Her shoulders dropped. It was the second time that day she'd been blanked by the man and other than failing to insist on any definition to their 'relationship' she was struggling to work out what she'd done wrong. She sighed as he continued past the nurses station on his way to the coffee shop, unaware that she was also being watched.

Why was he doing this? He'd been happy to share her bed for the past few months and even in public there'd been the furtive glances and brushes of contact that kept a fire burning in her belly for him pretty much every waking hour. Today something felt different and she didn't like it.

Earlier she'd picked up the second patient in his handover but Iain hadn't so much as given her a backward glance as he pushed his patient past her into Resus.

"You look like you could do with a coffee, princess" Rita's thoughts were interrupted and her heart sank, she hadn't been addressed in that way since… She was alarmed to feel tears pricking the corner of her eyes as she looked up to see a different paramedic stood in front of her holding 2 takeaway coffee cups. "I decided against sugar as it's fairly obvious you are sweet enough already" Iain's new partner continued.

Rita fought the urge to roll her eyes. It was a cliched line but at least it was a line. And a surprisingly nice gesture to boot.

"Oh hi Rocker, that is very sweet of you thank you. I was just about to start some paperwork in my office so perfect timing" she smiled politely as he handed her one of the cups. What she really wanted to do now was hide in the sanctuary of her room and bury her face in her arms at her desk but she didn't want to appear rude.

"The pleasure is all mine. I'm on a break from saving lives at the moment, well and after stepping in to sort out those boxers at the gym just now. Massive blokes but I had the measure of them I can tell you, I thought I'd see what Holby's most beautiful nurse was up to"

"That's very flattering thanks Rocker but I'm not sure it's true" Rita attempted another smile as she started to make her way to her office "so yeah I've got this paperwork to do but thanks again for the coffee"

"Allow me!" The bearded paramedic sprang forward to open the door for the nurse as she struggled with her coffee and a pile of folders.

"That's great thanks. See you late...oh!" Rita was startled to realise that Rocker had followed her into the office and was now hovering by the door.

"Sorry Rocker I'm a bit busy…" she began but the paramedic didn't appear to hear her.

"So…" he started "I couldn't help notice there's no ring on your finger - I'm surprised a stunner like you hasn't been snapped up"

"I… oh…right. It's a long story" Rita grimaced.

"Only if there isn't anyone I was hoping you'd like to go out for a drink with me tonight, you know to celebrate my first day of being a Holby hero?"

"Ah...well...err"

"It's ok, take your time, I'm used to women being quite overwhelmed when they are lucky enough to get asked" Rita somehow managed to swallow the sip of coffee she'd just taken rather than splutter it everywhere as Rocker continued "I'm sensing that there might be someone though?"

"Err…yes...no… I dunno" Rita rubbed the side of her head finding this whole encounter quite surreal.

"Well I think I do princess. He's out there queuing for coffee unless I'm very much mistaken"

Rita opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out.

"I've seen the way you look at him you see. And green eyes is about right for that one. Green eyed monster more like. He didn't like me chatting to you earlier I can tell you that for nothing. He might be a bit of a grumpy guts but it is obvious you're the bird for him. I think he might just be one of those men who need a gentle push in the right direction. Feel free to mention our 'theoretical' drinks tonight if it helps. Personally, I think it might. Right, duty calls. I'll be on my way" the paramedic winked and turned on his heel to go. Rita just about managed to compose herself to call after him

"Rocker… Err thanks... I think! And go easy on Iain. He's just sore that he's lost Dixie as a partner - not that he'd admit that to anyone" she said sadly. "He loves her to bits. Her not being around is going to take some getting used to… For all of us"

Rita watched Rocker disappear towards reception struggling to get her head round the fact she seemed to have just had a relationship pep-talk from Iain's new work colleague. What she would have done for a friendly ear to talk to right now. Dixie leaving so suddenly meant she had never quite got round to voicing her thoughts to the senior paramedic and Zoe never seemed to be around anymore. Once upon a time Iain would have been a good option for someone to chat to but he only seemed to be interested in one thing from her these days she thought sadly.

She had thought her and Iain would pan out differently she had to admit. It was only since being with him that she realised how much she was longing for someone not just to share her bed with but lazy Sundays, days off, nights out. Maybe she was at a point where she had to knock this on the head if she stood a chance of finding that with anyone. The thought of it made her stomach drop. Physically since they'd got together they'd not been able to keep their hands off each other, that had to be something. She was not ready to give this up without a fight, maybe Rocker was right. She spotted Iain on his way back from the cafe, his face set in a scowl and decided there was no time like the present. She dropped in beside him as he walked past

"Rough day, soldier?"

"If I hear one more of his fantasy stories I'm gonna de-fib my ears. Blow the drums right out"

Rita smiled. Iain's tendency to exaggerate when he was in a bad mood was one reason she could never be grumpy back.

"I admit he's odd but you can't fault the man's taste"

"Oh yeah why's that then?"

"Your partner's just asked me out for a drink" Rita looked for a reaction and saw a flicker of confusion in his face. She decided to push her luck by continuing. "We are allowed to see other people right?" Iain seemed to have gathered himself and his quick retort caught her off guard.

"Course. You're talking to the man with repetitive Tinder strain from swiping right" he snapped, smiling sarcastically. Rita's face dropped, she felt genuinely hurt at the comment.

"Great" she retorted struggling not to let her emotions show.

"Perfect. Enjoy kebab by candlelight" Iain practically spat. Rita turned to leave but he called after her rudely "Hey! Ask him to tell you about the time he head butted a bull for looking at him funny. Heartwarming"

Oh my god thought Rita as Iain walked back towards the exit. Rocker was right. He's jealous as hell. Her face broke into a smile as soon as he was out of sight. As long as she didn't push this too far she had a good feeling that this was a long overdue step in the right direction. Now she just needed to let him stew a while and get on with her shift while she worked out her next move.