Chapter Ten

The sound of her telephone ringing woke Michaela from her nap. Rubbing her eyes she rose from her couch and walked into her kitchen picking up the phone. "Hello?"

"Michaela?" her father's voice spoke from the other end.

"Father," Michaela smiled. "Where are you?"

"Chicago," he sighed.

"Still?" she was amazed.

"Yes, but we have a flight out at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning."

"Oh good," Michaela nodded. She had to say she was getting excited to see her father again. It seemed like she hadn't seen him for years, even though it's only been a couple of months.

"With the time change and everything we'll probably be getting in about ten o'clock. Are you far from the airport?"

"No, it's only about ten minutes from home. I'll come to pick you up. Then we'll have the whole day. But I'm afraid I will have to work while you're here."

"Work?"

Realizing that she hadn't told her father yet that she found a job, her she felt a little awkward. "I…I got a job at the hospital down here. Head emergency room doctor. You remember Thomas Scott from Boston Memorial? He's chief of staff."

"You got a job?" he seemed a little baffled. "I mean…I don't doubt that you could get a position, but…I mean you're planning on saying there? In Colorado?"

Michaela had never known her father to stumble on his words. And she could tell that he was unsure of her new status. Not wanting to get in argument over the phone she stayed diplomatic. "I like Colorado. And…well I need a job. I need to sort things out. And I hope you'll be able to help me when you come out here. There's a lot we need to talk about."

Josef grew worried by his daughter's remark. He knew Michaela well enough to know more was going on then she was letting on. "There is a lot we need to talk about," he nodded his head agreeing. "I can't wait to see you, Michaela."

"I can't wait to see you too," she was truthful. "I have a feeling you're really going to like it out here."

"I've never been to Colorado before," he thought. "It will be a nice vacation. Oh," Josef pulled out his palm pilot. "What's your address? I'd like to have it just in case."

"Oh, all right. It's 2852 Wildflower Circle, the gated district," she told him. "Just make sure not to tell anyone. I…I don't want it getting around."

"Of course not," Josef shook his head. "Well I better get going your mother is waiting for me in the restaurant."

"All right," she smiled. "See you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow," he grinned. "Oh, and Mike."

"Yes."

"Take care of yourself."

"I will," she promised. "Have a safe flight."

"We will, bye, Mike."

"Bye, dad." Hanging up the phone Michaela looked over at the clock and it was one-thirty. Still in her pajamas she hopped off of the couch making her way to the bathroom, when she heard a knock at the door.

"Just a minute she called." Grabbing her robe off the hook of the bathroom door she glanced at herself in the mirror wiping the sleep from her eyes and pulling her hair back. She made her way to the front of her house and opened the door. "Hello?" she looked around, no one was there. "Hello?" Again she heard the knocking, realizing it was coming from the back door she grinned. "It must be Sully," she thought.

Walking into the kitchen her smile grew brighter seeing his silhouette through the curtains. Opening the door his smiled matched hers. "Did I wake you?" he nodded toward her attire.

"Oh," she looked down. "No, no I was up. I guess I'm just being lazy today."

"Well I just stopped by to see if you wanted to go out tonight."

"Out?" She questioned. "Where to?"

"Just this little place down the road, Astors. We passed it the day I took you to the hospital. I thought it might be nice to get out." Looking at Michaela he could tell she was contemplating his offer. "Just for a little bit."

Biting her lip she smiled then shook her head. "Okay. What time?"

"Well I have to go into work for awhile. How about you meet me there at around seven?"

"Okay," she nodded, a little excited.

"Good," he smiled. "I'll see ya then. Bye."

"Bye," Michaela shut the door, turning around she leaned against it, a smile creeping its way on her face. Looking around a million things crossed her mind. "What am I going to wear?"

Jack sat behind his desk staring at the portrait of Michaela that still clung to the corner. God, she was so beautiful, he thought. "Look what you did to yourself Michaela! Look where you ended up!" she shouted. "Damn it Michaela. You always make me so mad at you." Picking her picture up from the top of his desk he threw it in the trash. "I can't even stand to look at you!"

