Apologies for any incorrect tenses - this was so difficult to write!

CHAPTER 10

As the taxi pulled away from her apartment, Jessie found her keys and let herself into her apartment. Kicking off her shoes, she found her slippers, and padded into the kitchen to make herself a drink. She wandered into her bedroom and caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. Not bad, she thought, admiring her long, deep blue-green dress. It was one of her favourites, and she knew she looked good (even with the slippers). There had been a few glances in her direction during the evening, and she was pleased she'd chosen something other than black, which seemed to be ubiquitous at these sorts of occasions.

Jessie sat on her bed, taking her make up off. She thought about the evening. Romano had said nothing when she'd opened the door. He'd merely stared at her with a funny look on his face.

vvvvvv

As the taxi pulled away from Jessie's apartment, Robert leaned back and closed his eyes. His mind swam with images and he tried desperately to make sense of the whirl of emotions coursing through him.

When Jessie had opened her apartment door, he'd been captivated. She had looked more beautiful than he'd ever seen her, in her shimmering green dress; and he hadn't been able to find the words to tell her. A thousand compliments had flashed through his brain but everything he'd thought he should say sounded crass and insincere. So he'd said nothing and the moment had passed.

When they'd arrived, Robert had been painfully aware that this was his first public event since his accident. He knew that most people would have heard about what had happened to him. When the taxi had stopped, Robert's legs had wobbled slightly as he'd got out and closed the door. He'd turned round to find Jessie standing near, a reassuring look on her face. She'd whispered encouragement, and he'd drawn drew strength from her. She believed in him, and she knew him; these philistines didn't matter a damn.

Robert had squared his shoulders and had stood up straight.

"Perhaps you would do me the honour of accompanying me inside, Doctor Rhodes," he had asked Jessie, with a smile, his voice wavering only slightly.

vvvvvv

Dinner hadn't been too bad, Jessie reflected, as she slipped out of her dress, and struggled into her nightdress. It was difficult to eat with only one functioning arm; more so when in public, and Jessie supposed that Romano hadn't had the easiest time either (although his dinner companion had looked pleasant). Trapped next to her own dinner companion, an earnest and formidable man called Alan, who had dandruff and screaming halitosis, Jessie hadn't been able to talk to Romano during the meal, even though they'd been sat on the same table. She'd had to content herself with the occasional glance in his direction.

As dinner had progressed, Jessie had resigned herself to the fact that she wasn't going to get to talk to anyone but Alan. He'd monopolised her conversation, spending most of the dinner trying to persuade her to go and work for him in Indianapolis. Admittedly, he knew a great deal about all sorts of things, but Jessie had found herself wishing she was sitting with someone more interesting. She heard Romano laugh and had looked over to where he was sat. He'd seemed to have overcome his initial nervousness, and was smiling at his fellow guests. As Jessie had tried to tune Alan out, she could hear Romano tell the story of the time he'd operated on his beloved dog, Gretel.

Stealing furtive glances, Jessie had watched Romano tell his story. His face was animated, and he waved his arms around, nearly knocking more than one glass over. He'd acquired an audience; most of the table had ceased their conversations to listen to him. Isn't it funny? Jessie had thought; he's a different person outside the hospital. Where's the bitterness and anger now? His colleagues wouldn't recognize him.

As Robert had reached the climax of his story, the table had erupted into laughter, and Alan had looked round disapprovingly. Jessie had smiled to herself, and Robert's gaze had met hers. He'd grinned at her, and slipped her a surreptitious wink.

Alan had motioned in Romano's direction.

"Isn't that Robert Romano?"

Jessie had nodded.

"Hmm…didn't he used to be the best surgeon in Chicago?"

"I understand he still is." Jessie had replied, politely.

vvvvvv

Dinner hadn't been easy, Robert admitted; but he'd managed without incident. He'd been sat next to a fat, jolly woman, who had seemed ignorant of his unease, and oblivious to his disability. She'd chatted merrily throughout the dinner, which had helped him concentrate on the task in front of him. He'd glanced at Jessie from time to time, and a couple of times she'd caught his eye and smiled. She'd spent most of the dinner in deep conversation with the scary looking man on her right.

