Disclaimer : I own nothing, guys at WB and NBC do. I just borrow to have fun…
"Yeah, we could play pool. I'm a little bored here and I could use some nice company. Barnett is always busy with his band, Pratt has a girlfriend and no time for me. Same goes for Neela. And I don't feel like asking Morris, 12 hours a day is more than enough."
"So you ask me, because you're out of candidates. Wow that's very… thoughtful." She let out a little laugh.
"No, I'm asking you because I like you best. And you're pretty, single and I'm sure you like to have fun. Please, you can leave a poor man like me alone one more night." Haleh had to repress a smile. He was good. His whining seemed so real. She looked at Abby and just prayed she would give in.
"I don't know." Still smiling, she shook her head.
"Don't make me beg, Lockhart." Clemente moved closer.
"You could ask Luka. He likes to play pool." She offered. That alternative was safer. Going out with Clemente didn't sound like a good idea.
"Well, you're more my style." He chuckled. "I promise I'll behave. I'll even pay dinner if you want." Clemente moved to plan B. A drink and playing pool didn't seem enough to convince her. Maybe a nice dinner would make the trick.
"Dinner? Is this a date?" Abby was definitely puzzled. A date with Clemente? She looked at the nurses who suddenly seemed completely forgetful of them.
"Please say yes. If you have a heart, you can't say no. I promise you won't regret it. We'll have fun!" She pondered some more. His pleading eyes were getting to her.
"I don't know." Clemente moved even closer.
"Please?" Suddenly he lost his cocky smile and seemed genuinely desperate to have company that evening. She looked at him once more and gave in.
"Okay, I'll go. But it's not a date. We're clear on that?"
"Absolutely! Not a date." He confirmed.
"Give me 5 minutes. I have to grab my coat." With that she left for the lounge.
"Clemente, you are a genius. I never thought you could convince her." Haleh laughed.
"You're one good actor." Chuny admiringly added.
"Yeah I am." As he turned, he saw Luka heading their way. "So Kovac, you going home?"
"Yeah I'm beat, you too?" Frank moved a little closer. That was going to be good.
"No, I convinced Abby to spend the evening with me." Victor smiled as he saw Luka's face freeze. Now that was telling. "Do you know what kind of restaurants she likes best? Maybe I should have bought flowers. What do you think? You know her better than me. I don't want to make a bad impression on her."
"You have a date with Abby?" Luka's disbelieving tone brought an even broader smile to Clemente's face. His accent had become thicker and his expression spoke for him.
"Yeah, but don't tell the others." He had whispered the last sentence, as though he wanted to make sure that no one had heard him. "I don't want rumors to start about us. I mean, it's only our first date. I want to take it slowly. Abby's a lady. So any tips to help me?"
"No…" Luka looked at Clemente, wondering if it was some kind of joke. Certainly Abby wouldn't accept to go out with him. He wasn't her style. Not at all.
"Don't worry I'll manage." He soothingly added. "Ah! Here she comes. She sure looks good. We're even perfect in size. See, I'm not too tall." As he said that, he looked at Luka as if making a point.
"She likes tall." Luka growled through his teeth. Clemente just looked past him, not showing that he had actually heard his comment.
"Maybe for now. That's because she hasn't been out with me. So pretty lady, are you ready to go?" Offering his arm to Abby, he steered her past a shocked Luka.
"Yes I am." Abby smiled and questioningly looked at Luka. Why was he staring so strangely? She turned to Victor, who graced her with his best smile.
"I know this French restaurant. Their fish is delicious. You will love it." He took her hand in his and decidedly went for the exit.
"Weren't we supposed…" Abby reluctantly followed his lead, alternatively looking at Luka and the others.
"Goodnight Kovac!" Clemente chimed.
"Yeah, have a nice evening Luka, see you tomorrow!" She waved his way, but he didn't offer any answer. He just stared back. With an uneasy feeling, Abby left the hospital at Victor's arm.
"So Clemente finally made a move on her?" Frank told Haleh. He had made sure he was loud enough for Luka to hear. "I wondered how long it would take him. It's pretty obvious he likes her."
"I think she likes him too. She insisted that he call her by first name." At Chuny's little barb, Luka grumbled, still wondering why Abby was even considering a date with Clemente. The guy was just a pain, what could she possibly see in him? This was not good. Once again he cursed his wrong choice of words that night.
"Oh goodnight Dr Kovac." After having watched Luka motionless for the last two minutes, Haleh had decided to take him out of his stupor.
"What?" The nurse's voice had startled him. He had completely forgotten where he was. How long had he been standing there? Looking at the staff he realized it had definitely been too long. Finally he made his way to the exit, it was pointless to stay here. A nice beer at home was just what he needed. Had he thought of refilling his fridge? "Yeah, goodnight Haleh, bye Frank. Chuny..."
"That's what I called shocked rigid. If that doesn't make him act, the guy is hopeless." They watched him leave. "Don't be late tomorrow, ladies. The show has finally begun. It was damn time!"