10
Friends and Lovers
Chapter 20
Genre: Romance
Rating: K with a dash of innuendo
Disclaimers: The usual—STFBEye characters belong to somebody else. Everyone else is mine.
A/N: Yes! The next to the last chapter is finally posted! Calm down, Colby! Take a deep breath, read and enjoy. There is one more chapter to go.
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Bullpen
By 8:40, Bobby and Lucy were worried. Sue still hadn't shown up for work nor was there a phone call. Lucy caught Bobby's eyes during one of his frequent glances at Sue's empty desk and subtly nodded towards the doorway.
Moving away from the door, she grabbed his arm and said, "I thought you said she'd only be a little late. It shouldn't be taking this long to go home and change."
Bobby frowned. "I swear, Luce, she left at 7:15. She should be here by now." He asked worriedly, "You don't think she's been in an accident, do you?"
Lucy shook her head uncertainly. "Did you try calling her again?"
"Repeatedly," Bobby replied tersely, "but I only get her voice mail."
"Let's give her a few more minutes before we panic," Lucy suggested, trying to be calm and reasonable.
"I'm past panicking. I want to retrace her steps from the moment she drove off," Bobby muttered running his hand nervously through his hair.
"And let everyone know where Sue was last night?" Lucy pointed out "You may want to re-think that."
Bobby frowned, "Luce, I could care less what everyone will think right now. I just want to find Sue!"
Before Lucy could respond, D interrupted. "Bobby, phone call for you. It's Sue."
Bobby and Lucy glanced at each other then hurried inside. Picking up the phone at Lucy's desk, he asked abruptly, "Sue? Where are you?" He listened for a few moments, the look of relief evident on his face. "Which hospital?" Lucy looked taken aback. Other heads swiveled to focus on Bobby at the mention of the word hospital. "I'll be there in about twenty minutes."
"Hospital?" Lucy asked worriedly. "She was in an accident?"
Bobby quickly reassured her, "No, she's fine. Your neighbor, Mrs. Caldwell, fell in her apartment and Levi heard her calls for help. Sue rode with her in the ambulance to the hospital and she needs a ride to the office." He grabbed his jacket. "We'll be back in about an hour," he stated and left.
"Mrs. Caldwell's like eighty years old and she lives alone," Lucy explained to the rest of the team.
Tara had a look of wonder on her face. "Wow! Who would've thought that running late could result in a good thing happening?" she commented out loud. "Although there has been a lot of that going around lately," she muttered to herself as she bent down to focus on the file on her desk.
"And pray tell," began Myles his ears perking up at her words, "what do you mean by that?"
Tara looked up in surprise, "Am I the only one who thinks this week has been full of coincidences and connections?"
"I'm confused, " stated a baffled Jack. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Tara frowned as she tried to put her thoughts into words. "Okay, look. Let's start with D's flat tire. Because he had the flat, Jack had to go to that meeting with Randy thus creating the mistletoe incident," she said with a quick inadvertent glance at Jack. "Which is another story."
To her relief, Jack was nodding thoughtfully.
"Then there was the bank robbery which ordinarily would have been pretty cut and dried but because of Myles' interest in one of the suspects—which, by the way, revealed a side of him that we normally don't get to see," she interjected nodding slightly to her colleague, "but that too, is another story. Anyway, his interest in Danny…"
Myles didn't know whether to feel offended or flattered.
"…led to the exposure of an unscrupulous doctor and an insurance scam," she finished triumphantly.
"So you're saying the bank robbery happened so we could uncover that jerk of a doctor and his partner in crime?" asked Lucy doubtfully.
"Exactly!" said an excited Tara warming up to her theory. "And because of our involvement with this case, Myles met someone he's been wanting to meet for a while," she added gesturing to Myles who had a smile on his face.
"And today, Sue is running late which almost never happens. And because of that, Levi is there to hear the neighbor calling for help. So the eighty year old neighbor is able to receive help promptly instead of lying there for who knows how long." She looked around the room. "I rest my case."