As dinner had progressed, Robert had found himself involved in a conversation about work. He'd tried to avoid reference to his accident, and had managed to gloss over the fact that he'd been demoted to ER Chief. One of his dinner companions had mentioned a colleague of hers operating on a family dog, and Robert had decided to contribute his own experience of surgery on animals. He'd started to speak, softly at first; the volume increasing as he'd realized that he had a captive audience.

As he was talking, Robert had snuck a look at Jessie and he could see that she was listening to him, even though she was pretending to listen to the man on her right. When he'd dropped in the punch line, and everyone had laughed, Robert had been pleased to see her smirking.

After the speeches (which had seemed to go on forever), the guests had dispersed, and Robert had decided to get a drink. As he'd approached the bar, he saw a familiar figure sitting on one of the bar stools.

"Hey, Hefner, long time no see! Still sleeping with women young enough to be your daughter?"

The man on the stool had turned round, his eyes sparkling with laughter.

"Hey, Rocket! Still pining after cute English doctors?"

He'd stood up and moved towards Robert. The two men hugged, and clapped each other on the back. Then they'd performed a series of bizarre hand gestures, made all the more comical by Robert's prosthetic.

Laughing, Robert had gestured towards the bar.

"Not anymore, buddy. Now do you want a drink? Although I'm sure it's your turn to offer, even if it is free here; you still owe me for that little blonde thing I introduced you to!"

The man had laughed, and had gestured to the barman.

"A bottle of your finest red wine for me and my old friend Rocket Romano!"

vvvvvv

After brushing her teeth, Jessie slid into bed and turned out the lamp. A few seconds later, she heard a small sound, and felt Rochester curl up on the pillow next to her. Jessie stroked the cat until she heard him purr. It was nice meeting some of Romano's friends, she thought...

Jessie had finally given Alan the slip. For good, she'd hoped. Scanning the room, she had quickly found Romano at the bar, laughing with a tall, handsome man with salt-and-pepper hair.

She'd walked over to them, and Romano had smiled at her as she'd approached.

"Oh God! Rescue me, please!" She'd groaned. "That man won't leave me alone!"

Robert had looked over her shoulder.

"I think the coast is clear." He'd motioned towards Gideon. "Jessie, I'd like to introduce you to Doctor Gideon McCarthy. He was a mate of mine back when I was studying to become a doctor. Hef, this is Doctor Jessie Rhodes; she works at County."

Gideon had looked down at Jessie, his eyes twinkling.

"So, Doctor Rhodes, are you an ER doctor, or a surgeon?" He'd asked.

"Um, neither actually," Jessie had replied. "And, please, call me Jessie." Stealing a quick glance at Romano, she'd briefly explained to Gideon what she did for a living. He was an attractive man, she'd decided. A couple of years shy of fifty, she surmised, but still good-looking. The grey in his hair merely added to the charm.

vvvvvv

"That's twenty four bucks, buddy!" The taxi driver's cheery voice broke Robert's reverie and he realised with a start that they'd arrived at his house. He reached into his pocket and drew out thirty dollars, which he passed through the window of the cab.

Robert found his keys and let himself into his house. He poured himself a glass of water, and leaned against the sink, thinking about Gideon. It'd been great at first to see him again…

The three of them had chatted, and in just ten minutes, Gideon had managed to embarrass Robert at least twice. After a while, Gideon had excused himself and left Robert alone with Jessie. He'd watched her silently for a minute, noticing things that he had never seen before, like the two small diamond earrings in her left ear, and the mole on her left collarbone. Then Jessie had turned to him, and his reverie had been broken.

"So that's why you're called Rocket," she'd murmured. "Well, I can't say I didn't wonder!"

Robert had coughed hastily and changed the subject.

"You realize he was flirting with you," he'd pointed out, blushing only slightly.

