It was finally April.
Audrey had been looking forward to April for a while and the excitement was starting to show.
"I've been offered preview tickets" she said excitedly to Neil as he walked up to the nurse's station at the start of his shift.
"Hi" he replied with a smile. "How are you today? I'm just fine, thank you!"
"Yeah sure, all of that. Did you hear what I said?"
"I did" he laughed. He loved seeing her this excited and was going to prolong this conversation as much as possible. "But what on earth are you talking about?'
"You know full well!" Audrey exclaimed. "Avengers is out on April 26th. I've had an email today offering a preview showing on April 24th!"
His face fell and his heart broke a little when he realised the effect his next words would have.
"I know you've already booked the tickets for opening night, but this would be awesome. My treat!" she rambled on.
"I can't" he said, disappointed when her face reflected the same. "Adam and I have tickets to see The Boss remember? I got them for his birthday, he's coming into town especially. Aud, I'm so sorry."
"Oh" she replied, looking downcast before realising they were in public and lifting her chin and putting on a half smile. A half smile which he noticed didn't reach her eyes. "It's fine. I'm sure Jo or Kevin will come just this once."
"I am really, really sorry" he said sounding flat. He was disappointed she didn't think to wait for him but he'd never ask. She was so excited.
Saved by the bell, or by the page they found themselves called to the Emergency Room to assist. There had been a minor traffic incident but they wanted hands on deck to assess patients as they arrived. Being third year residents, they now commanded a little respect and were also expected to provide guidance to those training below them.
X
Later that same day, Audrey caught up with Jo and Kevin and excitedly relayed the tale she had preview tickets and how she wanted one of them to come with her. Her words were flowing at a million miles per hour and they stood and smiled, waiting for her to finish.
"We can't Aud, we're going to be here. Lots of people were angling for leave that week, there's no way we'd be able to swap. Sorry" Jo said, really feeling sorry for her friend.
"It's okay" she said, sounding down. "I guess it's back to a movie trip for one this time around" she said with a half smile.
"It's still going to be your thing" Kevin said nudging her gently. "Yours and Neil's weird non- dating dates. Just not this one" he smiled.
Audrey rolled her eyes at him and his ridiculous insistence that she and Neil were dating but didn't argue back. The argument that three or four movie trips a year would be the worst dating life ever fell on deaf ears. Since the night she spent on his sofa to look after him, it seemed that Kevin's imagination had gone into overdrive.
For about a week afterward, the teasing had come thick and fast but then stopped suddenly. She was quite sure that Neil had said something but he would never admit it. He knew the trouble he would get into defending Audreys honour without her permission.
Feeling disappointed, she excused herself and went off to pick up a coffee from the lobby. She understood their position, but was certainly a little sad. She told herself that it wasn't because she'd regressed back to antisocial Audrey, but she still needed a moment.
X
With days to go before the preview, Audreys excitement was building again. She'd gotten over the disappointment and promised him that she'd still go with him opening night. He'd never admit it, but he actually enjoyed watching these movies and not just because he got to spend time with her.
"When's Adam getting in?" she asked, catching up with Neil before rounds started that morning. She didn't notice Jo frantically shaking her head in attempt to get her to stop talking and carried on. "You guys got big plans?"
"Not anymore" he said, turning to her with a face like thunder. "The idiot fell and broke his leg yesterday. He can't travel" he said snappily.
"Oh" she said, not really knowing at this point how she could help at all. Neil hardly ever got cross; he wasn't a hot headed type so seeing him like this was unusual. "Is he going to be okay?" she asked.
Neil's face softened and he gave her a little smile.
"He'll be okay" he replied. "He's getting a few pins put in today but certainly won't be concert ready in time. Sorry I snapped, I'm... well I'm pissed off" he said shrugging his shoulders.
Jo and Kevin looked on, amused at the almost instant change in Neil's mood, all down to the presence of Audrey.
There was no time for further chat as the attending demanded their attention and rounds began.
X
Tuesday came around quickly and Neil and Audrey was both finishing at 4. They walked out to the parking lot together but the mood was sullen.
Neil's bad mood was a direct contrast to Audreys excitement and they must have looked quite the pair as they walked. Audrey had a bounce in every step, excited to see what she was calling 'the best film of the year'.
Neil was dragging his feet a little. He was looking forward to the concert but was still a little bummed that he had to go alone. He knew full well that concerts aren't really places to stand and chat but it'd be more fun with company.
"Enjoy tonight Aud" he said as they stopped briefly by his car.
"I will" she replied excitedly. "You too. Are you still getting dinner?"
"Dinner for one? No, I cancelled the reservation. I'm going to head down straight from home around 6 to see if I can sell off his ticket."
"Well, the concert will be amazing I'm sure" she smiled trying to end the conversation on a positive note.
"See you Thursday" he replied. "No spoilers please" he smiled as her got into his car.
X
He was ready. Grabbing his jacket, he checked he had the tickets and turned towards the door, almost jumping out if his skin when he heard a short, sharp knock.
He hadn't buzzed anyone in so he checked the spy hole and did a double take. What was she doing here?
"Everything okay?" he said as he opened the door to see Audrey standing there. She looked nervous and he waited while she took a deep breath before answering.
"I buzzed your neighbour to let me in. Told her I was going to surprise you" she started.
"Riiight?"
"Well, surprise!" she exclaimed, waving her hands and feeling like an idiot.
"The movie starts in...45 minutes" he said checking his watch. "You're cutting it fine."
"I gave away my ticket" she said, sounding more confident. "I thought you might want some company tonight?" she asked.
He looked at her and couldn't help it as a smile spread across his face. A full beam, Neil Melendez megawatt smile. Just for her.
"Is that okay" she asked. She knew the answer from his reaction but she wanted to hear the words.
"It's better than okay" he said, smile still played across his face. "Are you sure? I didn't think you liked Springsteen?"
"I don't, but I'm sure" she replied. "Ready to go?"
"Absolutely" he smiled, pulling the door closed behind him.