Here I am, back with another chapter of the kind of story that I wish TPTB
would write. This is what I think Robert & Elizabeth deserve
(togetherness), and if the show wants her with Dorset, so be it.but I don't
have to like it. (
This story is close to wrapping up, and I thank all of you who have stuck with me and asked me to continue.
"That was good," Rachel said. She had just finished a plate of pancakes, and she was sitting across from Elizabeth and Robert at Ann Sather.
"They have wonderful pancakes here," Elizabeth said. She reached over to Robert's plate and nibbled on a piece of a sweet roll. "Everything here is wonderful actually."
"Is that why you're stealing all my food?" Robert said.
Elizabeth smiled. "May I?"
The waitress walked by. "How is everything?" she said.
"Another mountain of sweet rolls for the lady," he said.
"No, I've had enough," Elizabeth said.
"Sure?" Robert said.
Elizabeth grabbed another piece of bread off his plate. "Absolutely." The waitress smiled and walked away.
After they paid and walked out, Elizabeth turned to Rachel on the street corner. "So we'll take you to the train station, all right?"
"Yeah, I guess," Rachel said. "If you want to. I could take a cab." She shrugged.
Elizabeth looked at Robert.
"No, we'll take you," he said.
"Of course," Elizabeth said. They walked over to Elizabeth's van and Robert drove to the station. They parked the car and got out.
"You have everything, right?" Elizabeth said. "You don't think you left anything at the house?"
"No, I have it all," Rachel said. She hesitated. "Although, I almost wish I could go back just to tell Ella good bye one more time."
Elizabeth smiled. "She loved seeing you."
"I loved seeing her too," Rachel said. She bit her lip.
"Well," Elizabeth said, "I spoke to your mother on the phone, and I told her that you're welcome to come here next summer and spend a week."
"Really?" Rachel said incredulously. "You want me to come back?"
"We do," Elizabeth said, smiling. Rachel looked at Robert and he smiled and nodded agreement.
"Thanks," Rachel said. "I'd really like to do that." She hoisted up her bags toward the steps of the station.
"Here, let me take that," Robert said. He reached out with his right arm and picked up her heavier bag.
"Thanks," Rachel said. They all walked up the steps of the station. Rachel turned to Elizabeth and Robert. "Thanks, you guys. For the ride, and for letting me stay with you, and...everything. Look, you don't have to stay. I know you'll probably be late for work."
"No one to yell at us if we are," Elizabeth said mischievously. "Robert's right here."
"Oh, that's very funny, Elizabeth," Robert said dryly, but he smiled despite himself.
"Rachel, we have something for you," Elizabeth said. She reached into her bag and took out a small package, which she handed to Rachel.
"Wow," Rachel said. "Thanks.I didn't get you anything."
Elizabeth laughed. "That's fine - why don't you open it."
Rachel took the wrapping paper off the box and opened it. There was a necklace inside, antique-looking. Rachel looked at Elizabeth in surprise. "Elizabeth - wow, this is beautiful."
Elizabeth smiled. "I saw this girl at the hospital, wearing that same necklace, and she told me where she got it. The store only had one left, and I needed to put it on my charge card, so I called you.remember that day I had left my credit card at home, and you brought it to the hospital?"
"Oh yeah," Rachel said, flushing a little as she remembered that day. Elizabeth calling her, then she took the train to the hospital and had heard Susan and some nurses gossiping about Elizabeth and Robert getting married. Rachel felt a bit ashamed remembering how rudely she had reacted to Robert that afternoon, telling him to stay away from Ella.
"You all right?" Robert said to Rachel. Rachel looked up and saw the two of them looking at her, concerned.
"Yeah," Rachel said. "I'm sorry. It's just.thank you so much, for the necklace. It really is beautiful."
"I'm glad you like it," Elizabeth said, smiling.
"I'm sorry," Rachel said. Elizabeth and Robert looked at her in surprise. "I wasn't - very supportive of your relationship at first. Not that it's any of my business - I just, didn't understand." She looked at them. "It's hard to explain," she said awkwardly.
