After a strong cup of tea Rita started to feel more human. Her body tingled as she imagined herself back to the moment in the bathroom. She jumped as Max slapped her on the shoulder.
"Alright Reets? You look like you've seen a ghost"
"Fine thanks yeah"
She turned around and placed her mug on the side taking a deep breath.
Robyn and Lofty bustled into the staffroom. Robyn pointed in Rita's direction.
"She okay?" she mouthed to Max.
He shrugged. "Says she's fine but she's not"
Robyn nodded. "Yeah she hid from Mrs Beauchamp at the Nurse's station this morning. Don't think they're arguing again do you?"
"If they are it's gonna be a nightmare for the rest of us," said Lofty glumly.
Max's eyes lit up.
"Well they're either arguing or they're..."
Robyn's eyes widened. "Noo...you don't think? Could they be?"
"She did look extremely flustered when she came out of the bathroom after the incident with Mr Williams in resus. Mrs Beauchamp went in after her..." Lofty gasped.
The pieces of the puzzle seemed to join up in front of their eyes.
"Well Rita's a bit of a dark horse isn't she. Wonder what Beauchamp's like in bed?..." Robyn slapped Max on the arm.
Connie swept into the staffroom. Max, Robyn and Lofty straightened up instantly. Rita swung around and instantly looked down.
"A porter is needed in resus." she pointed at Max. "Off you go" she commanded.
Max just rolled his eyes at Rita and jumped off the counter heading for the door. Lofty and Robyn practically fled the room.
"The old Connie's back then..." Rita said to break the silence.
"I was informed that she was missed"
Rita swallowed.
"Con- Mrs Beauchamp. I wanted to apologise for what I said on Friday night. I really enjoyed myself. I shouldn't have made a comment like that." Rita chose her words carefully.
Connie let her finish and just shook her head.
"Rita it's fine honestly. You didn't have to run away..."
Rita blushed and looked down embarrassed.
"Yeah sorry for that too" she mumbled.
Unexpectedly Connie pulled Rita into a tight hug. Rita stiffened but relaxed. She rested her head gently on Connie's shoulder. She felt...safe. This felt right.
After a few moments Rita pulled away and looked up.
"The bathroom this morning. What was that all about?"
"Truthfully?" Connie asked.
Rita nodded.
"I wanted to see what you looked like out of this uniform." Connie grinned at Rita's embarrassment.
Connie ran a hand through her hair.
"You don't have to look so worried Rita." She cleared her throat. "I like what I saw"
This time Rita grinned.
"Where does this leave us then?" Rita paused over the word 'us'. Handling it carefully as though it was dangerous.
"Well as you have already made clear, you like the idea of me in my 'bikers leathers'."
Rita went bright red again.
"So I was thinking you could join me in my office when I get changed back into them." Connie winked cheekily.
Rita bit her lip and nodded. She went to follow Connie out of the room.
"But be warned" Connie called after her. "I don't wan't to have to resuscitate you."
Rita laughed out loud.
"Honestly. I think you should carry a health warning."
They reached the office and Connie locked the door behind Rita. Leaning over, she grabbed Rita's waist and whispered in her ear.
"You better like living dangerously then."