"Okay, someone remind me…what was her point?" Myles interjected in exasperation.
Ignoring Myles, D responded skeptically, "Everything happened for a reason because it was meant to—no matter how it began? So you're saying it was pre-ordained?
"Heck, no!" Tara denied emphatically. "I'm just trying to say that maybe there's a little divine intervention involved, especially at this time of the year, to ensure good things happen even when they don't start out that way."
"That doctor won't be practicing medicine for quite a while once the medical board gets through with his case," nodded Lucy in agreement.
"We did get that insurance claims adjuster," added Jack.
"I didn't have to go to that meeting with Randy," smirked D glancing at Jack.
"And I did meet a woman who thinks I'm wonderful," preened Myles.
"I'm not even going to mention the other good things that have happened," declared Tara thinking of Bobby and Sue. "But I think it's going to very good Christmas."
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Hospital
Emergency Room
Bobby paused at the entry to scan the room for Sue. He spotted her speaking with a nurse and quickly walked over.
"I'll come back later tonight to check on her," Sue promised.
The nurse smiled. "It helps when patients know someone is coming. Gives them something to look forward to."
Turning, Sue was startled to find Bobby directly behind her. Her heart constricted at the traces of worry still reflected on his face.
"I know, I know," she said guiltily. "I'm sorry but there was no time to call until now. I couldn't let her go to the hospital alone."
He pointed a finger at her. "I was worried and so was Lucy. I can't tell you not to do it again. That would be like telling you not to breathe. However, please keep in mind there are people that worry when you're late. So from now on, you really have to..."
He stopped at the look of suppressed amusement on Sue's face.
"What?"
"You're rambling," Sue stated simply.
He looked at her a little sheepishly. "I am?"
She nodded with a glimmer of a smile.
"I was worried," he admitted.
"I appreciate the concern but I'm fine," she reiterated. "I'm a big girl."
"I know," he acknowledged grudgingly. "But I'm not giving up my right to worry"
She frowned. "I didn't know that was a right."
"Sure it is," he assured her. "Right after the right to vote. C'mon," he said dropping a kiss on the top of her head and flinging an arm around her shoulders. "Some other people are exercising their right to worry back at the office."
As they settled into his car, she turned to him. "About tonight," began Sue, "would you mind if we stopped in to see Mrs. Caldwell? I promised," she said apologetically. "Her daughter lives in Texas and it's going to take her a while to make arrangements and fly here."
"Not a problem," he said, "but the rest of the evening belongs to us." He leaned in to kiss her.
"I think I could go along with that plan," she agreed with a smile.
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Hospital
Evening
"Hi," smiled Sue as she and Bobby entered Mrs. Caldwell's room. "We just dropped by to see how you're doing."
"A little tired and sore but much better than lying on the floor in my apartment," said Mrs. Caldwell cheerfully despite her pain. "How can I ever thank you for helping me?"
"Don't thank me," protested Sue. "Thank Levi. He's the one that heard you."
Patting her bed, Levi came and rested his head on it. "Thank you, Levi," said Mrs. Caldwell. "When I get out of here, you will get the most expensive doggie treats I can find as a thank you for saving my life. Would you like that?"
Levi wagged his tail as he looked at Sue.
"He approves," smiled Sue.
Mrs. Caldwell looked past Sue and noticed Bobby standing by the door. "You brought a friend?"
Sue glanced at Bobby. "I did." She turned back with a smile as he approached the bed, "This is Bobby Manning. Bobby, Mrs. Caldwell."
Flashing a dimpled smile, Bobby stood beside Sue. "Sue and Lucy's been telling me a lot about you—all of it nice."
She laughed. "I'm sure." She nodded at the small flower arrangement he carried in his hands. "Is that for me?"
"Sue thought they'd brighten up your room," he smiled as he placed them on her table.
"And I brought your favorite magazines," said Sue as she dug in a package. She held them up. "The latest issue of Soap Opera Digest and Martha Stewart!"