"It's okay," Robert said.
"Thanks Robert," Rachel said. They smiled at each other. "You've been very - helpful."
"We're glad you came to stay," Robert said sincerely. "Elizabeth and I both are."
"Yes we are," Elizabeth said gently. They all started to make their way towards the ticket counter. Rachel bought her ticket and they waited with her. As the train started approaching, she turned to them.
"Bye," Rachel said quietly. She gave them each a quick hug. "Thanks."
"You have a good trip back," Elizabeth said.
"Let us know how you are," Robert said. "Send us an e-mail or something."
"I will," Rachel said, as she joined the crowd of passengers boarding the train. She waved to them. "Bye!" she said. They waved back. Rachel boarded and a few moments later the train pulled away.
Elizabeth turned to Robert and smiled. "Ready to go?" he said, squeezing her shoulder. She nodded. They walked to the car and drove to the hospital.
Elizabeth checked her watch as they got out of the car and exited the parking garage. "It's a bit late."
"They'll survive," Robert said dryly.
"Who - the staff or the patients?" she said, as they got in the elevator.
"The patients probably won't without you or me there," he said. "As for the staff, I don't care if they do or don't."
Elizabeth smiled. "Why do I even ask you these questions?"
The elevator door opened. "I have no idea," Robert said.
Kerry Weaver approached them. "Good morning, Robert, Elizabeth."
"Good morning Kerry," Elizabeth said.
Kerry looked at her watch. "What time is your shift?" she said to Elizabeth.
"None of your biz," Robert said, grabbing Elizabeth's hand and pulling her away from Kerry.
"Robert!" Elizabeth whispered, laughing. "That was a bit uncalled for."
"She's the one who's uncalled for," Robert said, frowning. "Who does she think is running this hospital? Me, that's who."
"Okay, okay," Elizabeth said, humoring him. She checked her watch. "It is getting late. I'm on trauma call today - I don't know if I can have lunch."
"It's okay, I'll get by," he said good-naturedly.
She leaned forward and kissed him. "Be good."
"See you later," he said, as he headed upstairs.
Elizabeth went to put away her coat. Luka came in to get a cup of coffee. "Hello," Elizabeth said.
"Hello," he said, and smiled. "So has the white sheep gone?"
"Excuse me?" she said, confused.
"Susan said your step-daughter was on a visit," he said. "Staying at your home."
"Oh, yes," Elizabeth said. "She was. She just went back to Milwaukee today."
"You had a nice visit?" he said.
"It was interesting," she said, thinking about it. She laughed. "Definitely interesting."
Luka smiled. "Nice that you allowed her to stay."
"Well, we have a.bond I suppose," Elizabeth said. "A bond of sorts. And she is Ella's half-sister." She thought for a minute. "What did you mean, the white sheep?"
"Oh, there was an expression..I heard it once," he said. "A prodigal child. The, excuse the term, disgrace of the family."
Elizabeth laughed. "The black sheep."
"Black sheep, yes," Luka said, as he stood in the doorway. "But it seemed I had it all wrong, if you feel close to her."
"Well," Elizabeth said, musing over the word close. "Yes, I suppose. We did have a good visit."
Luka turned to leave, then turned back. "Romano was staying there too?"
"Yes," Elizabeth said.
Luka grinned, and left.
Elizabeth got a coffee and walked out of the lounge to see Susan. "Susan, hello," she said.
"Hey, Elizabeth, how's it going?" Susan said. "I was just about to page you. Can you do a consult for me?"
"Sure,"
"Thanks," Susan said, directing her to the patient. After the consult was over, Susan said, "Okay, tell me everything."
"What?" Elizabeth said, smiling.
"Rachel!" Susan said. "She e-mailed me the other day and she sounded happy. Said she was having a good time being back in Chicago. Did you two fight, did you make up, did you get along, did she hate Robert, what happened?"
