Just wanted to say a quick thanks to all who have taken the time to leave a review. Its always great to receive feedback but it also confirms that people are reading, ergo providing encouragement to continue. To the guest reviewer who asked if Lizzie couldn't even call Robert...no, the big bad Don had banned workaholic Rocket from having a phone in his room. I did feel a tad mean but cold turkey cordano withdrawal was a necessity. Hopefully this installment will make up for it. Special thanks to RocketFuel24 for being my allthingsAmerican consultant.

Chapter Six -

Emma was in the cafeteria reading the paper and nursing a coffee, while she waited for Robert to finish his therapy session and have a check-up with Donald.

She felt someone hovering and looked up from the article she was reading to see Elizabeth standing there, holding a tray with a sandwich and soda.

"Hello Emma...is it alright if I join you?"

"Hi! Yes, please do," she said gesturing to the empty chair opposite and Elizabeth sat down.

"So what brings you back here? I'd heard they let you take him home days ago?" Elizabeth asked, opening the can. 'I believe the nurses threw a party to celebrate."

"I'm just waiting for Rob to finish his therapy session. He won't admit it, but I know he's too tired to drive when he's done."

Elizabeth brightened at the mention of Robert's name. It had been a week since she'd left him alone in that room. She missed her visits with him, missed laughing with him; missed laughing at him….in short, she just missed him."

"How is he?"

"Good. He's a lot happier now he's home."

"That's good," she said taking a bite of her sandwich.

"I thought we might have seen something of you," Emma said neutrally.

"Yeah, sorry, I've been so busy," she said. "My schedule is absolutely bonkers at the moment."

"That's what he said."

"Hmm?"

"That's what Robert said when I asked why you hadn't been round."

"Oh."

"So why haven't you been round? Are you sure he hasn't upset you?"

Elizabeth lowered her sandwich. "No! Why would you think that?"

'Because you've not been to see him once since I got back...and don't blame work because you were just as busy before and always managed to visit. When I left, you two were getting on like a house on fire."

Elizabeth reached for her soda as a small blush crept up over her neck and cheeks. Emma noticed it and an idea formed.

"Did something happen between you two?"

"No!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

Emma narrowed her eyes. "So what is it then? Because I know my brother Elizabeth, and though he won't admit it I know he's missing you...and I don't think I'm wrong in saying that its not one way either. So if he hasn't upset you and you miss him too, then why the hell are you avoiding him?"

"I want to visit, I really do," she hesitated.

Emma crossed her arms and stared at her waiting for her to finish the sentence until Elizabeth blinked under her intense gaze; different set of eyes, but the same bloody armour piercing stare... it obviously ran strong in the Romano family. She felt herself wilting under the watchful eye.

"To be honest, its quite silly. It was pointed out that I was spending too much time with him and people were beginning to gossip."

"And that's a problem because?"

"Because the person who pointed it out is my boyfriend, and there was gossip flying all round the hospital. So Robert….no...we...decided, that it would be better if I stayed away."

"Unfrigginbelievable," Emma muttered. The pair of them are idiots, she thought. "When exactly did this happen?"

"The day after you left,' Elizabeth admitted.

Emma felt herself getting outraged on her brothers behalf. "Are you telling me that the whole time I was away, depending on you to be there for him...you left him on his own?"

"I didn't want to."

"And yet you did.

"I'm sorry, I really am."

"Is it serious?"

"Is what serious?"

"You and the boyfriend, the one who doesn't want you visiting, the reason for my brother's apparent noble act of self exile? Is it serious? Because if it is Elizabeth, I want you to stay away from him, full stop. Are we clear?"

The two women eyed each other warily. Elizabeth sighed unhappily. It was a good question really, and one she'd been asking herself the last few days. She'd had a thoroughly miserable week and was in dire need of a laugh. What was the point of accommodating Marks wishes when all she wanted to do was call time of death on their relationship. Their last date had gone just about as well as the previous disaster.

"No," she sighed. "No it's not serious. In fact, I think I'm going to end it." There, she'd said it out loud.