Mrs. Caldwell laughed. "Thank you, Sue." She looked at Bobby. "She knows I'm addicted to both. Martha never should've gone to prison," she declared.
"You're not the only one," agreed Bobby.
Her eyes lit up. "Ah ha! Someone with sense!" She turned to Sue. "I like your young man."
Sue blushed slightly.
"But then, your other young man was very nice, too."
Bobby's ears perked up. "Other young man?"
"Yes, the one with the flower shop. What was his name?" she looked at Sue who had gone pink again.
"David."
"Oh yes, David. Very nice young man," she repeated.
Mrs. Caldwell continued, with a gleam in her eye, "However, I've always liked a good-looking man with an accent and dimples. Married one myself."
Bobby grinned at her not-so-subtle approval.
"Did I ever tell you my husband was English?"
Sue shook her head. "No, I don't think so."
Mrs. Caldwell's recounted wistfully, "We met in England right after the war. I was stationed there. My friends and I decided to go to a local dance but it was so crowded in the hall we got separated. When I turned to look for them, I bumped into Michael. He was the handsomest man I'd ever seen. One look into his eyes and my heart stopped beating. Then he smiled and flashed those dimples, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. But when he apologized in that wonderful voice of his, I knew I'd fallen in love." She sighed at the memory.
"That fast?" Sue prompted gently.
"That fast. He said it was my eyes and my American accent," she smiled. "We fell in love in from one heartbeat to the next. And we stayed in love until Michael died five years ago. How many people can say that?"
"That's a wonderful story," Sue murmured softly. "I'm sharing it with Lucy."
A nurse came bustling in carrying a small paper cup. "Sorry, but visiting hours are over. Mrs. Caldwell needs her rest," she announced. She glanced at the blood pressure machine readings and wrote it down. "Let me take your temperature then you can take your pain medication."
Both Bobby and Sue leaned over to kiss the elderly woman on the cheek. "Take care," said Sue. "If you need anything, call. Lucy will be by tomorrow."
"Bless you. Nice meeting you, young man. You can come and visit me, too," she said with a twinkle in her eye.
"I'll do that," he smiled. "You take care now."
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Bobby's Apartment
Comfortably ensconced on the couch, Bobby was giving Sue a foot massage. Their conversation turned to Mrs. Caldwell. "She's a lively bird for eighty," remarked Bobby.
"She's our role model," declared Sue with a smile. "Lucy and I want to be like her when we're eighty. Her mind's sharp, she keeps busy and she exercises. She's the nicest woman." She looked at him. "She liked you."
"She's got good taste," he grinned and paused before adding diffidently, "Umm, did she like David?"
Surprised at his question, Sue answered quietly, "Yes, most people do." At his grimace, she added, "He's a nice person."
"Have you heard from him recently?"
She nodded. "Just the other day in fact. He's busy with work—still getting some government contracts." Noting his frown, she added casually, "Oh, and he met someone—also with a dog—just a regular dog."
"Good." Bobby's succinct and heartfelt response elicited a peal of laughter from Sue. He grinned unabashedly, "What? I'm glad his business is doing well."
She smiled, "That's considerate of you."
He was quiet for a while before asking, "What are you planning to do for Christmas?"
"Since Christmas falls on Sunday, Lucy and I have plans to spend the weekend with her family. That is, if nothing comes up at the office."
"Oh," said Bobby masking his disappointment. "That's nice."
"But if you want me to change my plans, I will," she offered immediately.
"No," he shook his head. "Don't change your plans. I was just wondering. D usually has an open house on Christmas Day so I wondered if you wanted to go. But if you're not going to be here, then it's a non-choice."
"Non-choice? Is that a word?" she asked doubtfully.
"Of course, it's a word," insisted Bobby. "I said it, didn't I?"
"If it's like your word 'efforting' then I think not," she teased.
Bobby haughtily explained, "I'm just trying to expand your vocabulary. To get you to think outside of the box."
"I don't think you're thinking of any box in the English language," she commented critically. "Russian perhaps? I think I'll get that dictionary for you after all for Christmas."