"Will you give me a chance to answer any of these questions?" Elizabeth grinned.
"Maybe."
"Everything was fine," Elizabeth said. Susan waited, her eyes on Elizabeth. "Okay, there were some rough spots. But it worked out."
"Well, that's good!" Susan said. "I was hoping it would."
I think Rachel came to peace with it all," Elizabeth said. "She seems okay with my relationship with Robert - while she was here, something changed. Something that Robert said, perhaps."
"Oh, something Robert said," Susan said mischievously.
"You're teasing me," Elizabeth said. "First Luka makes a teasing comment about Robert, and now you."
"Oh, lighten up!" Susan teased. "If you're going to stick with Robert, you're going to have to learn to take it."
Gallant walked by. "Dr. Lewis, there were some abnormalities in Mrs. Kodaleski's Chem 7."
"Be right there," Susan said. Gallant nodded and walked off.
"Look," Elizabeth said, "If you knew Rob like I do-"
"Rob," Susan drawled. "You call him Rob?"
"Sometimes."
"So what's he like?" Susan said, almost whispering. I know it's not my business, but I'm just curious. I mean, I knew Mark, and you were married to Mark. Is Robert like Mark in some way? Do you like him because he is or isn't?"
"He's." Elizabeth sighed and looked down. "This could take a while."
"Well, give me the condensed version, because if I don't go grab some more charts, Weaver's gonna have a fit."
"He's different and similar," Elizabeth said. "He's kind like Mark was. I know Robert might not seem the nicest person, but he's kind-hearted, he just doesn't let it show to everyone. He's sweet, he's funny-"
"Yeah, yeah, how's the bedroom stuff?"
"Susan!"
"C'mon Elizabeth, just a teeny bit of dirt, My life is boring lately," Susan said. "Please?"
Elizabeth blushed. "He's more sexual than Mark was. He puts his hands under my sweater while we're watching TV. He licks my ear when I'm making coffee. We have a lot of fun. A lot."
"Ooh," Susan said, delighted. They saw Kerry coming down the hall so they started walking towards the admit desk. "So everything's really great with you guys."
"I love being with him," Elizabeth admitted.
"Do I hear wedding bells?"
"Susan!"
"What?" Susan said. She grabbed some of the charts that were stacked next to Jerry, who was talking on the phone.
"Robert and I have only been together for a little over four months, and - well you know I was married before," Elizabeth said. It just seems very recent."
"I know," Susan said carefully, "but do you ever think about it?"
"Getting married again," Elizabeth said. Susan nodded.
"If I was to get married again, he's the one I would want," Elizabeth said.
Susan grinned. "You'd better invite me!" she said, walking down the hall with her charts.
"I'm not - I'm not doing it!" Elizabeth called out, dismayed. Susan looked back and winked.
"Not doing what?" Jerry said.
"Nothing," Elizabeth said.
"Oh, doesn't sound like nothing," Jerry teased.
Chuny walked by and smiled. "What's this?"
"She says it's nothing, but I don't believe her," Jerry said.
"Oh, what's going on, Elizabeth?" Chuny said.
"Nothing!" Elizabeth said. "Nothing."
Jing-Mei walked by. "Elizabeth, can you check out an abscess in Curtain Three?"
"Yes, I'll be right there," Elizabeth said.
"Your cheeks are turning red," Chuny teased.
"What's going on?" Jing-Mei said.
"Really, everyone, I have work to do," Elizabeth said hastily. "Don't you?"
"Of course they do," said Robert, coming up behind Elizabeth.
"Good morning, Dr. Romano," Jing-Mei said.
"Isn't it though?" he said cheerily. "What's this, coffee klatch?"
"I've got a patient," Chuny said, smiling sheepishly, and leaving.
"I've got - something," Jerry said, turning to his computer.
"See ya," Jing-Mei said good-naturedly, walking down the hall.
"Well, Robert, you do know how to clear a room." Elizabeth said.
"If I had my way, they'd all be gone," he said. "Everyone but you."