"Hmm," Jessie had replied, noncommittally.

"Well, he's tall, handsome, talented, rich AND single. What more do you want?" Robert had asked, curiously.

Jessie'd smirked.

"Yes, well, he is a bit tall, isn't he? Besides – who would possibly be interested in a man whose nickname is 'Hefner'? I imagine he probably flirts with everybody. Anyway, enough of that. Are you having a nice time, Doctor Romano?"

Robert had nodded.

"You know, I might actually have something to be grateful to Kerry Weaver for. But don't quote me on that!"

vvvvvv

Rolling over in bed, Jessie massaged her right knee. She'd had many years to get used to her prosthetic, but her right leg still ached occasionally when she'd spent a lot of time in heels. Thinking about her disability brought her thoughts back to Romano, and the events of the evening. She didn't know what to think about it all…

Alone at the bar, Romano and Jessie had chatted for a while. Jessie had been thrilled to spend some time with him, outside her office. They'd talked about banal things; owning a pet, countries they'd visited; their favourite films. It doesn't matter what we're talking about, Jessie had thought. I'm finally getting to know the real Robert Romano.

vvvvvv

Wandering into the bedroom, Robert caught sight of himself in the mirror. Not bad, he thought. Even for a guy with one arm. His tailor had done an excellent job. Thinking about his disability brought his thoughts back to Jessie, and the events of the evening. He didn't know what to think about it all…

Robert had really enjoyed talking to Jessie. He hadn't known she had a cat, or that she'd once spent three months backpacking round Europe. He certainly hadn't realized that she'd never seen the 'Godfather' trilogy. I'll have to rectify that, he'd thought.

Whilst they were talking, Gideon had wandered over. Robert was surprised to feel a wave of disappointment wash over him as he saw his friend approach.

"So, Jessie, can I tear you away from the clutches of my old friend Rocket and have the pleasure of a dance?" Gideon had manoeuvred himself until he'd stood in between them. He'd smiled his most charming smile at Jessie, and Robert's shoulders had bristled with anger. Moving round to stand next to Jessie, the words had left Robert's mouth before he'd been aware of what he was saying.

"Uh, actually Gideon, Doctor Rhodes promised me the first dance." He'd glanced quickly at Jessie, then smiled triumphantly at his friend.

"That's true, I did," Jessie had added, hastily.

"I can wait." Gideon leaned against the bar. "But, Robert, I thought you told me earlier that you'd stopped pining after…ow! That was my foot! Be careful out there, Jessie. He's got two left feet!"

Jessie had sighed dramatically.

"What I wouldn't give for two left feet!"

Robert had laughed uproariously. and he'd steered Jessie gently on to the dance floor, the two of them enjoying their own private joke, leaving Gideon at the bar, looking mystified.

vvvvvv

Smiling in the darkness, Jessie thought about her dance with Romano…

Out on the dance floor, Romano had pulled Jessie tightly towards him. She'd rested her hand on his shoulder, and leaned into him. Closing her eyes, she'd let him lead her round the floor. I can't believe I'm doing this, Jessie had thought. Her body had tingled with desire and her heart had thumped so loudly in her chest; she'd been sure that Romano could hear.

She hadn't noticed Gideon watching them.

vvvvvv

Robert struggled out of his tuxedo and ambled into the bathroom to brush his teeth. And what about that dance? He thought…

Robert had wondered what the hell he was doing as he guided Jessie on to the dance floor. He'd spoken without thinking. He'd have to explain himself to Jessie. Pulling her tightly towards him, Robert had been determined that he would out-dance Gideon. It was only a matter of time before he would cut in, Robert knew.

"Thank you for helping me out there," he'd whispered softly. "Gideon and I, well, we can be a bit competitive. You see, we…"

"It's no problem," Jessie had murmured in his ear. I used to be best friends with a 'Gideon'. She and I used to compete at everything. I know what it's like."

