Erica greeted Joyce, Will, and Chief Hopper with hugs in Dr. Owen's exam room at Hawkins Lab where she would prep Will for his checkup. "It's so good to see you guys," she said cheerfully as she gestured for Will to take a seat in the exam chair.
Will gave a small smile in response, he'd been even quieter than normal since the events. Joyce smiled as well, "It's good to see you too. How are you liking this job?"
Hopper added in, "Yeah, how does this work? Shouldn't you be in class on the campus?" He was always straight to the point. It was his way and never meant to be hurtful.
Erica nodded at both of the inquiries as she began the workup on Will, "So, my time here is an internship so it counts as college credit and because I am able to do so many different tasks, it's actually working out an entire semester's work," she looked at Joyce, "I'm really enjoying it. I love getting to work with Dr. Owens. He is wonderful," she hoped the blushing she suddenly felt in her cheeks was only in her imagination. But she could tell from the looks coming at her from around the room that her cheeks were red.
Erica focused her attention on Will to take her mind off the sudden embarrassment she was feeling, "So, you had another episode? Do you want to tell me about it before Dr. Owens comes in?" she began as she drew blood, "Or, do you want to wait?"
"I'll wait," Will answered quietly, "I don't really want to get into it more than I have to if that's ok?"
Erica nodded as she began placing the probes around his face to read his brain wavelengths, "Of course, Will. You don't owe me an explanation." Once she finished the last of her duties, she looked around to address everyone, "Ok we're all ready. I'll go get Dr. Owens and he'll be with you guys in just a few minutes."
Hopper and Joyce simply nodded in reply not wanting to make her uncomfortable again as they had before.
Erica knocked on Dr. Owen's office door and waited patiently for him to tell her it was alright to enter.
"Come in," she heard his New York accent through the door. His voice sent chills down her spine and his accent only added to those feelings.
She opened the door and entered, a smile creeping across her lips, "I've prepared Will Byers for you, Doctor. Is there anything else I can do for you?" she asked the last part in a more alluring tone, not even aware she was doing it.
The pair had been dancing around their attraction for eachother throughout the months she'd been working for him but neither had made the first real step yet, but Erica felt sure one of the would.
His lips curled into a smirk as he looked up at her, away from the large stack of papers on his desk, "Thank you for doing that for me. Did he mention anything about his recent event?" he asked as he stood and walked toward her.
Erica shook her head, "No, I asked him about it but he wanted to wait until he spoke with you. He said he didn't want to have to explain it more times than necessary," she finished as he stood just inches from her, "So, can I help you with anything else?" her voice was just above a whisper as his proximity sent shivers down her spine.
Owens placed his hand on her elbow as he began to move past her enjoying the way her cheeks reddened at even the slightest touch from him. "If you'd like to, you can organize that giant stack on my desk," he offered her a task that would ensure she'd still be in his office when he returned, or at least he hoped it would.
"I'd be happy to, Doctor Owens," she leaned closer to him and whispered her response into his ear feeling more confident because of his own antics.
He finished his journey past her and into the hall before turning back, "I'll see you when I'm done with this session," he added a wink and walked away toward the exam room.
Erica held in her excitement as she focused and moved to sit in his chair and begin organizing.