"Really," she said, amused.
"Really." He reached out and stroked her right shoulder, running his hand down her arm.
Elizabeth glanced around. She saw Jerry grinning a bit from behind his computer, and Malik and Pratt watching from a corner. "People are watching us," she murmured.
"I don't care," he said huskily.
"What about all that 'The Chief of Staff has to maintain some decorum' talk?"
"Fuggedaboutit," he said, and she laughed.
"Okay, then. What brings you down here?"
"Had to yell at someone," he said, running his hand through her hair, then moving it down her back.
"Rob," she said warningly. "People are still looking."
"Don't worry about it," he said in the husky voice.
"Whoo hoo!" Pratt said. Malik let out a catcall.
"Would you get to work?" Robert said.
"Sorry boss," Pratt said, smiling. "Just, following your lead."
"I'll lead you to the door and you can try not to let your ass hit it once you get there," Robert said.
Luka approached them. "Dr. Romano, Kerry had to leave."
"What!" Robert said. "What the hell for?"
"Some budget emergency," Luka said. "She told me to tell you she had to go down to city hall and you should appoint someone to watch over the ER for a few hours."
"Why didn't she do it?" Robert growled. "She can go get a paying job at city hall for all I care. Okay, fine, Kovac, you watch over the ER."
Luka looked surprised. "Me?"
"Yeah, what can I say, it's a big honor," Robert said. "Have a good time." He turned to Lizzie. "I'll see you later."
"Yes, later," she said professionally.
Robert started to go down the hall, then turned around. "By the way, Lizzie, how's your French these days?"
"My French?" she said, confused.
"Yeah, your French. You took languages in all those finishing schools, correct?"
"Boarding schools," Elizabeth corrected him. "Yes, I still remember it."
"You speak it well?"
"Pretty well," Elizabeth said. "Robert, what's this about-"
"Good, good," Robert said, pleased. "I'll see you later." He spun off down the hall.
Elizabeth looked at his retreating back in bewilderment. "What on earth is he talking about?"
"You're asking me?" Luka said, grinning.
Another chapter - probably the final one - coming soon...
This story is close to wrapping up, and I thank all of you who have stuck with me and asked me to continue.
"That was good," Rachel said. She had just finished a plate of pancakes, and she was sitting across from Elizabeth and Robert at Ann Sather.
"They have wonderful pancakes here," Elizabeth said. She reached over to Robert's plate and nibbled on a piece of a sweet roll. "Everything here is wonderful actually."
"Is that why you're stealing all my food?" Robert said.
Elizabeth smiled. "May I?"
The waitress walked by. "How is everything?" she said.
"Another mountain of sweet rolls for the lady," he said.
"No, I've had enough," Elizabeth said.
"Sure?" Robert said.
Elizabeth grabbed another piece of bread off his plate. "Absolutely." The waitress smiled and walked away.
After they paid and walked out, Elizabeth turned to Rachel on the street corner. "So we'll take you to the train station, all right?"
"Yeah, I guess," Rachel said. "If you want to. I could take a cab." She shrugged.
Elizabeth looked at Robert.
"No, we'll take you," he said.
"Of course," Elizabeth said. They walked over to Elizabeth's van and Robert drove to the station. They parked the car and got out.
"You have everything, right?" Elizabeth said. "You don't think you left anything at the house?"
"No, I have it all," Rachel said. She hesitated. "Although, I almost wish I could go back just to tell Ella good bye one more time."
Elizabeth smiled. "She loved seeing you."
"I loved seeing her too," Rachel said. She bit her lip.
"Well," Elizabeth said, "I spoke to your mother on the phone, and I told her that you're welcome to come here next summer and spend a week."
"Really?" Rachel said incredulously. "You want me to come back?"
"We do," Elizabeth said, smiling. Rachel looked at Robert and he smiled and nodded agreement.
"Thanks," Rachel said. "I'd really like to do that." She hoisted up her bags toward the steps of the station.