Robert had nodded, and continued to dance. He'd closed his eyes and enjoyed the feel of Jessie's body next to his. Pulling her imperceptibly closer, he'd breathed deeply, inhaling the scent of her skin, and her perfume. God, she smells so good, he'd thought.

When his body began to respond to the proximity of the woman in his arms, he had started to panic slightly. What if she notices? He'd thought, wildly; what am I going to do? He had actually been grateful when Gideon had tapped him on the shoulder.

"Mind if I cut in?"

vvvvvv

Jessie plumped the pillows and sighed in the darkness. Dancing with Gideon had been unsettling, she thought…

Gideon had wrapped strong arms around Jessie and pulled her close. Jessie had responded automatically, her head still replaying the dance with Romano.

"Well, I'll say something for Rocket, he's certainly hit the jackpot this time!" Gideon muttered.

Jessie had looked up at him, startled.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm talking about you. You two are so into each other, you could have been alone on that dance floor." Gideon had smiled.

"I don't know what you mean," Jessie had responded, stiffly. "I'm his doctor. We're friends. That's all there is to it."

Gideon had chuckled.

"You might be able to fool yourself, sweetheart, but you're not fooling me. You have no idea how you two looked out here, do you? Both of you wearing the same dreamy expression." Sighing to himself, Gideon had pulled Jessie closer. " Almost makes me believe in happily ever after," he murmured, into her hair.

Jessie had stopped dancing, and looked up at Gideon, her expression neutral.

"If you'll excuse me, I have to powder my nose…"

vvvvvv

Washing his face, Robert thought about how he'd felt, watching his friend dance with Jessie…

He hadn't been able to watch for long. Strange things were happening to him, and he hadn't been able to figure it out. He'd decided to leave them to it; if Jessie decided to go out with Gideon, there wasn't anything he could do about it, he'd reasoned. She was a grown woman, after all, and he didn't own her. And he had warned her about what Gideon was like.

He'd turned away, and had decided to go to the bathroom, when he heard a voice call his name. Looking around, he'd spotted his old colleague, Steve, gesturing in his direction.

vvvvvv

After Jessie had excused herself from Gideon, she'd gone straight to the bathroom. When she'd checked her make-up, she had wandered back out to the party, thinking about what Gideon had said. Could everyone see how she felt? Could Romano?

Romano was over near the dance floor, chatting to a man with a shock of blond hair. As he spotted her, he'd beckoned her towards them.

"Hey, Jessie. Meet my friend Steve. We used to work together, a long, long time ago. You guys'll have to excuse me, I won't be a minute." Slipping away, he'd left them alone.

When Jessie had introduced herself to Steve, he had shaken her hand, and looked her up and down, appraisingly. Not used to being the subject of such obvious scrutiny, Jessie had stepped away slightly from the man. Suddenly, he'd gripped her right arm, just above the elbow. Smiling conspiratorially, he'd leaned in close, taking advantage of their proximity to try and look down her dress.

"So how much is he paying you?" Steve had leered, his breath reeking of alcohol. Jessie's heart had leaped, and she took a deep breath to calm herself.

"I don't understand what you mean," she'd answered, truthfully. Had Romano told Steve about their sessions? Had Steve misunderstood and not realised she was part of the hospital staff?

"My old friend Rocket Romano," Steve had drunkenly gestured in Romano's direction. "He must have paid a fair amount to hire you… I hope he's getting his money's worth!"

Jessie had looked blankly at Steve. She had begun to realize what he was talking about. She wasn't going to start a fight at the dinner; there was her reputation to think about. And besides, he was Romano's friend. If Steve wanted to think she was a hooker or an escort girl that was his problem. She'd tell him about the double doctorate and the high IQ later. After she'd 'accidentally' poured her drink over him.

