Elizabeth's guilt about taking the promotion eased over the next few weeks. Robert helped her settle into the position while he continued to ease into some kind of peaceful existence in the ER. But as the summer wore on both Robert and Elizabeth had increasing feelings of restlessness. Their relationship was stalled and both were beginning to seriously think it was time for a change. But both had certain feelings that were holding them back. Robert didn't want to push Elizabeth into something if she wasn't ready and she didn't want him to feel pitied. So they went along until Dorothy had had enough of watching the two of them dance around their feelings.
Early one evening Robert dragged himself and Ella out of the ER into Dorothy's waiting car. It was the end of a long week. Elizabeth had gotten stuck in the OR at the last minute so Dorothy came by to pick them up. Dorothy got out of the car and took Ella from him to put the toddler in her car seat. She slid back into the car and looked over to Robert who was slumped in the passenger's seat. She just regarded him with a cluck of her tongue. "You're looking pretty pathetic Robbie," she said with a twinkle in her eye.
"Always the charmer Dorothy," muttered Robert. "And don't call me that," he added for good measure.
"Whatever," she smirked as she pulled away from the curb and headed for his house. "So have you finally decided to make a move?" she asked with as straight a face as she could manage.
"Make a move? What am I, 16?" snorted Robert. Dorothy just raised her eyebrows and looked at him, clearly waiting for an answer. "I'm waiting for the right moment," he answered lamely.
"The right moment is never going to happen. Have you thought about my offer?" Dorothy's family owned a house on the Jersey Shore and she'd offered it to Robert if he wanted to take Elizabeth and Ella away for a few days.
"I don't know. Are we ready to go away together?"
"Elizabeth sleeps at your house at least twice a week. She has a stash of clothes in your guest room. She's nuts about you," Dorothy pointed out as she hitched her thumb towards Ella. "You're miserable when you don't see them for more than a day. And most importantly, you're a different person lately. You're happier, more relaxed and frankly much more pleasant to be around."
"Really?" asked Robert, his voice suddenly quiet.
"Yeah. So do you need help with Ella tonight?" asked Dorothy, changing the subject.
"Nah, just drop us off, we'll be fine."
Five hours later Elizabeth fumbled with the key and let herself into Robert's house. She had a headache, a growling stomach and aching feet. She tossed her tote bag in the foyer and headed for the kitchen. Robert had left her a plate in the refrigerator. She put the plate in the microwave and reheated it as she poured herself a glass of milk. The meatloaf and potatoes were just what she had been craving. After a few Advil and a glass of water she headed upstairs to check on Ella before crawling into bed with Robert. Her daughter was sleeping peacefully, her chubby little arms wrapped around a small brown teddy bear. Elizabeth brushed back her blond curls and quietly snuck out of the room.
Robert was sound asleep in the chair by the window. It was evident he'd tried to stay up and wait for her. Elizabeth carefully removed the magazine from his grasp and leaned over kiss his forehead. "Robert," she said softly as she shook his shoulder. "Come to bed." He rubbed his eyes like a little kid and blinked a few times before he realized he wasn't dreaming and that Elizabeth was really standing there.
"Lizzie," he muttered still half asleep. He let Elizabeth help him to his feet and guide him towards the bed. He crawled under the sheet and curled up in a ball while Elizabeth went into the bathroom to change.
Neither one of them had to be at the hospital early the next morning. Elizabeth was on call in the afternoon and she planned on using the time to catch up on some paperwork. Ella was up with the sun, as usual. Elizabeth took her downstairs, leaving Robert to sleep in a little more. By the time he woke up it was after 9. He pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and headed downstairs. He found Elizabeth and Ella outside on the deck. Elizabeth was drinking tea and reading the paper while Ella and Gretel ran around the yard.
"Morning sleep-head," teased Elizabeth as he stepped out into the bright sunlight and promptly put his hand over his eyes. He stumbled to the nearest chair and sat down heavily.
"Morning," he mumbled in return as he reached for her tea. He took a sip and made a face.
"I'll get you your own cup, with real sugar," offered Elizabeth with a smile. "Are you hungry, Dorothy picked up bagels?"