Hah, progress at last, Emma thought.

She leaned forward in her chair and looked Elizabeth straight in the eyes.

"Honest question requiring an honest answer. Do you want to see him?"

"Yes," she admitted softly.

Emma had an idea. "Are you free tonight?"

"No, I really do have a bonkers work schedule."

"Tomorrow?"

"I should be, baring no new disasters. Why?"

"Come round for dinner?" Emma asked. "Hospital gossips can't see you there."

Elizabeth thought about it. She really did want to see Robert and it would be a bonus to have a home cooked meal too. She was also curious to see him in his natural habitat interacting with his family.

"Actually, you know what, that sounds lovely."

"Great."

"What time?"

"Shall we say seven? But come over before if you can...you can meet my daughter, Jess. Hell, even Gretel will probably be pleased to see you and we both know Robert will."

Elizabeth's pager went off. She checked the number and cursed getting up. "Sorry I have to go, but yes, tomorrow definitely. I'm really looking forward to it," she called out over her shoulder as she began running to the E.R and the next emergency.

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The following evening, Emma was just putting the finishing touches to dinner, when she heard a knock on the door. She heard Robert get up to go answer it mumbling about cold-callers and smiled a self-satisfied smile to herself.

Gretel was barking excitedly, and normally Robert would tell her off, but he decided if anyone was stupid enough to knock on his door at this late an hour then they could have the full Gretel experience.

He opened the door with more force than required and let Gretel get in front of him so she immediately launched herself at the visitor.

Robert did a double take at the sight of a very startled Elizabeth attempting to fend off an overexcited Gretel. "Down Gretel, down," he commanded and the large bouvier obeyed immediately. Elizabeth began brushing off dog hair and straightening up her clothes.

She looked up to see Robert standing there wearing a wide smile bordering on puzzled wonderment.

She stared at him, momentarily taken aback by his appearance. So used was she to seeing him dressed in scrubs or suits, she found herself openly gawking at this barefoot, casual and relaxed Robert stood in front of her. He was dressed simply in jeans and a black shirt that was unbuttoned at the neck and revealed a dusting of light chest hair. She noted they matched the colours in his beard which seemed to have come into a full Autumn fall. She had to admit, she really liked it.

"Lizzie! What are you doing here?"

"Emma invited me for dinner," she replied, puzzled.

"She did? When? never mind...awesome."

"She didn't say?"

"Nope."

Odd, she thought. "Well, may I come in?" she asked.

"Oh,err...yeah...absolutely," he said stepping aside. "Here, let me get your coat," he said remembering his manners.

"Thank you," she said and shrugged out off it handing it to him.

He hung it on the rack, then turned back to her.

"So Lizzie, not that I'm complaining," he said, "but aren't home visits gonna put us back on the font page of the County Chronicle?"

She smiled. "As your sister pointed out to me, gossips cannot see us here to gossip about us."

Robert smiled. A fair point, well made. Normally his sister meddling in his life would result in cross words but right now he was elated. "And what about Greene...he know you're here?"

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Mark. Robert, his name is Mark...and no, he doesn't' know I'm here because he's not my keeper."

Hmm, was that trouble in paradise he detected? Interesting he thought.

"You're keeping it then?" she said pointing at his beard to change the subject.

Robert's hand came up and stroked his right cheek. "Err, probably not. I'm just being lazy. Although, it really seems to annoy my niece, so for now it gets to stay."

She tilted her head to one side resisting the temptation to reach out and stroke it. "I really rather like it," she said, surprised at the flirtatious inflection in her voice. "It suits you."

Robert raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Well, then maybe I'll keep it," he said using the same flirtatious tone she'd used with him. Fairs fair, he thought.

She crossed her arms and smiled. Took a step closer to him. "Good," she said.

"Great," he said tipping his chin up, also taking a step closer.

"I've missed you," they both said at the same time, then by some unspoken word came together and embraced.

