Chapter 3

Em stood nervously at the bar as she waited for Connie to arrive, she looked around her and noticed a few familiar faces from the Hospital sitting at the table behind her. She felt ridiculous that she was feeling as nervous as she was; she hadn't felt this bad since her very first date. She heard the door opening to her side and looked over to see Connie walking in and over to her. She couldn't help the excitement that built up inside her as she offered the woman a small smile.

"Em, sorry I'm a little late…Zoe held me up." She smiled, coming to stand beside her.

"Don't worry about it, its fine. I haven't been here that long myself."

"What can I get you?"

"No I'll get them, I asked you out remember….for a drink, I meant for a drink…god I'm sorry."

Connie couldn't contain her laughter as Em became incredibly flustered, Connie placed a warm hand on Em's arm to try and calm her.

"Em, really it's alright."

"Right, okay then…I'll have a white wine please."

"White wine it is then."

Fletch looked over at Connie and Em, watching them as he enjoyed his beer with his colleagues.

"Hey, wasn't that Girl in the ED a few weeks back?" He asked.

"Last week yeah, I remember her." Robyn replied.

"She came in earlier to see Mrs Beauchamp, checking up on her arm." Louise added.

"Isn't that what her GP's for?" Dixie said.

"Mmmm, you would think, wouldn't you?" Louise groaned.

They all looked up when Zoe and Tess entered the pub, they made their way over to the table…Zoe giving a disapproving look at Connie as she went. Em took note of the look before turning to see everyone watching them.

"Have I cause a lot of hassle for you with your colleagues?"

"Of course you haven't, why do you ask?"

"Everyone's staring at us, that Boss of yours looks really pissed off."

"Ignore them and Zoe's not my Boss…well she is but, it doesn't matter…don't mind them."

"Are you sure, I wouldn't want you to get in to any trouble."

"You won't, come on…let's go and sit through the back."

Em followed her through the back away from prying eyes, Zoe watching them go as Tess came over with a vodka and coke for her.

"Something on your mind?" Tess asked, handing Zoe her drink.

"I don't know what the hell she thinks she's playing at?"

"Who…Connie?"

"That young woman's attached herself to Connie and she can't even see it, you know she's still treating her, don't you?"

"No I didn't."

"Well she is, all because Em doesn't like her GP. I mean treating her is one thing, but spending time with her socially….what is she playing at, I thought she was suppose to be professional."

"There's no harm in befriending her is there, she doesn't seem unstable or anything."

"Am I over reacting, making something out of nothing here?"

"I think you might be, it's not as though anything is going on….they're just being friendly."

"Mmmm, I guess you're right."

"Of course I am, now drink up."

Em sat opposite Connie as they sat by the window, Em looked out onto the street in front of her, lost in her own thoughts.

"Em, are you alright?"

"Huh, oh yeah sorry. You are sure you're okay to be here with me, I really don't want you getting into any trouble."

"Don't worry about any of that, it's fine..so you know what I do for a living….what about you?"

"Oh, well I'm studying health and social care at college right now…I love it."

"It sounds good; we should get you some work experience here at the Hospital."

"I'm sure your Boss would love that."

"It would rile her, wouldn't it?" Connie laughed.

"What about you, are you married, kids?"

"I have a Daughter, Grace."

"So you're married?"

"I was once, his name was Michael but it ended badly. He had an affair with a collague and conducted some underhanded business deals, which ended up getting him arrested."

"I'm so sorry, I shouldn't be so nosey."

"Its fine, as it turns out he wasn't the right one for me, I left Holby, that's where I worked. I left shortly after that for a few years but I eventually returned, that's when I met Sam…Grace's Father, it was just a casual thing. I don't think I ever really loved him but we had Grace and although we had a few rough starts, he adored her. As for us, we couldn't seem to work as a family, he ended up leaving and I got a job in Research in the States when I was remained until a few months ago. I was asked to come back here and what can I say…I missed it."

" Do you think you'll ever marry again?"

"I don't know, perhaps someday…if I meet the right person, what about you."

"The same I guess, it's not easy to find the one…whoever they may be."

Em could feel Connie's eyes boring into her, neither willing to break eye contact. Em finally gave in and continued her drink and Connie did the same. Em looked up just in time to catch Connie yawning.

"I should have asked you for a drink on your day off, I guess you've had a long day?"

"It has been but don't worry about it."

"Have you eaten?"

"Not yet, no."

"We could go somewhere if you like, or you can just go home if you like. I have my car, I could drive you."

"I would love dinner but I am rather tired, we could meet up again for dinner if you like, I'd like that."

"Would you like a ride home?"

"I can get a taxi it's fine."

"No please, I insist."

"Okay then." She smiled.

Em followed Connie through the pub and out the doors, her colleagues watching them leave.

"Oh yeah, I wonder where they're off too." Louise joked.

Em drove through the streets of London, the car lights shining brightly in the night. Connie directed Em on the correct route to her home, half a hour later Em pulled up outside what could only be described in Em's eyes as a mansion. She watched a Connie went into her bag and brought out a small black device and pressed it, the gates in front of them suddenly opening for them. Em drove through and pulled up outside the house, she got out and came to stand in front of the car as Connie also stepped out, closing the door behind her. She walked over and came to stand in front of Em, a small smile playing on her lips.

Em, thank you for the drink tonight and thank you for the lift home…it was very kind of you."

"You bought the drinks not me, next time."

"Next time, here's my card. Call me and we'll arrange dinner at the end of the week okay?"

"Great, I can't wait. Thanks for tonight Connie, I had a great time."

Em gave a small smile and couldn't hide the gasp that escaped her lips as Connie leaned in, brushing her lips over Em's cheek. Everything in that moment stopped for both of them, Em drew back trying to read Connie's face…Connie doing the same. Before either knew what had happened, Em leaned forward, her arms going around Connie's neck…bringing the older woman's lips to her own. She half expected Connie to pull away and was relieved when she didn't. In their minds, neither knew what was really happening or who initiated the kiss but neither was willing to stop it either as Connie's arms came around Em's waist, pulling her close. The need for air finally claimed them and Em pulled back somewhat reluctantly to find Connie smiling at her.

"Connie I…."

"I know, I'm not entirely sure what just happened either. I should go inside."

"Oh…right of course. I guess I'll see you around then."

"I'll call you about dinner in a few days."

"Wait what; you still want to have dinner."

"Of course I do, do you?"

"Absolutely."

"Alright then, I'll call you."

"Sure, goodnight Connie."

"Night Em."

Em got back in car and drove away, the smile never leaving her face until sleep claimed her.

To Be Continued…