Chapter 3

Help Me

Ray hopped out of Bret's car and rushed into the ER searching for Neela.

"Whoa, slow down there Ray," Kovac put his hand out to stop Ray as Ray bumped into him.

"Sorry. Sorry. Have you seen Neela by any chance?" Ray questioned. Kovac could sense the seriousness in Ray's voice.

"She just went on break. I saw her heading out to get a coffee and…" before Kovac could even finish Ray was out the door. Kovac shook his head and continued on his way.

"NEELA," Ray called to her across the street. Neela, who had just been about to enter the store, whirled around.

"Ray?" Neela looked a little puzzled as he ran up to her. "Oh God. Don't tell me you've burnt down the apartment already?"

"No," Ray gasped, trying to catch his breath. "I need your help."

"No," Neela said turning.

Ray caught her arm lightly and she stopped. "You don't even know what it is yet?"

"No Ray but I don't really want to find out," Neela sighed. "I'm not switching shifts with you or calling the plumber or..." but Ray cut her off.

"Are you done?" Ray snapped impatiently. Neela looked a little taken aback by Ray's forwardness.

"Alright," Neela already regretted this. "But can I get my coffee first?"

Once Neela had her coffee Ray walked alongside her back to the hospital

"So basically your ex is back in town. She's just your ex. You guys broke up and she's in town. So what? I don't really see what that has to do with me," Neela sipped her coffee.

"Um…well. You see, she is kind of, sort of at our apartment right now," Ray closed his eyes, waiting for the bomb to explode.

"WHAT!" Neela choked on the sip she was taking.

"I didn't want her there. I had no choice. There was no other way to get rid of her," Ray straightened up, knowing Neela wasn't going to hurt him.

"Bloody good way to get rid of her. Invite her home with you," Neela spat.

"See, this is where your help comes in," Ray knew it was now or never. "I was wondering if you would pretend to be my girlfriend, just to get rid of her. If she thinks I'm seeing someone than she'll leave and she won't have to stay with us."

"Absolutely not," Neela looked furious. "You got yourself into this mess and I am not getting you out. Especially if it involves me in any way pretending to be involved with you."

"Ouch," Ray frowned. "Neela, please. I'm desperate. I'll do anything, I swear. Just help me out," Ray pleaded.

Neela looked up into Ray's eyes. There was something there. Something she couldn't quite place. She didn't know if whatever she saw is what made her do it, all she knew is that she opened her mouth and did something she swore she wouldn't.

"Pay the rent for one month and you have a deal," Neela looked grim.

Ray's reaction threw her. He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her into the air. "Thank you," he shouted. Some people passing by stopped and shot the pair odd looks.

"Ray," Neela spoke into his jacket. Ray put her down and looked at her. "Don't ever do that again."

"I'm sorry," Ray looked serious. "But thank you."

"Now, if I'm pretending to be your girlfriend I wouldn't have to kiss you or hold your hand or hug you or cuddle with you or call you sweetie or anything like that right?" Neela asked once she regained her footing.

"If we don't do any of that how will she think we're a couple?" this was harder than Ray thought it would be. Neela began to open her mouth but Ray stopped her. "Cuddle and call me sweetie. That's all you have to do."

Neela stood, looking hesitant for a moment. She's going to back out, I know it, Ray thought to himself. "Pay the rent for two months."

"Fine," Ray sighed in relief.

"Try and kiss me and you're dead," Neela pointed at Ray.

"Don't worry honey," Ray grinned. Neela shot Ray the death glare before entering the hospital. "See you at home," Ray waved. He headed back to Bret's car, a smile plastered to his face.

"She'll do it," he announced proudly and his hopped into the car.

"You like her man," Bret said, revving the engine.

"What are you talking about? She's not even my type. I don't like her," Ray tried to defend himself.

"Sure," Bret rolled his eyes and started to drive.