"Yeah, sounds good." agreed Robert. Ella had just looked up from where she was playing and caught sight of Robert. She ran across the yard, barely making it up the steps without tripping. "Hi, sweetie," said Robert as he picked up the little girl and gave her a hug. She stood on his knees and reached to kiss the top of his head. Elizabeth had all but given up on breaking her of that habit. It didn't bother Robert at all; in fact he kind of liked it.
Ella and Robert spent the day together while Elizabeth went in to get some paperwork done. Just as she was about to leave she got called into a rather lengthy and complicated surgery. By the time she was done she could barely drag herself back to Robert's place. He was just getting Ella settled down for the night. Elizabeth wearily climbed the stairs and kissed her daughter goodnight.
"Are you hungry?" whispered Robert as they stepped out into the hall. Elizabeth shook her head, a motion that only added to the pounding in her head. "Headache?" Robert asked unnecessarily. Elizabeth nodded as she leaned against the wall. "Why don't you go run yourself a bath, I'll make some tea and bring it up."
"Sounds good," sighed Elizabeth as she pushed herself away from the wall and kissed his cheek.
Fifteen minutes later Robert carefully climbed the stairs with the tea in his hand and Gretel at his heels. "Tea's ready," he said as he entered the bedroom.
Elizabeth took a glance down and saw that everything was covered with bubbles. "Come on in," she said. Robert pushed the door open with his foot and carefully set the tea on the edge of the tub.
"I'll be right back. Have to get my cup."
Elizabeth was almost dozing in the tub by the time he got his tea and peeked in on Ella. Her eyes fluttered open and she gave a weary smile as he entered the room and sat down on the counter. He reached into the medicine cabinet and got Elizabeth some Advil. "Rough surgery?"
"Yes. Had trouble controlling the bleeding and on top of that I had bickering residents in there with me," sighed Elizabeth as she took the pills with a grateful smile. "Did Ella behave herself for you?"
"Of course," replied Robert as he slid off the counter and knelt next to the tub. He gently brushed Elizabeth's curls out of her face. "You look tired."
"I am but I'm also enjoying your tub very much," she said with a grin.
"Take your time," he said as he leaned forward to kiss her softly. The kiss ended up lasting longer than either one had expected. When it ended Robert just pressed his forehead to hers and sighed. He pulled back a minute later, looking into her eyes to see if some kind of apology was needed. He wasn't too sure if he'd crossed some sort of line. But all he saw in her eyes was contentment, clouded by exhaustion. "Elizabeth," he said quietly, not quite sure what else he was going to say. She just pressed her finger against his lips and shook her head slightly. He gave a smile and slowly stood up, leaving her to finish soaking in the tub.
Robert stripped down to his boxers and t-shirt before crawling into bed. He flicked on the television to catch the end of the Cubs game while he waited for Elizabeth to join him. She came out a few minutes later, curling up with her head in Robert's lap. He lowered the volume on the game and turned out the light. With a gentle touch he brushed back her curls and caressed her cheek until she drifted off. By the time the game was over he was also ready to nod off. He nudged Elizabeth enough to get her onto her pillow and he pulled the blanket up over both of them.
The next morning Robert woke to the feeling of a little hand patting his head. He cracked an eye open to see Ella standing there. He reached over and felt for Elizabeth, she was still asleep next to him. "Uh, Lizzie, I think Ella just learned to climb out of the crib," he said as he patted the bed for Ella to climb up with them. She scrambled up on the bed and crawled in between Robert and her mother. She pulled the remote off the headboard and tried to turn on the television. Robert gave her a hand and turned to Sponge Bob Squarepants. Elizabeth just groaned as the all too familiar theme song started. She pulled a pillow over her head as Robert and Ella began to sing along, loudly.
They spent a relaxed Sunday morning together. Ella splashed in the little pool Robert had gotten her a few weeks earlier while he and Elizabeth read the Sunday paper. Robert was quieter than usual, Elizabeth knew there was something on his mind but she also knew from experience not to push him. After lunch she got Ella settled down on the bed in the guest room for a nap. She came back downstairs and found Robert reading his email. "Anything good?" she asked as she stood behind and put her hands on his shoulders.
"Nope," he muttered as he closed AOL and pushed the chair back to stand. He wandered into the kitchen and opened the freezer. He grabbed the chocolate ice cream and sat down on a stool. Elizabeth took a pair of spoons out of the drawer and sat down next to him. She held the carton while they shared the ice cream. Robert didn't say much; he had a far away look on his face. "Robert, are you ok?" asked Elizabeth. "You've been pretty quiet today."
