OK, so I know it's still slow going, but have faith. I am a Cordano. I promise. They are just too much fun to write dialogue for. And you know I can't write dialogue if they're making out for hours on end. (and no that's not a spoiler… maybe)
"I really hadn't planned to come in, but that dog of yours sure is persistent."
"Well she is the lady of the house."
Romano and Elizabeth had moved into the living room and were waiting for tea to boil as Elizabeth explained how she had gotten into his house. They sat comfortably, which surprised them both, considering the formality of their working relationship. She had even made Robert laugh when she described Gretal's paws lunging forward at her.
"Well that is some watchdog I have, huh Gretal?" He leaned over and rubbed her head as she sat up for just a moment to receive the affection. Then with a heavy "Shufulllft," Gretal laid back down on the top of Romano's feet.
Romano looked up at Elizabeth and took a sharp breath. She was really there. In his home. On his couch. Her knee, which was tucked up under her other legs, was mere inches from his thigh. If he concentrated he thought he could feel the heat coming from her body. Taking the easier road he turned back to Gretal.
"If you continue to let strangers in, I might have to send you out to pasture," he joked.
"Come on Robert," Elizabeth countered while lightly punching his shoulder, "that's inhumane. I'm sure she could make several fine bottles of glue for Ella to play with."
"How many times do I have to tell you? Horses are for genetic breeding, gambling, and art projects. Dogs are for feet warmers and securit-" He stopped short thinking about it a little more, "come to think of it, I don't remember what use she is for me anymore."
Gretal abruptly stood up and walked over to a large dog cushion on the other side of the room. They both watched her do this and smiled. Robert started, "great now, she's sulking. Guess I'll be sleeping on the couch tonight."
"It's nice to see your charm is met with the same warmth at home, as it is at work."
Robert opened his mouth to offer a scathing return as the teapot sounded. He grimaced and walked into the kitchen. Once removing the pot from the flame he shot back to Elizabeth, "even my stove is working against me."
Elizabeth stood from the couch and walked into the kitchen as he poured hot water into the two separate cups with the bags in place. She leaned casually against the counter as he put the pot back on a stove to cool.
"So Robert, speaking of work, what exactly is all of that stuff down in your basement?"
"Oh that…"
"Yeah that… you haven't been skimming off County General's medical supplies over the past few years, have you?" she teased.
"I wish," he scoffed, "that equipment there cost me an arm and a leg. Ironically had I had both of my arms I wouldn't have invested in any of it."
She looked at him perplexed hoping he would offer further explanation. Romano hadn't wanted to have to explain his basement work until he had been able to use it effectively with more regularly. As it was, his success rate was only at about 50% for most procedures.
"It's part of my rehabilitation…" he began. Elizabeth was confused but let him continue uninterrupted.
Between sips of tea Romano explained how he had contracted a medical supply company to create specialized tools that would allow him to continue working in the surgical field without the use of his left hand.
"I suppose I knew pretty quick into my treatment that I wasn't going to regain full use of my left hand. Granted I didn't know it would lead to amputation, but I knew that I would never be able to maintain my title of "Rocket Romano" if I didn't seek outside assistance." He stopped and let the words sink in. He had never really thought about his work really being a call for "assistance", but it was.
"You know, you're the only one who calls you Rocket? Right Robert?"
"Yeah, well, I was hoping on starting a new trend," he delivered flatly. Thinking about how his progress had been coming along too slowly for his liking he added, "but it might all be for nothing, because at my current rate of success, Weaver won't even be letting me operate on pigs in the near future."
"You know Robert, there is a very sensible flaw to your whole operation." He looked up at her quizzically. She finished solidly, "You need me."
He smiled broadly and then looked back down to teacup knowing she hadn't meant for the words to be received so happily. "Aren't we thinking a bit high of ourselves tonight, Lizzie? I must have thrown in some of that Romano ego boost into your cup of tea on accident."
"Ego boost? More like God-complex powder." She shot back with a smile, but then continued seriously. "What I mean is, you need another set of hands. No one performs the operations you are talking about, by themself. You, former Mr. Chief of Staff, should have recognized that."
He had realized that, but hated to ask anyone to be a "second" in his studies at home. Contrary to what this year looked like, since the helicopter accident, he hated to show himself vulnerable. He stammered, "well I…I didn't want… well… I didn't want to make anyone…"
She cut him off, "Robert, of course I will help." He struggled a bit still toying with his empty cup. "Whenever you want," she continued hoping to make him fell more comfortable. "And Robert," she started. As he finally looked up at her, she finished, "you're welcome."
He set his cup down still feeling it was too much to ask, "Lizzie, really, you don't have…"
She cut him off again, "Oh just shut up and lead the way."
He face lit up in a smile and he led her to the back staircase, "yes. Ma'am."