"Mr. Taylor?" A knock came to his door. "Are you in there?"

"Over here, Sharon," Jack spoke up.

"What are you still doing here?" She smiled sitting at the edge of his desk. "It's late."

"Are you the only one still here?" Jack asked, sliding his hand up Sharon's stocking leg.

"Uh-huh," she bit her lower lip smiling.

Turning in his swivel chair Jack shut the door with his foot. "How's my good little secretary?" he asked, all thoughts of Michaela exiting his mind.

"She feels a little neglected," Sharon pouted. "And I think a little cheering up is in order," her eyes held suggestive meaning.

"Oh really," he pulled her into his lap. "What can I do to help?"

"Well," Sharon cocked her head to the side. She took his tie removing it from his jacket, and slowly untying it. "You could kiss me," she came within inches of his face. "Right now."

Letting down her hair Jack began to plaster kisses on her face and neck. "Do you think anyone will hear us if we're quiet?" his eyes held a gleam.

"Nope," she giggled.

Picking her up Jack pushed all of his papers to the floor and laid her on top of his desk. "Then we best not be loud," he whispered as his hand made its way up her skirt.

Walking into the bar Michaela eyes scanned the dimly lit room. Soft music was playing on the jukebox as she watched a few couples twirl on the dance floor. Breathing in and out she closed her eyes wondering why Sully wanted to bring her here. She'd been to a bar a few times in medical school when her room mates would drag her out, and as much as she tried to resist such places she did have to say she enjoyed herself. Jack never wanted to go out, preferring dinner at the club then a night on the town.

Walking further into the bar Michaela walked up the jukebox and pulled a quarter from her purse. Perusing her options she settled on, "The Stand," by Rascal Flatts. Looking around she noticed most of the tables were full so she decided to sit at the bar. Looking at the bottles that surrounded the back table Michaela noticed half of those always filled her liquor cabinet at home. She hated when Jack came home and drank, it made him so much more meaner. Biting her lip she shook her head, she wasn't going to think about Jack tonight. That's why she was out, was trying to move on with her life, move past the bad things.

"What ya have?" The long haired bartender looked Michaela up and down, grinning from ear to ear.

"Oh," Michaela looked around. "Umm…" she laughed at indecisiveness. "I…I'm not sure."

"Women," he shook his head. "Here," he picked up a bottle of Vodka. "I'll fix ya up something real nice. All the ladies seem to like it."

"Well, umm, all right," she smiled. "Thank you."

Drumming her fingers on the top of the bar Michaela took in her surrounding. The place actually had a homey feel to it. A nice fire was going in the fireplace in the corner of the room. Overstuffed leather chairs and couches were filled with people laughing and telling jokes. Turning back to the bar Michaela felt as if someone was staring at her. Looking to her left, sure enough a man had his eyes fixed on her. Michaela could barley make out his features, a Tigers baseball cap shadowing his face.

"Hey," he grinned.

"Hello," she smiled pretending to look around.

"Can I buy ya a drink?"

"Oh, no. No thank you. I all ready ordered one," she pointed to the bartender. Moving her chair a little she cast another glace at the door wondering where Sully was. Getting nervous she began to rub her arm. "Where is he?" she said under her breath.

"Here ya go." The bartender sat a tall orangish-pink drink in front of Michaela. "One Sex on the Beach."

"What?" Michaela shook her head in astonishment.

"Drink up." The bartender laughed turning around making his way across the bar to fill beers.

"So," the man moved closer to Michaela. "Ya ever have sex on the beach?"

Staring at the man wide-eyed Michaela didn't know what to say. "I…I umm-"

"Leave her alone Jake," a voice came from behind Michaela shoulder. "Go on home."

"Sully," Michaela turned around breathing a sigh of relief.