"I'm fine. I've just been thinking."
"Care to share?" she asked as she reached to tip his chin towards her so she could look him in the eye.
"Dorothy's been pushing me to do something and I'm not sure about it," he said, keeping things vague.
"OK, Robert, I'm going to need a little more information than that," she teased.
"Her family has a house on the Jersey shore, right on the beach. She's been bugging me to take a few days and go there. She thinks I need to relax and regroup. I told her I just got back to work."
"It sounds lovely. You did just get back to work and things seem to be going well. Right?" Robert nodded as he turned to face her. "So why don't you wait a few weeks and go at the end of the summer?" she suggested.
"Dorothy thinks I should invite you and Ella to join me," he said quietly. He dropped his head until his eyes were staring at her hands as they rested on his knees.
"And you don't think that's a good idea?" asked Elizabeth as she tipped his chin up again.
"No, I think it's a good idea. I just wasn't sure what you would think. I don't imagine that the beach holds good memories for you."
"No, but that doesn't mean it can't some day. We'd love to go with you. Unless you have some other concerns," she added with a smile.
Robert just grinned as he felt his cheeks turn red. "Uh, just that fact that...I don't want you to feel...uh," Elizabeth cut him off with a quick kiss, ending his rambling.
"Robert, when I'm here with you I feel safe and happy. I can't imagine that would change if we went away together," she started, hesitating a little, trying to phrase things right. She stood up and started to pace the length of the kitchen. "We're taking things slow and that's fine." Robert said nothing so she turned around to face him. "Right?"
Robert nodded, when all he really wanted to say was..."But can't we move things along a little faster."
Elizabeth walked to stand behind him, wrapping her arms around him. "But I wouldn't be against moving things along a little faster," she whispered in his ear. Robert's body shook with a laugh as he pulled her around to stand in front of her.
"Really?" he asked with a goofy grin on his face. She nodded and leaned over to kiss him deeply. The kiss ended when they heard the pitter patter of little feet on the tile floor. Apparently Ella was not in the mood for a nap. "Damn and I was just going to throw you over my shoulder and take you upstairs," he teased before reaching down to set Ella on the island. She immediately reached for the ice cream.
"Oh no sweetie. You can't eat out of the carton," said Elizabeth as she handed the ice cream to Robert. He put it back in the freezer and grabbed a little cup of vanilla for her. Elizabeth got her settled in the high chair with the ice cream as Robert rummaged around for something for dinner. He set out a pan of lasagna on the counter and made sure there were enough vegetables for a salad.
"Are you going to stay tonight?" Robert asked as he sat back down at the island with a bottle of beer. He put the bottle between his knees to steady it while he used the bottle opener to pop the top off.
Elizabeth thought about her answer for a minute. They usually ate Sunday dinner a little on the early side and then she and Ella would head home. But she wasn't sure what to do; if she decided to go home would it look like she was running away after their conversation? And if she stayed would it look like she wanted to move things along at a speed she was sure she was ready for. It only took a minute for Robert to catch on to her hesitation. "Why don't you spend the night at your house, just like you always do on Sunday?"
"Really," she asked with a small smile on her face. Robert nodded and gave her hand a squeeze. He finished his beer while Elizabeth stuck dinner in the oven and wiped the ice cream off of Ella. She was still tired so Robert picked her up and walked her around the house until she started to nod off. As he made a pass by Elizabeth he tried to stifle a yawn.
"Robert, why don't you take her upstairs and lay down with her. You look like you could use a nap too." Robert agreed with smile and headed upstairs. He settled Ella down on the middle of his bed. He sat down on the bed, kicked off his shoes and curled up next to her. He wasn't sure he would fall asleep but 10 minutes later he nodded off. Elizabeth went up to check on them about an hour later. She found them curled up together, still sound asleep. Ella's head was on his chest, her right hand resting protectively on what remained of his left arm. Robert's eyes fluttered open as Elizabeth sat down on the bed. She carefully picked Ella up and set her in her lap, rubbing her back to wake her up.