"Pocket or unabridged?" he quipped.
"Difficult choice. Let me think about it."
He reached out for her hand. "Think about it over here. You're too far away," he complained as he pulled her into his lap.
"I was thinking," he began as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Could be dangerous," she said with a twinkle in her eye.
"Stop teasing me you terrible woman," scolded Bobby.
Eyes wide and innocent, she pursed her lips together and made a zipping motion,
Bobby nodded, "Better." He began to stroke her arm with the tip of his finger. "I was thinking since we won't be together on Christmas, perhaps we should have our own celebration now."
Inadvertently, she shivered at his touch.
"Would you like to hear about it?" he asked enveloping her in his embrace.
"I can't hear, remember?" she said softly.
"I've been practicing my nonverbal communication skills." He gently pushed her down onto the couch and kissed her deeply. "Practice makes perfect?" he asked when they parted.
Her eyes gleamed softly with love. "Definitely." She pulled him down for another kiss.
"Bobby?"
"Mmmm?" as he continued to kiss her neck.
"I can't tell about the accent, but I like a good-looking man with dimples, too," she said softly. "In fact, I think I'm head over heels in love with him."
Bobby stopped and pulled back so she could see his lips clearly. "And I'm hopelessly in love with you."
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Next morning
"Mmmm," murmured Sue. Last night with Bobby had been wonderful. After the visit to check on Mrs. Caldwell and a short trip to the market, the rest of the evening did belong to the two of them. She dreamed Bobby was nuzzling her neck and raining gentle kisses on her face. What a nice dream…so real...so...work! It was time to get up for work! She didn't want to be late again.
"Ow!" she grimaced when she sat up abruptly. Her head made contact with something hard. "Ooo," she moaned as she rubbed the top of her head.
"Ow is right," complained Bobby as he lay on his back rubbing his forehead. "What…"
"I was having this dream...well...I didn't know it was a dream," she explained, "and I thought I was late for work again." She looked at him apologetically. "I forgot it's Saturday. Sorry." She kissed his forehead. "There. Is that better?" she asked looking down at him.
"Well, maybe if you kissed here instead," he said pointing to his lips.
As she leaned down to oblige, Bobby's arms wrapped around her to pull her on top of him.
"Better now?" she asked with a twinkle in her eye when Bobby released her.
"Nope," he answered as he tugged her close once more.
After the fifth kiss, she asked breathlessly, "Now?"
"I think the pain is starting to ease a bit," he conceded with a grin.
She laughed as she leaned on one elbow looking at him. "I think you'll live." She glanced at the clock. "I know it's the weekend but I need to take Levi out." She leaned down to kiss him once more. "I'll be back in about half an hour."
Bobby grabbed her hand as she attempted to leave the bed. "Wait. I'll go with you." He scrambled out of bed. "I'll have to get used to walking Levi.
"The way to a man's heart may be his stomach, but for a deaf girl, it's love me, love my hearing dog," she teased.
"Oh but I do," he assured her. "I've missed having a dog since I've moved to the States." He smirked, "Actually, Levi's the real reason I love you."
"Really," remarked Sue as she headed for the bathroom. "Then you can get Levi to kiss you in the morning," she said pertly over her shoulder as she closed the bathroom door behind her.
"Hey!" cried Bobby. He knocked. "Sue? I was just joking! Sue?"
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"That wasn't very nice to shut the door in my face," Bobby complained in jest as they walked Levi. "And you didn't open it when I knocked."
"Funny, I didn't hear a thing," she said blithely.
He cast a dark look at her. "You like yanking my chain, don't you?"
She grinned at him. "You make it so easy!"
"Did anyone ever tell you you're evil, Sue Thomas?"
"Only you." She thought for a moment. "Well, maybe Myles, too. He's never said it but he might have been thinking it."
Bobby laughed as he threw an arm around her. "C'mon, you evil woman. Let's walk Levi and make use of those groceries we bought last night.