"Here, let me take that," Robert said. He reached out with his right arm and picked up her heavier bag.
"Thanks," Rachel said. They all walked up the steps of the station. Rachel turned to Elizabeth and Robert. "Thanks, you guys. For the ride, and for letting me stay with you, and...everything. Look, you don't have to stay. I know you'll probably be late for work."
"No one to yell at us if we are," Elizabeth said mischievously. "Robert's right here."
"Oh, that's very funny, Elizabeth," Robert said dryly, but he smiled despite himself.
"Rachel, we have something for you," Elizabeth said. She reached into her bag and took out a small package, which she handed to Rachel.
"Wow," Rachel said. "Thanks.I didn't get you anything."
Elizabeth laughed. "That's fine - why don't you open it."
Rachel took the wrapping paper off the box and opened it. There was a necklace inside, antique-looking. Rachel looked at Elizabeth in surprise. "Elizabeth - wow, this is beautiful."
Elizabeth smiled. "I saw this girl at the hospital, wearing that same necklace, and she told me where she got it. The store only had one left, and I needed to put it on my charge card, so I called you.remember that day I had left my credit card at home, and you brought it to the hospital?"
"Oh yeah," Rachel said, flushing a little as she remembered that day. Elizabeth calling her, then she took the train to the hospital and had heard Susan and some nurses gossiping about Elizabeth and Robert getting married. Rachel felt a bit ashamed remembering how rudely she had reacted to Robert that afternoon, telling him to stay away from Ella.
"You all right?" Robert said to Rachel. Rachel looked up and saw the two of them looking at her, concerned.
"Yeah," Rachel said. "I'm sorry. It's just.thank you so much, for the necklace. It really is beautiful."
"I'm glad you like it," Elizabeth said, smiling.
"I'm sorry," Rachel said. Elizabeth and Robert looked at her in surprise. "I wasn't - very supportive of your relationship at first. Not that it's any of my business - I just, didn't understand." She looked at them. "It's hard to explain," she said awkwardly.
"It's okay," Robert said.
"Thanks Robert," Rachel said. They smiled at each other. "You've been very - helpful."
"We're glad you came to stay," Robert said sincerely. "Elizabeth and I both are."
"Yes we are," Elizabeth said gently. They all started to make their way towards the ticket counter. Rachel bought her ticket and they waited with her. As the train started approaching, she turned to them.
"Bye," Rachel said quietly. She gave them each a quick hug. "Thanks."
"You have a good trip back," Elizabeth said.
"Let us know how you are," Robert said. "Send us an e-mail or something."
"I will," Rachel said, as she joined the crowd of passengers boarding the train. She waved to them. "Bye!" she said. They waved back. Rachel boarded and a few moments later the train pulled away.
Elizabeth turned to Robert and smiled. "Ready to go?" he said, squeezing her shoulder. She nodded. They walked to the car and drove to the hospital.
Elizabeth checked her watch as they got out of the car and exited the parking garage. "It's a bit late."
"They'll survive," Robert said dryly.
"Who - the staff or the patients?" she said, as they got in the elevator.
"The patients probably won't without you or me there," he said. "As for the staff, I don't care if they do or don't."
Elizabeth smiled. "Why do I even ask you these questions?"
The elevator door opened. "I have no idea," Robert said.
Kerry Weaver approached them. "Good morning, Robert, Elizabeth."
"Good morning Kerry," Elizabeth said.
Kerry looked at her watch. "What time is your shift?" she said to Elizabeth.
"None of your biz," Robert said, grabbing Elizabeth's hand and pulling her away from Kerry.
"Robert!" Elizabeth whispered, laughing. "That was a bit uncalled for."
"She's the one who's uncalled for," Robert said, frowning. "Who does she think is running this hospital? Me, that's who."
"Okay, okay," Elizabeth said, humoring him. She checked her watch. "It is getting late. I'm on trauma call today - I don't know if I can have lunch."
"It's okay, I'll get by," he said good-naturedly.
She leaned forward and kissed him. "Be good."