After a delicious lasagna dinner out on the deck Elizabeth and Ella headed ho7-2me. Robert cleaned up and went back out onto the deck with the rest of his wine and the book on the latest ER trends. He read for a while and then spent some quality time just sitting and watching the stars. He eventually dragged himself inside, gathered up his clothes for the dry cleaners, wrote a note for Dorothy and got ready for bed.
Early one evening Robert dragged himself and Ella out of the ER into Dorothy's waiting car. It was the end of a long week. Elizabeth had gotten stuck in the OR at the last minute so Dorothy came by to pick them up. Dorothy got out of the car and took Ella from him to put the toddler in her car seat. She slid back into the car and looked over to Robert who was slumped in the passenger's seat. She just regarded him with a cluck of her tongue. "You're looking pretty pathetic Robbie," she said with a twinkle in her eye.
"Always the charmer Dorothy," muttered Robert. "And don't call me that," he added for good measure.
"Whatever," she smirked as she pulled away from the curb and headed for his house. "So have you finally decided to make a move?" she asked with as straight a face as she could manage.
"Make a move? What am I, 16?" snorted Robert. Dorothy just raised her eyebrows and looked at him, clearly waiting for an answer. "I'm waiting for the right moment," he answered lamely.
"The right moment is never going to happen. Have you thought about my offer?" Dorothy's family owned a house on the Jersey Shore and she'd offered it to Robert if he wanted to take Elizabeth and Ella away for a few days.
"I don't know. Are we ready to go away together?"
"Elizabeth sleeps at your house at least twice a week. She has a stash of clothes in your guest room. She's nuts about you," Dorothy pointed out as she hitched her thumb towards Ella. "You're miserable when you don't see them for more than a day. And most importantly, you're a different person lately. You're happier, more relaxed and frankly much more pleasant to be around."
"Really?" asked Robert, his voice suddenly quiet.
"Yeah. So do you need help with Ella tonight?" asked Dorothy, changing the subject.
"Nah, just drop us off, we'll be fine."
Five hours later Elizabeth fumbled with the key and let herself into Robert's house. She had a headache, a growling stomach and aching feet. She tossed her tote bag in the foyer and headed for the kitchen. Robert had left her a plate in the refrigerator. She put the plate in the microwave and reheated it as she poured herself a glass of milk. The meatloaf and potatoes were just what she had been craving. After a few Advil and a glass of water she headed upstairs to check on Ella before crawling into bed with Robert. Her daughter was sleeping peacefully, her chubby little arms wrapped around a small brown teddy bear. Elizabeth brushed back her blond curls and quietly snuck out of the room.
Robert was sound asleep in the chair by the window. It was evident he'd tried to stay up and wait for her. Elizabeth carefully removed the magazine from his grasp and leaned over kiss his forehead. "Robert," she said softly as she shook his shoulder. "Come to bed." He rubbed his eyes like a little kid and blinked a few times before he realized he wasn't dreaming and that Elizabeth was really standing there.
"Lizzie," he muttered still half asleep. He let Elizabeth help him to his feet and guide him towards the bed. He crawled under the sheet and curled up in a ball while Elizabeth went into the bathroom to change.
Neither one of them had to be at the hospital early the next morning. Elizabeth was on call in the afternoon and she planned on using the time to catch up on some paperwork. Ella was up with the sun, as usual. Elizabeth took her downstairs, leaving Robert to sleep in a little more. By the time he woke up it was after 9. He pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and headed downstairs. He found Elizabeth and Ella outside on the deck. Elizabeth was drinking tea and reading the paper while Ella and Gretel ran around the yard.
"Morning sleep-head," teased Elizabeth as he stepped out into the bright sunlight and promptly put his hand over his eyes. He stumbled to the nearest chair and sat down heavily.
"Morning," he mumbled in return as he reached for her tea. He took a sip and made a face.
"I'll get you your own cup, with real sugar," offered Elizabeth with a smile. "Are you hungry, Dorothy picked up bagels?"
"Yeah, sounds good." agreed Robert. Ella had just looked up from where she was playing and caught sight of Robert. She ran across the yard, barely making it up the steps without tripping. "Hi, sweetie," said Robert as he picked up the little girl and gave her a hug. She stood on his knees and reached to kiss the top of his head. Elizabeth had all but given up on breaking her of that habit. It didn't bother Robert at all; in fact he kind of liked it.
