Authors Note: I admit to having seen the news that John Stamos is going to be a permanent fixture on ER next season so that is why I wrote him in. I just hope (as all of us die hard Ray/Neela fans do) that they do something else (or someone else – Sam maybe?) with his character. Not Neela! Also, note to gsrfan: I swear I wrote this chapter before I read your Chap 23 – the reference to Ghost was purely coincidence – a case of great minds thinking alike, I guess. Anyway, sorry, but once it was in I didn't really want to take it out.
Thanks for all your wonderful reviews!
Chap. 4
Ray had to admit that even though he would be happy to see Tony Gates die of the Ebola virus, whatever he had said to Neela seemed to be working. She had come home after having a drink (no tequila he was pretty sure) looking lighter to him. Like a load was off her mind. She seemed more like she used to be – before Michael. It made him feel lighter too, just looking at her. He had even seen her smile genuinely for the first time since Michael's death. He just wished he could have been the one to make her smile.
Neela had talked for hours to Tony about how the war had affected her relationship with Michael. He had told her that he had survivor's guilt – it was like he read her mind with that one. She felt the load on her shoulders lighten. As the night grew later, Tony had told her he was still interested in her when she was ready. She had told him in no uncertain terms that she was not ready to date him. Or anyone else, she had added to herself. She had not really allowed herself to think of Ray that way since she had moved back in. Anytime those thoughts came, she stopped them immediately by thinking of severed body parts, or something equally disgusting. Except when she was sleeping. She couldn't control what she dreamed about. Sometimes she woke up thinking the dreams were real and was disappointed when she rolled over and Ray wasn't there.
About a week after Neela had gone out for drinks with Tony, she flagged Ray down as he was getting on the elevator. She said, "How about Chinese for dinner? I'll buy and you can pick the movie, okay?"
Ray could not believe his good luck. Thank you, Tony Gates - now stay away from her. I guess I really do love her because I am just glad she is happy and she wants to spend an evening at home with me. If she wants friendship from me, I can do that. Well, Barnett, Ray thought to himself, you have definitely grown up. I can't say I am happy about it. Sometimes I wish you could go back to the old selfish Ray. Just go find a different girl. No consequences, no responsibily and no regrets. Just sex. But as long as there is a chance with Neela, I am not going to make another "Rebecca". Since the Rebecca incident, Ray had taken to referring to that mistake as a "Rebecca" in his mind. Rebecca and tequila were associated forever. And not in a good way. Ray noticed Neela was looking at him, waiting for his answer. "Okay, we never finished 'The Omen'. The original, with Gregory Peck." He smirked. He felt good. They were finally back to teasing each other.
"No bloody way, Ray. I need my beauty sleep." Neela grinned evilly. "I was thinking about 'Ghost', I know that is one of your closet favorites." She had caught him watching it when she came home early one night, although he had switched the channel and never admitted it.
"I have no idea what you are talking about," Ray said in his best huffy voice. "And besides, you said I could choose. So it's definitely 'The Omen'." He stuck his tongue out at her. She really doesn't need any more beauty sleep. She can't get any more beautiful than she already is. I really have to stop thinking like this; it is just going to get me in trouble.