"See you later," he said, as he headed upstairs.
Elizabeth went to put away her coat. Luka came in to get a cup of coffee. "Hello," Elizabeth said.
"Hello," he said, and smiled. "So has the white sheep gone?"
"Excuse me?" she said, confused.
"Susan said your step-daughter was on a visit," he said. "Staying at your home."
"Oh, yes," Elizabeth said. "She was. She just went back to Milwaukee today."
"You had a nice visit?" he said.
"It was interesting," she said, thinking about it. She laughed. "Definitely interesting."
Luka smiled. "Nice that you allowed her to stay."
"Well, we have a.bond I suppose," Elizabeth said. "A bond of sorts. And she is Ella's half-sister." She thought for a minute. "What did you mean, the white sheep?"
"Oh, there was an expression..I heard it once," he said. "A prodigal child. The, excuse the term, disgrace of the family."
Elizabeth laughed. "The black sheep."
"Black sheep, yes," Luka said, as he stood in the doorway. "But it seemed I had it all wrong, if you feel close to her."
"Well," Elizabeth said, musing over the word close. "Yes, I suppose. We did have a good visit."
Luka turned to leave, then turned back. "Romano was staying there too?"
"Yes," Elizabeth said.
Luka grinned, and left.
Elizabeth got a coffee and walked out of the lounge to see Susan. "Susan, hello," she said.
"Hey, Elizabeth, how's it going?" Susan said. "I was just about to page you. Can you do a consult for me?"
"Sure,"
"Thanks," Susan said, directing her to the patient. After the consult was over, Susan said, "Okay, tell me everything."
"What?" Elizabeth said, smiling.
"Rachel!" Susan said. "She e-mailed me the other day and she sounded happy. Said she was having a good time being back in Chicago. Did you two fight, did you make up, did you get along, did she hate Robert, what happened?"
"Will you give me a chance to answer any of these questions?" Elizabeth grinned.
"Maybe."
"Everything was fine," Elizabeth said. Susan waited, her eyes on Elizabeth. "Okay, there were some rough spots. But it worked out."
"Well, that's good!" Susan said. "I was hoping it would."
I think Rachel came to peace with it all," Elizabeth said. "She seems okay with my relationship with Robert - while she was here, something changed. Something that Robert said, perhaps."
"Oh, something Robert said," Susan said mischievously.
"You're teasing me," Elizabeth said. "First Luka makes a teasing comment about Robert, and now you."
"Oh, lighten up!" Susan teased. "If you're going to stick with Robert, you're going to have to learn to take it."
Gallant walked by. "Dr. Lewis, there were some abnormalities in Mrs. Kodaleski's Chem 7."
"Be right there," Susan said. Gallant nodded and walked off.
"Look," Elizabeth said, "If you knew Rob like I do-"
"Rob," Susan drawled. "You call him Rob?"
"Sometimes."
"So what's he like?" Susan said, almost whispering. I know it's not my business, but I'm just curious. I mean, I knew Mark, and you were married to Mark. Is Robert like Mark in some way? Do you like him because he is or isn't?"
"He's." Elizabeth sighed and looked down. "This could take a while."
"Well, give me the condensed version, because if I don't go grab some more charts, Weaver's gonna have a fit."
"He's different and similar," Elizabeth said. "He's kind like Mark was. I know Robert might not seem the nicest person, but he's kind-hearted, he just doesn't let it show to everyone. He's sweet, he's funny-"
"Yeah, yeah, how's the bedroom stuff?"
"Susan!"
"C'mon Elizabeth, just a teeny bit of dirt, My life is boring lately," Susan said. "Please?"
Elizabeth blushed. "He's more sexual than Mark was. He puts his hands under my sweater while we're watching TV. He licks my ear when I'm making coffee. We have a lot of fun. A lot."
"Ooh," Susan said, delighted. They saw Kerry coming down the hall so they started walking towards the admit desk. "So everything's really great with you guys."