"She with you?" Jake's eyes grew large. He hadn't remembered seeing Sully with a woman in a long time.

"I don't think that's any of your business," he sat down. Fixing his eyes on Michaela he smiled. She had on knee length white skirt and a black top that hugged her curves in just the right way. Her long hair was slightly curled and falling down her shoulders. She looked beautiful to him.

"Fine. Fine," he held up his hands. Getting off of his chair he threw back the rest of his drink then tossed a few bills in the empty shot glass. Walking past Sully he slapped his back. "Didn't know ya had it in ya!"

Shaking his head he turned to Michaela. "I'm sorry about that. Jake may be an annoyance but he's harmless."

"It's okay." She shook her head taking a sip of her drink for the first time. "Ummm…." She stirred it around watching the cherry drop to the bottom. "That's good."

"Good," he laughed. "Hank," Sully tipped his head. "Can I get a beer?"

"Give me a sec," he called.

"You come here often?" Michaela wondered.

"Nah," he shook his head. "I came here a few times with some of the guys after work. And Hank does some drywall work for me at the hospital."

"Oh."

"I'm not an alcoholic if that's what you're thinking," he laughed.

"Oh," Michaela held up her hand. "I wasn't implying that you were. Just merely curious." Knowing that her face was turning red Michaela decided to change the subject. "I'm glad that you asked me to come. It's nice here."

"I'm glad you said yes," he rubbed her hand. "You look real nice," he smiled.

"Thanks," Michaela blushed looking downward. "So do you."

"I'd like to get to know you a little better. If that's okay." Sully asked, watching a rush of emotions cross her face he continued. "Like what's your favorite color, favorite food. Do you watch TV or read before you go to bed?" Looking into her eyes he tried to convey his message.

Realizing that he wanted to know about her, her in the present, not the past she was relived. "Blue, fried chicken, and both," she eyed him trying not to laugh.

"Oh," he smiled. "We have a multi-tasker here."

"Yes," she shook her head swallowing more of her drink. "In my field you have to be."

"Here Sully," Hank sat a glass of beer in front of him. Looking to Michaela he noticed they were together. Surprised he decided he wanted to have fun; he smiled at the couple then fixed his eyes on Michaela. "So how's the sex?"

Almost choking on his beer Sully shot a look at Hank. "Excuse me?"

"The drink," he nodded to Michaela. "Geez, Sully what ya think I meant?" he laughed. "Get your mind out of the gutter, buddy."

Rolling his eyes he noticed a couple exiting the bar. "You want to go sit on the couch over there," he pointed. "By the fire."

"Sure," she hopped off her chair grabbing her purse. Holding her drink up, she maneuvered through the throngs of people making her way to the couch in the corner of the room. Sitting down she tucked one leg underneath her and turned to Sully and smiled. "My turn," she eyed him. "You said that Sully was your last name, so what's your first."

"Michaela," he looked down shaking his head.

"Hey," she pretended to be upset. "You know my name."

"Not by choice."

"Please," she stuck her lower lip under. "Please, please."

"Byron," he whispered looking around making sure no one heard.

"What?" Michaela shook her head, moving in closer.

"Byron," he gritted his teeth eyeing her.

"Sully I can't understand what you're saying."

"Byron!" he spoke up. "Byron, Byron, Byron!"

"Oh!" Michaela giggled. "That's a lovely name."

Taking a long drink of beer Sully looked around the bar noticing several couple immersed in conversation or on the dance floor. He wondered what it would be like to hold Michaela closely and sway on the dance floor. He knew she was the prettiest women in the bar, he noticed many pairs of eyes follow her as they sat down, and for a moment he felt proud that she was with him.

"Sully, Michaela moved closer to him on the couch. "Really I like your name. I think it suits you."

"What ever you say," he laughed. "What ever you say."

"Can I get you anything?" A petite woman holding a tray stood in front of the couple.

"I'm fine," Sully held up his beer. "Michaela?"

