali felt guilty for denying it with such force. “I want this promotion Julia and I wouldn’t do anything to hinder that.”
Julia slowly nodded. “Just promise me that you won’t. If something is going on between you two, as a supervisor, I’ll feel obligated to withdraw you from the promotion. There’s no reason someone else should miss out on this great chance, when not all applicants are being forthcoming.”
Ali’s jaw dropped. “I promise,” Ali breathlessly replied. “We aren’t anything. May I go now?”
Julia nodded and Ali turned and left the office. She nearly bumped into May who was headed back to the nurse’s station. May hurriedly glanced away, mumbled something, and rushed off. Ali sighed and tried to put the conversation out of her mind. If she had to deny it with such feeling, then so be it. Once the promotion was hers, she would figure everything else out.
Johanna
Jo rounded the corner and glanced in the conference room. It felt like Ali had been avoiding her the past two days. But she hoped it was merely her imagination. She, herself, felt extremely awkward at the restaurant and it was most likely related to that. She didn’t want them going out to cause tension for Ali. She also questioned if maybe they should slow things down between them. If it wasn’t for her dying urgency whenever she was around Ali, it would have been an easier choice.
She approached the nurse’s station, where May was finishing up at the computer. “Ready for lunch?”
“Yeah, just looking for Ali to see if she’s available to go.”
May dropped her gaze. “Alrighty then.” She then stood up and shrugged. “I’m heading. I’ll meet you down in the cafeteria.”
“Okay, I’ll be down in a bit.” That was strange, but Jo tried to shrug it off and went to the supply closet. The door was ajar, so she peeked her head in and found Ali just leaning back against one of the shelving units. Her eyes drawn to her phone. “Hey, there you are.”
Ali looked up, startled, and slipped her phone back into her pocket. “Here I am,” she said.
“Well, we were getting ready to go to lunch and wanted to see if you would be able to join us?”
“Actually, I’m swamped. Have to grab some things in here, prep an OR and doubt I’ll get much time to eat anything. Maybe a banana or something later.” Ali shrugged, nonchalantly. “But you both enjoy!” She turned before Jo could even respond and that caused Jo to frown.
“Okay, don’t work too hard,” she said. She left the supply closet and went to the elevator. The elevator seemed to take its time as she waited for it to reach the floor. As she did, she spotted Julia headed her way. “Hi Julia.”
“Hey, Johanna. Mind if I take this elevator with you?”
Jo shook her head, but she noticed how her chest clenched. It was going to be another awkward situation and how she handled it, could either help or hinder a situation. They stepped onto the elevator and Jo pushed for the floor to the cafeteria, then looked over to Julia.
“Same,” she said. Jo stepped back and the doors closed. “Ali is getting so close to her promotion,” Julia continued.
Jo jerked her attention to Julia. “Oh yeah?” Jo asked. “She’s up for a promotion?”
Julia tilted her head. There was a slight gleeful look in her expression as her eyes seemed to smile. “You hadn’t heard?” Jo went along with it and shook her head. “Nurse educator. It would be a huge change for it, but she’s ready and she is so deserving. I just hope it all works out for her.”
“That’d be great,” Jo softly commented. She leaned back against the wall. “She’s taught us well and I think she would be the perfect choice.”
“You and I agree,” Julia replied. The doors opened and Julia was the first one to step off, before turning and looking back at Jo. “This position is a support position for the hospital. That means she can’t do anything that will jeopardize her career. She is deserving. I just hope she understands how much has truly gone in to making sure the right person gets the job. I don’t want her to take that lightly.” Julia sighed. “Have a great lunch, Johanna.” She turned and walked away.
Jo stayed in the elevator a little longer, until the door nearly closed her in. She stuck her foot out and stepped out of the enclosure and hurried to the cafeteria. Julia’s tone was almost threatening. She shook it off and glanced around to find May. She caught her at a table, alone. She grabbed her food, paid, and went over to join her.
“I just had the craziest encounter.” Jo sat down across from her, and May looked up and then glanced to the spot beside Jo.
“Where’s Ali?”