He pulled her tightly to him inhaling her perfume. He remembered the one and only other time he'd hugged her, just before her M & M. She'd been stiff and clearly uncomfortable, his gesture clearly unwanted. Not now. Elizabeth hugged him back appreciating the solidity of his body and the woodsy tones she smelled in his cologne.

"Hey Elizabeth, you made it!" Emma stood smirking as she watched them leap apart abruptly.

"Erm, yes thank you again for inviting me."

Robert tipped his head briefly towards her in silent thanks.

"Who's this?" Jess signed, appearing from behind her mother.

Robert signed back. "A friend of mine from work...Doctor Elizabeth Corday...your mom invited her for dinner."

"Oh, okay." She stepped forward and proffered her hand.

"Elizabeth this is my niece, Jess. She can lip read so just talk to her directly."

Elizabeth smiled and shook her hand. "Pleased to meet you."

Jess nodded and gave her uncle an impressed look. "She is sooo out of your league!"

"Well that's fine, because she's just a friend."

"Yeah, on account of her being way out of your league!"

"Dinner shouldn't be long," Emma said. "Jess, I could use some help in the kitchen," she signed deciding to save Robert, and left tugging her daughter along with her.

"What did she say?" Elizabeth asked once they'd left.

"She likes you, but thinks I'm too good for you," he said and placed his hand on the small of her back guiding her towards the lounge.

"I find that hard to believe somehow! Has she always been deaf?"

"Yeah, from birth but it doesn't stop her doing anything. She's a great kid! So, can I get you something to drink? I've a bottle of red already open?"

"Sounds lovely."

"So you're fluent with sign language," Elizabeth said impressed as they entered a large room, tastefully decorated.

"Of course," he said matter of factly.

"Any more hidden talents?" she asked as he poured her a glass of wine.

"You'll have to stick around to find out," he replied with that hint of flirtation again and handed her the glass.

Elizabeth had a good look around the large lounge. Although she'd been in the house before when looking after Gretel she'd deliberately resisted snooping, and had never been in here. Her eye was immediately drawn to the corner where there stood a very impressive baby grand and next to it, on a stand sat a guitar. She looked at Robert who was busy watching her.

"You play?"

"It would be a very expensive sideboard if I didn't," he smirked.

"Both?"

He nodded enjoying the impressed and surprised vibe she was giving off.

"You'll have to play me something," she said.

"Maybe, one day," he said, his voice low and raised his glass. "Cheers," he said clinking his glass against hers.

He invited her to sit down and against his will, forced himself to sit on the couch opposite, where he'd been sat working earlier. He'd rather be sat next to her but he couldn't argue with his current view either. She was sipping her wine and looking nosily around the room. The very fact she was here was monumental and he figured he'd better be on his best behaviour. He'd hate to scare her off again.

There were several bookcases, filled mainly with medical related books from what she could see. A gorgeous fireplace and mantelpiece displaying framed photographs. One in particular caught her attention and she got up to check her eyes were not deceiving her. She picked up the silver framed photograph and stared back at Robert open mouthed.

"This is you?!" she said.

He nodded. "Lieutenant Commander Romano, United States Navy, retired...at your service Ma'am," he said with a playful salute.

"Wow! My God, you look so young!" And handsome she added silently to herself.

"I was," he laughed.

"How long did you serve?"

"Uncle Sam paid for medical school and I gave them six years in return. Was never a career choice...more a means to an end. Mom didn't have buckets of cash so it seemed a simple solution."

She replaced the picture and sat back down turning her full gaze on him. There was so much she still didn't know about him and it amazed her. She found herself desperately wanting to know everything.

"Bet you wish you were better at twenty questions now, eh?" he smirked as if reading her mind.

"Yes," she acknowledged and he grinned triumphantly. She again marvelled at how very relaxed he looked, sat leaning right back into the couch, with one leg crossed over the other. Never one to be completely still, his left foot was tapping slightly against the large coffee table that separated them. It was more or less covered by papers and files. "Err, what's all that? Elizabeth said pointing.

Robert's eyes flicked briefly to the table then back to her. "Its called paperwork, Lizzie."

