As always, thanks for the reviews and for the constructive criticism. Here we go on chapter 3….
Neela was just going through the motions at work. It wasn't that she was doing a bad job; it just seemed to her colleagues that her heart wasn't in it. She got no joy out of assessing a patient, or even out of cutting. And surgeons usually got joy out of cutting. It didn't even seem to bother her that Albright was such a bitch to her. It was like she was numb and couldn't move beyond that numbness in her work or her personal life. It affected Ray the most, although he would never admit it. She just didn't seem like her sarcastic, funny self anymore. She ignored him at work and at home. It was depressing. But he kept trying to get her out of the self-imposed numbness.
"Hey Roomie, want to share a pizza for dinner?" Ray said when Neela came down for a consult. No response. It was like she didn't even hear him. This sucks. We've been living together for a month and she's still not talking to me except when she has to. "Neela, earth to Neela."
"Huh? Oh bugger off, Ray. I'm busy." God, when did I become such a bitch? He must hate me.
Well that is something – a little of the old Neela. Insults are better than nothing, Ray thought.
Just then a trauma came through the doors of the ambulance bay. Tony Gates was the paramedic that came in with the patient. He had been laid up for awhile with injuries he sustained in a building collapse and then he heard Neela got married so he had stopped hitting on her. She was fair game again but Tony wasn't sure how happy she would be to see him. She's only been a widow for three months, but I better get my intentions known soon or somebody will snap her up, Tony thought to himself.
"Hey Neela, I was….really sorry to hear about your husband. Um….would you like to go out for a drink later and talk about it? It might help and I understand what it is to lose someone to war. I lost my best friend in Desert Storm."
Neela thought about it for a second. Maybe this was the way to go. Talking to someone who had been in her shoes before but wasn't emotionally involved with her. "Um, thanks Tony, I think I'd like that." At least Ray and I won't be walking on eggshells tonight around each other. I just hope he doesn't use this opportunity to invite over another bimbo. I am not sure I could take seeing him in a towel again. Or, if she was being honest with herself, seeing him with someone else. Not just yet. Neela blushed when she thought of Ray in a towel. Tony thought she was blushing at the thought of a date with him.
Everyone within hearing range was shocked that Neela had said she would go out for a drink with Tony. Abby had always thought Neela would come to her or Ray for comfort, eventually. They offered often enough. Thank God Ray wasn't here to hear that. Abby thought.
It didn't take long for him to find out, though. The ER rumor mill had it all around the hospital in an hour. It's probably been totally blown out of proportion. After all, everyone thought Neela and I were 'roommates with benefits' until I set Morris straight. He figured he should go straight to Neela and just casually ask her about her plans for the evening. Then depending on her answer, he would just as casually rip Gates' lungs out through his throat. Okay, so maybe that wasn't such a great idea. When did I become the jealous type? I assume that is what this overwhelming feeling of rage is – even though I don't remember ever feeling this way before.
Ray found Neela on the 3rd floor checking on a surgical patient. "Hey Roomie, I am still offering a pizza dinner if you are interested."
"Oh, I'm sorry Ray, I already made plans. I'm having a drink with Tony Gates later." She thought she saw hurt in his eyes but it was so fleeting she wasn't sure. She added, "He's a Desert Storm veteran, so I think it might be easier to talk to him….." Her voice faded off. Jesus, why can't I just leave well enough alone? Why do I always talk too much?
He made his eyes go blank. "No problem, we'll do it another time." He hoped he said it lightly enough. At least she was speaking to him. And this way, he could go home, drink a beer, eat some pizza and imagine Tony Gates on the operating table in several large pieces which he had no intention of sewing together. He couldn't resist adding in a serious voice, "Don't drink any tequila and call me if you need me." Jesus, why can't you just keep your mouth shut when it comes to her? You are pathetic, Barnett.
Neela was confused. What the bloody hell is he on about? We are just going for drinks. I am not going to get drunk and boff the guy. I mean, he is good-looking but I just want to talk about things with someone who understands. And besides, Neela added to herself, he's not half as sexy as you are you idiot! I wish I could see Tony that way – it would solve a lot of my problems, believe you me, Barnett. I am not ready for a relationship with anyone, but at least Tony would be a safer alternative than you are. God, I am pathetic.