Ella and Robert spent the day together while Elizabeth went in to get some paperwork done. Just as she was about to leave she got called into a rather lengthy and complicated surgery. By the time she was done she could barely drag herself back to Robert's place. He was just getting Ella settled down for the night. Elizabeth wearily climbed the stairs and kissed her daughter goodnight.
"Are you hungry?" whispered Robert as they stepped out into the hall. Elizabeth shook her head, a motion that only added to the pounding in her head. "Headache?" Robert asked unnecessarily. Elizabeth nodded as she leaned against the wall. "Why don't you go run yourself a bath, I'll make some tea and bring it up."
"Sounds good," sighed Elizabeth as she pushed herself away from the wall and kissed his cheek.
Fifteen minutes later Robert carefully climbed the stairs with the tea in his hand and Gretel at his heels. "Tea's ready," he said as he entered the bedroom.
Elizabeth took a glance down and saw that everything was covered with bubbles. "Come on in," she said. Robert pushed the door open with his foot and carefully set the tea on the edge of the tub.
"I'll be right back. Have to get my cup."
Elizabeth was almost dozing in the tub by the time he got his tea and peeked in on Ella. Her eyes fluttered open and she gave a weary smile as he entered the room and sat down on the counter. He reached into the medicine cabinet and got Elizabeth some Advil. "Rough surgery?"
"Yes. Had trouble controlling the bleeding and on top of that I had bickering residents in there with me," sighed Elizabeth as she took the pills with a grateful smile. "Did Ella behave herself for you?"
"Of course," replied Robert as he slid off the counter and knelt next to the tub. He gently brushed Elizabeth's curls out of her face. "You look tired."
"I am but I'm also enjoying your tub very much," she said with a grin.
"Take your time," he said as he leaned forward to kiss her softly. The kiss ended up lasting longer than either one had expected. When it ended Robert just pressed his forehead to hers and sighed. He pulled back a minute later, looking into her eyes to see if some kind of apology was needed. He wasn't too sure if he'd crossed some sort of line. But all he saw in her eyes was contentment, clouded by exhaustion. "Elizabeth," he said quietly, not quite sure what else he was going to say. She just pressed her finger against his lips and shook her head slightly. He gave a smile and slowly stood up, leaving her to finish soaking in the tub.
Robert stripped down to his boxers and t-shirt before crawling into bed. He flicked on the television to catch the end of the Cubs game while he waited for Elizabeth to join him. She came out a few minutes later, curling up with her head in Robert's lap. He lowered the volume on the game and turned out the light. With a gentle touch he brushed back her curls and caressed her cheek until she drifted off. By the time the game was over he was also ready to nod off. He nudged Elizabeth enough to get her onto her pillow and he pulled the blanket up over both of them.
The next morning Robert woke to the feeling of a little hand patting his head. He cracked an eye open to see Ella standing there. He reached over and felt for Elizabeth, she was still asleep next to him. "Uh, Lizzie, I think Ella just learned to climb out of the crib," he said as he patted the bed for Ella to climb up with them. She scrambled up on the bed and crawled in between Robert and her mother. She pulled the remote off the headboard and tried to turn on the television. Robert gave her a hand and turned to Sponge Bob Squarepants. Elizabeth just groaned as the all too familiar theme song started. She pulled a pillow over her head as Robert and Ella began to sing along, loudly.
They spent a relaxed Sunday morning together. Ella splashed in the little pool Robert had gotten her a few weeks earlier while he and Elizabeth read the Sunday paper. Robert was quieter than usual, Elizabeth knew there was something on his mind but she also knew from experience not to push him. After lunch she got Ella settled down on the bed in the guest room for a nap. She came back downstairs and found Robert reading his email. "Anything good?" she asked as she stood behind and put her hands on his shoulders.
"Nope," he muttered as he closed AOL and pushed the chair back to stand. He wandered into the kitchen and opened the freezer. He grabbed the chocolate ice cream and sat down on a stool. Elizabeth took a pair of spoons out of the drawer and sat down next to him. She held the carton while they shared the ice cream. Robert didn't say much; he had a far away look on his face. "Robert, are you ok?" asked Elizabeth. "You've been pretty quiet today."
"I'm fine. I've just been thinking."
"Care to share?" she asked as she reached to tip his chin towards her so she could look him in the eye.
