Chapter 3

Chris had arrived at the hospital at exactly 8:15 a.m. giving him fifteen minutes to get organized and have a quick coffee. The emergency room supervisor had other ideas.

"Flynn, get your coat on now, we've got a trauma coming in."

'Damn' Chris thought to himself. "Yes ma'am."

Chris did as he was told; he couldn't wait until he was no longer a resident working under this Hitler. She'd be transferring in a couple of weeks and the doctor slated to take her place was a pretty easygoing guy, but very much about productivity and order. Two things Chris didn't mind when the respect came with it. The morning was hopping and by the time Chris was able to sit down for five minutes it was already two o'clock. He went into the lounge and picked up the phone.

"Dr. Montgomery's office" he heard the voice on the other end say.

"Hi Julie, its Chris Flynn, is Dave available for a moment?"

"Just a minute Chris, I'll check."

After a moment Dave Montgomery picked up the phone.

"Chris, how are you doing down there?"

"It's crazy, if I see one more kid with a runny nose and an overprotective mother I'm going to lose it."

"Careful, that could be Jessie sooner than you think."

"I know, though I feel sorry for our kids. They won't be able to fake being sick."

"True, so what can I do for you?"

"I was wondering if you've had lunch yet. If not do you want to join me?"

"Sure thing, I'll meet you downstairs in five minutes."

"Sounds great, oh and Dave could you bring your calendar. I'll explain when I see you."

"Sure thing buddy. Bye."

"Bye."

Chris hung up the phone and turned around to find Dr. Cassandra Petersen, his supervisor, in the lounge.

"Are you going somewhere Dr. Flynn?"

"I signed out to take my break ma'am. I'll be back in an hour."

"Do you need some company?" she asked walking towards him.

"I'm going with Dr. Montgomery. He'll be here in five minutes to meet me." Chris was getting uncomfortable. It had become evident to him that she had a thing for him and wasn't above getting what she wanted. That's why he was so glad to hear about her transfer; otherwise he was going to ask for one.

"Why are you so nervous Chris, you know you can call me Cassandra, there's no one around."

"I'm not nervous Dr. Petersen, it's just that you are stepping into my personal space and it makes me uncomfortable."

"I'm not just a supervisor Chris, I'm also a woman. A woman who knows what she wants."

Chris ducked out of the corner she was backing him into. "Dr. Petersen, you are stepping over a very fine line. Please stop or I will be forced to report you to your supervisor."

"I understand," she said. Before leaving the staff lounge she turned to him, "I hope that Jessie knows just how lucky she is to have you." With that said, she left the lounge and went back to work.

Chris grabbed his jacket out of his day locker and went to the main doors to meet Dave. The two men shook hands and exited together.

"What was all that about?"

"Nothing, let's just go to lunch." Chris replied.

When the gentlemen arrived at the diner they ordered their food and waited. It was then that Dave brought up the reason for the meeting.

"So when do you want to come in?"

Chris looked at him, surprised. Had Jessie called him already and made an appointment?

"How did you know I wanted to book an appointment with you? Has Jessie called you?"

"No, but why else would you ask me to bring my calendar along. What days do you have off this week?"

"Friday and Saturday. Jessie finishes class at 3:00 on Friday's. I think the first appointment should be just for her. If she wants me to come in I will, but I'll leave that decision up to her."

"Alright, I've got an opening at 3:45 is that too soon?"

"I'll ask her tonight and have her get back to you."

"Is everything between you two alright? You aren't having problems are you?"

"No everything between us is fine; I'll let Jessie tell you when she talks to you."

"This is about what we discussed a few months ago, isn't it." Dave stated.

"Yes. She's still having the occasional nightmare and I'm worried. I want her to start healing from this, really heal."

"It's been a long road for both of you, in a very short time. You two came together out of tragedy and sometimes that can put a strain on a relationship. Even though you don't know it."

"Wait a sec here, are we having a session right now or are we here to have lunch?"

"Maybe both. I'm just picking your brain."

"Well pick my brain about something else for now please. This is not the time or place to talk about it."

"You're right, sorry. So I'll see you at 2:45 on Friday then?"

"Fine, I'll come see you then. Just don't tell Petersen I'm coming. She's probably gunning for me now." Chris joked.

They continued to talk while they waited for their lunch. Once they were done they went back to the hospital for the rest of their shifts.