"Come on Connie..." Sam followed closely behind the clinical lead, his voice hushed, paranoia had him looking for any unsuspecting audience. "...we need to talk about what happened."
It had been two weeks since their tryst in the store cupboard and he couldn't let it lie. He needed it categorised, labeled and addressed, packed away neatly but Connie refused to acknowledge it ever happened. It was an embarrassing lapse in judgement.
Connie charged on through her department as if she was the corridors sole occupant, the man behind her wasn't significant enough to warrant any of her time or energy.
"Connie!" Yelled Sam impatiently as his frustration began to peek.
The sharp, loud outburst drew peoples attention, a dozen pairs of eyes trained on him as they waited with curiosity to see his next move.
Connie turned swiftly, her ice cold glare bore into him. It spoke volumes and the consultant didn't miss a single word.
Sam processed the warning shot she had fired in his direction. His cogs turning has he weighed up his options. Should he push or walk away?
Connie figured he wasn't a complete fool, he knew she wasn't in the mood and he would be take his life and career into his own hands if he pursued her any further.
Sam made his retreat, steaming though a set of swing doors back to cubicles leaving her with the onlookers and it caused her hackles to rise.
"Get back to work...your not paid to stand around!" Venom dripped from her words sending the nameless few scattering to the wind.
All except one.
"That applies to you as well Charge Nurse Masters?" She added coldly, her head slowly pivoting so she could set her gaze to the only person brave enough not to run for cover.
"I'm on a break." He stated plainly. Without flinching his cool, calm demeanor remained and he stood his ground.
"Do you always spend your breaks loitering in the corridors?" She quizzed.
"No...I was just passing..." A small smirk developed on his lips as he stepped forward. "...I stopped to watch the show..." He moved ever closer. Stalking. "...Sam seemed eager to talk to you..." He bated looking for a reaction. "...desperate almost."
He was teasing and for a split second Connie felt as though she had been transported back in time. Back to the flirting and banter, to the chase.
"He's a persistent man...one that doesn't like the word no-" "-sounds familiar." Interrupted Jacob, his smile widening.
"Excuse me?" Frowned Connie.
"I remember being in his shoes...for every advance I made you knocked me back...time and time again." He recalled.
His eyes shining as he remembered, back to the uncomplicated beginning where the future seemed much brighter for them both.
"There's one big difference though..." Started Connie as she began to move away. "...Mr Strachan has absolutely no chance with me!"
Jacob watched her back through the double doors that had bore the brunt of Sam's anger just moments ago. She wore a smile he hadn't seen in a while, a happy one. Not forced or practised but playful, reserved only for the people she lets passed her defences and he felt privileged.
Jacob watched her leave as he catalogued yet another playful exchange that had left him with more questions and doubts.
With the days, weeks and now months ticking by, with the passing of time, the hurt had lessened.
Time heels, it can make you miss what your once had and it left Jacob with regret. Now every smile he received from Connie, whether it be a bright beam or a small smirk, it stirred the guilt he had laid to rest many months ago.
"You can't avoid me forever Connie!" Insisted Sam as he barged into her office.
Connie's looked up from the work scattered over her desk.
"I can assure you i'm not...I'm busy...may I suggest you be busy also!" She wasn't amused.
"We kissed...I want to talk about it!" He countered.
"There's nothing to talk about Sam...it happened...it was a mistake..." Connie slung her pen down on the desk resigning herself to the conversation. "...your Grace's dad, of cause I care about you..." The confession was a reluctant one. "...but for her...not me and that is as far as it goes...I didn't feel anything Sam...it shouldn't have happened and i'm glad I stopped it when I did."
Sam nodded as he heard her words taking in what she was saying.
"That's all you needed to say...instead of shutting me down when ever I got near you..." Sam turned to leave but stopped on the doorway. "...for the record I feel the same...I want you to be happy..." He faced her. "...I thought you'd met your match with Jacob."
"Yes well..." She sighed picking up her pen. "...I messed that up didn't I!" She squirmed, finding the turn in the conversation an uncomfortable one. She wanted the whole unnerving encounter to be over.
"This convention doesn't change the fact that you annoy me...close the door on your way out!"
Sam left without another word just gave her a small smile of support and understanding.
"What happened with you two?" Sam wondered. He leaned on the desk next to Jacob, disturbing the nurse from his day dreams.
"You've been watching her all day...what's going on?"
"Guess I'm seeing signs of the Connie I knew before the crash and wondering where it all went wrong." Admitted Jacob.
"Her and Grace have reconciled...it seems to have lifted her spirits somewhat..." Shared the consultant. "...why don't you talk to her...you'll probably have more look...even happy she won't let me in." Sam muttered with an amused smirk before picking up his next patient file and moving away.
Jacob watched as Connie stepped out of her office, wrapping her coat around her tightly as she made for the exit.
He could see a change in her, she did seem lighter some how but happy was a far cry from what he saw when he looked at her. He made made a quick decision without over thinking it to follow her.
*To Be Continued*