"Dorothy's been pushing me to do something and I'm not sure about it," he said, keeping things vague.
"OK, Robert, I'm going to need a little more information than that," she teased.
"Her family has a house on the Jersey shore, right on the beach. She's been bugging me to take a few days and go there. She thinks I need to relax and regroup. I told her I just got back to work."
"It sounds lovely. You did just get back to work and things seem to be going well. Right?" Robert nodded as he turned to face her. "So why don't you wait a few weeks and go at the end of the summer?" she suggested.
"Dorothy thinks I should invite you and Ella to join me," he said quietly. He dropped his head until his eyes were staring at her hands as they rested on his knees.
"And you don't think that's a good idea?" asked Elizabeth as she tipped his chin up again.
"No, I think it's a good idea. I just wasn't sure what you would think. I don't imagine that the beach holds good memories for you."
"No, but that doesn't mean it can't some day. We'd love to go with you. Unless you have some other concerns," she added with a smile.
Robert just grinned as he felt his cheeks turn red. "Uh, just that fact that...I don't want you to feel...uh," Elizabeth cut him off with a quick kiss, ending his rambling.
"Robert, when I'm here with you I feel safe and happy. I can't imagine that would change if we went away together," she started, hesitating a little, trying to phrase things right. She stood up and started to pace the length of the kitchen. "We're taking things slow and that's fine." Robert said nothing so she turned around to face him. "Right?"
Robert nodded, when all he really wanted to say was..."But can't we move things along a little faster."
Elizabeth walked to stand behind him, wrapping her arms around him. "But I wouldn't be against moving things along a little faster," she whispered in his ear. Robert's body shook with a laugh as he pulled her around to stand in front of her.
"Really?" he asked with a goofy grin on his face. She nodded and leaned over to kiss him deeply. The kiss ended when they heard the pitter patter of little feet on the tile floor. Apparently Ella was not in the mood for a nap. "Damn and I was just going to throw you over my shoulder and take you upstairs," he teased before reaching down to set Ella on the island. She immediately reached for the ice cream.
"Oh no sweetie. You can't eat out of the carton," said Elizabeth as she handed the ice cream to Robert. He put it back in the freezer and grabbed a little cup of vanilla for her. Elizabeth got her settled in the high chair with the ice cream as Robert rummaged around for something for dinner. He set out a pan of lasagna on the counter and made sure there were enough vegetables for a salad.
"Are you going to stay tonight?" Robert asked as he sat back down at the island with a bottle of beer. He put the bottle between his knees to steady it while he used the bottle opener to pop the top off.
Elizabeth thought about her answer for a minute. They usually ate Sunday dinner a little on the early side and then she and Ella would head home. But she wasn't sure what to do; if she decided to go home would it look like she was running away after their conversation? And if she stayed would it look like she wanted to move things along at a speed she was sure she was ready for. It only took a minute for Robert to catch on to her hesitation. "Why don't you spend the night at your house, just like you always do on Sunday?"
"Really," she asked with a small smile on her face. Robert nodded and gave her hand a squeeze. He finished his beer while Elizabeth stuck dinner in the oven and wiped the ice cream off of Ella. She was still tired so Robert picked her up and walked her around the house until she started to nod off. As he made a pass by Elizabeth he tried to stifle a yawn.
"Robert, why don't you take her upstairs and lay down with her. You look like you could use a nap too." Robert agreed with smile and headed upstairs. He settled Ella down on the middle of his bed. He sat down on the bed, kicked off his shoes and curled up next to her. He wasn't sure he would fall asleep but 10 minutes later he nodded off. Elizabeth went up to check on them about an hour later. She found them curled up together, still sound asleep. Ella's head was on his chest, her right hand resting protectively on what remained of his left arm. Robert's eyes fluttered open as Elizabeth sat down on the bed. She carefully picked Ella up and set her in her lap, rubbing her back to wake her up.
After a delicious lasagna dinner out on the deck Elizabeth and Ella headed ho7-2me. Robert cleaned up and went back out onto the deck with the rest of his wine and the book on the latest ER trends. He read for a while and then spent some quality time just sitting and watching the stars. He eventually dragged himself inside, gathered up his clothes for the dry cleaners, wrote a note for Dorothy and got ready for bed.