"Yes thank you Robert, I can see that. However it looks cunningly like hospital paperwork?"

"Yeah, it's just Chief of Staff stuff," he shrugged before realisation kicked in. "Before you think about running off and tattling to Donald, I'll have you know he's the one who had it sent over."

"Oh, he did did he?!" she spluttered nearly spitting out her wine. The sneaky, duplicitous old bugger, she thought.

Just then Emma and Jess reappeared and told them to relocate to the dining room.

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Dinner went smoothly enough. Emma had made a lovely lasagne served with a green salad. It was the healthiest and tastiest meal Elizabeth had had in a long time.

Watching Robert interact with his family was a revelation. He obviously had a very good relationship with Jess and was the doting uncle. Their hands moved in a fluid dance and either Robert or Emma translated for Elizabeth to keep her in the conversation. Robert and his sister tended to be sarcastic with each other but never in a malicious way and obviously got on well. They were very alike in temperament and both headstrong. Every now and again she thought she caught the odd scowl between them. Elizabeth got the impression he was feeling henpecked.

She insisted on helping with the dishes and again thought she saw Robert getting frustrated when Emma refused to let him help. "I'm not an invalid," he'd said warningly, his voice a low growl which both women recognised. The situation was diffused when Jess had dragged him off to the lounge. They'd finished the dishes and then taken dessert into the lounge where Jess was showing Robert some sketches she'd been working on. When they'd finished dessert Jess and Emma, peppered Elizabeth with questions about London and the cultural differences between her birth and adoptive country. Robert sat quietly subdued, listening and enjoying the sight and sound of having her in his home. When he tried to slyly hide a yawn, Emma looked at him with a 'told you so face,' which resulted in more scowling. Elizabeth also saw the yawn and stood making her excuses to leave. She'd thanked them for a lovely evening and Robert also stood saying he'd see her out.

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He held out her coat for her and she turned so she could shrug into it. His hands lingered just a fraction longer than necessary on her arms and she turned around to face him.

"Are you okay?" she asked gently.

"I'm fine."

She folded her arms across her chest and raised an expectant eyebrow. He gave a small eye roll but smiled. "I'm fine Lizzie… just a bit tired…and, she can be a little overbearing," he said nudging his head in the direction of the lounge.

"It was really great to see you," Elizabeth said.

"Ditto."

"Great idea of your sisters. Maybe you should cut her some slack; she's just worried about you, and she did orchestrate this whole dinner for you."

"Well, her middle name is cunning."

Elizabeth gave a small chuckle.

"So…."

"Soooo, I guess I should get going."

"You're on early then?"

"Yes," she sighed. "Officially on at eight, but more likely six so I can make some pretence at scaling the mountain of paperwork...then whatever the ER throws at me. I don't suppose you know, but Edson's sprained his wrist so he's of the rosta for now just to add to my woes."

"Moron," muttered Robert. "Put him on scut and.." She held up a hand stopping him mid-sentence. "Its already handled," she said. "Don't worry."

He looked at her. "Will you let me help you with your mountain of paperwork?"

Well if Donald was sending work Roberts way it was only fair that she could to, she thought. It would be a great help. "Absolutely!" she said. "Not only can you have the mountain, I shall bring the mountain to you."

"Great! Tomorrow?"

"If I can, absolutely," she said smiling.

Feeling emboldened after the successful evening and on his home turf he chanced pulling her in for another hug, pleased when she folded herself quite willingly into him. As they pulled apart, he brushed his lips gently against her cheek. "G'night Lizzie."

She smiled against him, enjoying the feel of his lips and soft whiskers. "You too. I guess I really should get going," she said stepping away from him.

"I'll walk you to your car," he said opening the door.

"Robert you don't have anything on your feet."

He looked down at his bare feet and shrugged not caring, but she was already walking away. He watched her climb into her car and throw out a wave which he returned, and then she drove off and disappeared into the night. Feeling better than he had in a long time he closed the door, already willing the morrow to arrive.

TBC