"Oh," she smiled. "I'd like another one of these," she shook her empty glass, the cherry moving back and forth.

"All right," she nodded taking off toward the bar.

"Who's the alcoholic now," he teased.

"There's probably like 2 liquor in this," she laughed. "Beside's their good."

Sully lifted his brow, "Well I guess a drink called Sex on the Beach would have to be good, wouldn't it?"

A smiled appeared on the corner of Michaela's lips and she didn't know why but for some reason she felt at ease with Sully. She enjoyed his light hearted joking manner and all thoughts of her past seem to sail further away. She was out, she was having fun, and she didn't want the night to end. Looking to her left Michaela notice a few men setting up microphones and a monitor, "Have you ever sung Karaoke?"

"Me," Sully pointed to himself. "No."

"I'll pay you ten dollars if you go up there and do it," she giggled, her hair bouncing off her shoulders.

"Are you crazy," he laughed. "No way!"

"Oh Sully," she grabbed his hand, "Come on!"

"Michaela, no!" Sully's eyes lit up at Michaela jovial mood. "I can't sing."

"Here you are," the woman handed her a glass. "If you need anything else my names, Myra."

"Thank you," Michaela took a sip of her drink. "Wow, I think this is stronger than the last one."

"Hank made that one especially himself," Myra laughed. "Enjoy."

Shaking his head, Sully looked to Michaela. "If I didn't know any better I'd say he's trying to get you drunk."

"Huh," Michaela shook her head taking another drink.

"Sully!" A voiced called across the room.

Michaela watched as a couple crossed the room making their way toward them.

"Robert E, Grace," Sully got up shaking his hand. "Good to see you."

"It's been a while," he nodded.

"Oh," Sully offered his hand to Michaela helping her up. "Robert E Grace, this is Michaela. Michaela, Robert E is my foreman at the hospital."

"Nice to meet you," she shook both of their hands. "Won't you join us?"

"Actually we just got dibs on the foosball table," Grace pointed. "Ya'll wanna play?"

"Michaela," he looked to her.

"I haven't played since I was a kid."

"That's all right," he put his arm around her waist. 'You can be on my team."

"Okay," she smiled. "Let's do it."

Walking to the foosball table Michaela held onto Sully's hand as he made his way past the table and mountains of people. Things seemed to run in slow motion and her thoughts felt a bit jumbled but mostly she felt safe. It felt good to have Sully's hand in hers. Her eyes wandered from the people back to Sully, she watched his chest and she could see his muscles peeking through his shirt and it sent a warm sensation through her body. Blushing she dropped her gaze taking another sip of her drink.

"Hank!" Robert E yelled. "Foos time!"

Shaking his head Hank hopped behind the bar pulling out four shot glasses, filling them with his special concoction.

"Come over here," Sully pulled her arm. "We'll be red. So you take these two guys, and I'll take those."

Setting down her glass Michaela looked around. "Where's the ball?"

"We gotta wait," Robert E smiled.

Rolling his eyes Sully looked to Michaela. "It's tradition to have a Foos before we start, Robert E made it up years ago."

"A Foos?" Michaela looked skeptical.

"Some kinda shot, Hank made up."

"Here we are folks," Hank set the four shot glasses on the table. "Bottoms up."

Michaela looked at the amber color liquid with consternation, not going unnoticed by Sully. "You don't have to drink it if you don't want to," he placed his hand on the small of her back. "They're a little strong."

"Course she does," Hank spoke up. "Rules is rules."

"Hank," Sully eyed him.

"Fine," he held his hands up. "If she doesn't think she can do it."

"You don't think I can do it," she eyed him.

"You said it not me," he laughed enjoying her feistiness.

Walking up to Hank she took the shot off the table, smiled, then put it up to her mouth and drank it down with one gulp. Turning the glass upside down she placed it on the table. "Let's go," she lifted her brow holding out her hand.

Laughing Hank placed the ping pong ball in her hand. "You got yourself one hell of woman here, Sully."