"I love being with him," Elizabeth admitted.
"Do I hear wedding bells?"
"Susan!"
"What?" Susan said. She grabbed some of the charts that were stacked next to Jerry, who was talking on the phone.
"Robert and I have only been together for a little over four months, and - well you know I was married before," Elizabeth said. It just seems very recent."
"I know," Susan said carefully, "but do you ever think about it?"
"Getting married again," Elizabeth said. Susan nodded.
"If I was to get married again, he's the one I would want," Elizabeth said.
Susan grinned. "You'd better invite me!" she said, walking down the hall with her charts.
"I'm not - I'm not doing it!" Elizabeth called out, dismayed. Susan looked back and winked.
"Not doing what?" Jerry said.
"Nothing," Elizabeth said.
"Oh, doesn't sound like nothing," Jerry teased.
Chuny walked by and smiled. "What's this?"
"She says it's nothing, but I don't believe her," Jerry said.
"Oh, what's going on, Elizabeth?" Chuny said.
"Nothing!" Elizabeth said. "Nothing."
Jing-Mei walked by. "Elizabeth, can you check out an abscess in Curtain Three?"
"Yes, I'll be right there," Elizabeth said.
"Your cheeks are turning red," Chuny teased.
"What's going on?" Jing-Mei said.
"Really, everyone, I have work to do," Elizabeth said hastily. "Don't you?"
"Of course they do," said Robert, coming up behind Elizabeth.
"Good morning, Dr. Romano," Jing-Mei said.
"Isn't it though?" he said cheerily. "What's this, coffee klatch?"
"I've got a patient," Chuny said, smiling sheepishly, and leaving.
"I've got - something," Jerry said, turning to his computer.
"See ya," Jing-Mei said good-naturedly, walking down the hall.
"Well, Robert, you do know how to clear a room." Elizabeth said.
"If I had my way, they'd all be gone," he said. "Everyone but you."
"Really," she said, amused.
"Really." He reached out and stroked her right shoulder, running his hand down her arm.
Elizabeth glanced around. She saw Jerry grinning a bit from behind his computer, and Malik and Pratt watching from a corner. "People are watching us," she murmured.
"I don't care," he said huskily.
"What about all that 'The Chief of Staff has to maintain some decorum' talk?"
"Fuggedaboutit," he said, and she laughed.
"Okay, then. What brings you down here?"
"Had to yell at someone," he said, running his hand through her hair, then moving it down her back.
"Rob," she said warningly. "People are still looking."
"Don't worry about it," he said in the husky voice.
"Whoo hoo!" Pratt said. Malik let out a catcall.
"Would you get to work?" Robert said.
"Sorry boss," Pratt said, smiling. "Just, following your lead."
"I'll lead you to the door and you can try not to let your ass hit it once you get there," Robert said.
Luka approached them. "Dr. Romano, Kerry had to leave."
"What!" Robert said. "What the hell for?"
"Some budget emergency," Luka said. "She told me to tell you she had to go down to city hall and you should appoint someone to watch over the ER for a few hours."
"Why didn't she do it?" Robert growled. "She can go get a paying job at city hall for all I care. Okay, fine, Kovac, you watch over the ER."
Luka looked surprised. "Me?"
"Yeah, what can I say, it's a big honor," Robert said. "Have a good time." He turned to Lizzie. "I'll see you later."
"Yes, later," she said professionally.
Robert started to go down the hall, then turned around. "By the way, Lizzie, how's your French these days?"
"My French?" she said, confused.
"Yeah, your French. You took languages in all those finishing schools, correct?"
"Boarding schools," Elizabeth corrected him. "Yes, I still remember it."
"You speak it well?"
"Pretty well," Elizabeth said. "Robert, what's this about-"
"Good, good," Robert said, pleased. "I'll see you later." He spun off down the hall.
Elizabeth looked at his retreating back in bewilderment. "What on earth is he talking about?"
"You're asking me?" Luka said, grinning.
Another chapter - probably the final one - coming soon...