"Wow, so I bet you thought you'd struck out tonight, eh?" Steve's grip on her elbow had tightened and he'd belched loudly. "Bad luck on getting lumbered with Romano; he's not really a hit with the ladies, is he? Especially now, eh? I mean look at him; no wonder he's got to pay you to go out with him – who'd want to date a cripple!" Steve had laughed loudly and Jessie had responded with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Okay, she'd thought, now she was really angry. This man was supposedly Romano's friend, and here he was being nasty about him. Jessie had been about to say something when Steve had suddenly released her elbow. He'd continued to laugh to himself.

vvvvvv

Robert climbed into bed, thinking back to what had happened later. It had been great at first, to run into Steve. He hadn't seen him for a while. They'd worked together many years previously, back before Romano had started to work at County. When Robert had moved to Chicago, they'd seen each other a couple of times a year. Well, I certainly misjudged that one, he thought…

After his visit to the bathroom, Robert had gone to get another bottle of wine. Walking back to Steve and Jessie, he'd spotted that Steve seemed to be laughing at something Jessie had said.

Jessie had turned round to face him, and he'd been puzzled by the strange expression on her face. She hadn't looked happy, but Robert had been unable to work out what her expression meant. Struggling only slightly, he'd put the glasses and the bottle on the table next to them, and poured out some wine for Jessie and himself.

"I was just telling Jessie here that you made a good choice," Steve had slurred, leering at Jessie. "I hope she's worth the price you paid!"

Robert had turned to Jessie, a questioning look in his eyes.

"…I mean, what with you being slightly at a disadvantage now, eh, buddy?" Steve had nudged Robert, almost losing his balance, and Robert's wine had sloshed dangerously in his glass. "Don't see you finding anyone now you've lost an arm. Not without paying for it, anyway!" Steve had laughed and Robert had wondered briefly why he hadn't realized how drunk Steve had been when he'd first seen him, and why he, Robert, was standing here letting himself be ridiculed by someone who was supposed to be his friend.

vvvvvv

Jessie snuggled under the covers, shifting Rochester, who found a comfortable position at the foot of the bed. It was nice to have someone defending my honour, she thought sleepily. Although I wasn't expecting that…

"And this one isn't bad, I suppose!" Steve had added, gesturing wildly in Jessie's direction, nearly catching her face with his hand. He had spoken as if Jessie wasn't there. "I tell you what, pal, how about you let me have her when you've finished?" The last question had been accompanied by a wink and another leer in Jessie's direction. Jessie had shuddered in spite of herself, and had snuck a pleading glance at Romano.

vvvvvv

Robert struggled to get comfortable. He was still trying to fathom why he'd done what he did then…

Robert had been unable to believe what he was hearing. Seeing the expression on Jessie's face, he'd realized what he had to do. Shaking his head slightly, he'd put down his glass. He'd been able to cope with Steve's insults to him, but not to Jessie. Before any of them had known what was happening, Robert had swung out with his right fist and connected, solidly, with Steve's jaw. Steve had collapsed, moaning on the floor.

"I think you owe my friend an apology," Robert had said softly. "She's a doctor, not an escort, and she was invited here on the basis of her own talents. And as for you, well, you're just an asshole."

Robert had picked up the wine bottle and walked away from Steve. He didn't look at Jessie. He had felt sure that if she'd looked into his eyes, she would have known at once what he'd just worked out for himself.

vvvvvv

Jessie had been so stunned when Romano had hit Steve that she hadn't moved. As a group of people began to gather round Steve on the floor, she'd moved away and looked round for Romano. Someone had tried to grasp her arm but she'd gasped and glared at the man until he'd backed away. Time to leave, she'd thought.

She'd found a quiet place in the corner of the bathroom, and called a cab. After ten minutes or so, she'd composed herself enough to leave the bathroom and collect their coats, before making her way to the door.

Romano had gone outside, and was sat on the steps. Their taxi had just arrived. Jessie had walked past him, carrying his coat. Stopping at the bottom of the stairs, she'd turned round to look at him.

"Coming?" she'd smiled, holding out his coat.

Gratefully, Romano had stood and reached out his hand for his coat. He'd been more than a little surprised when Jessie had squeezed his hand.

"Thanks for that," she'd whispered, softly.

"You're welcome." Robert had smiled.