I didn't mean to make people nervous with that last chapter. It's not over. Now looking back, it seems cheap for me to cut it off like that. Apologies.
Elizabeth saw his face fall and his body deflate there in front of her. It scared her. Seeing him crumble like that made her nervous. "How can a person, so confident in his work, be so insecure?" she thought quietly. But what she said was, "It's getting kind of late."
Still feeling dismissed he answered, "Oh, well I don't want to keep you."
"No what I meant was, I'm getting hungry."
As her response sunk in, he smiled broadly. "Well, unless we plan on another operation this evening, our dinner is probably in the final stages of digestion."
She stepped past him and started up the stairs, "funny, I was just going to suggest grabbing something out. But if you're willing to open up Gretal, I suppose it's your prerogative. Let me just go get the patient."
He reached up and put his hand softly on her back as they climbed the steps. Reflectively, he commented, "Lizzie, you are just full of surprises tonight, aren't you?"
"Actually, I was going to say the same of you."
Romano grabbed his keys and they headed out the door. From outside he made sure to lock his front door. "Hate for Gretal to have a party while we're gone." He joked. Elizabeth smiled. He then questioned, "Wait, what about Ella? It is getting late. When do you need to be home tonight?"
"While I appreciate your concern Robert, she's fine. I finally gave in and allowed Carter to watch her for the night."
"Carter? Are you sure that's wise? Do you think he's old enough for the responsibilities of babysitting?"
"You're kidding right? John Carter is more maternal than I will ever be."
"You've got a point there, Lizzie, you're got a point." He finished as they climbed into his car and headed out.