Chapter 7

After reporting off to the day shift nurses and meeting a number of new people, Kori stood at her locker looking at her outfit. She hated to put the clothes she had come to work in yesterday. She had never taken the 'walk of shame', but she just wished she had something new else to wear no matter how short a time she had had the outfit on the day before. Kori stripped off her scrubs placing them in a hamper and pulled on her tan capris and a peach paisley peasant top without any other options. She wished she could shower – working in the ER is the kind of work where you want to shower right before and right after work. She had to settle and proceeded to wash her face, brush her teeth and hair, and reapply her mascara and lip gloss.

Kori easily found the Denny's down the road from the hospital and pulled into a spot fairly far from the front door, not wanting to draw attention to the Mercedes 2010 E class sedan with diplomatic plates that she drove. She quickly called Galfore as she got out of her car to let him know she would be back at the embassy in an hour or so. She reassured him that she would get enough rest prior to her ER shift that afternoon at 3 PM.

She walked into the half full restaurant and saw Dick, Gar and Wally in a front booth that could easily accommodate 8 people. Dick caught her eye and gave her a big smile, he motioned her to sit next to him, although she noticed that he did not scooch in for her, so that when she sat down their thighs nearly touched.

Not understanding his strategy, Gar said "Dick, move in, give Kori some room." That earned Gar a Dick Grayson death glare, but Dick moved in just a little bit anyway and Kori just smiled, finding herself blushing.

They talked shop mostly and Dick pretty much kept his eyes on Kori unless he was the one talking. Another time and place Kori might have felt uncomfortable, but she was alright with the attention, vacillating between excited and comforted by Dick's actions.

When the waitress arrived, she gave Dick a suggestive look. Dick ignored her and ordered although Gar and Wally obviously found it amuzing. Dick only had eyes for Kori that morning, although the universe was not willing to cooperate.

When Kori had gotten up to wash her hands right before the meal arrived, she returned to find a woman easily in her late forties in her seat leaning in to discuss the importance of the Montgomery County open space initiative.

Kori paused and almost went to sit on the other end of the booth when Dick motioned to her while saying to the interloper, "Madeline, can you excuse us, you are actually in Kori's seat. Maddie Ewing, this is Kori Anders."

Maddie politely shook Kori's hand and sheepishly left Kori's seat without another word.

"Great talking to you Maddie, and count me in for a table on 12 for the October fund raiser."

Dick managed a "sorry about that" when the waitress returned with breakfast.

The meal was interrupted by no less than five other women coming to greet Dick. Kori actually found it amusing. Gar and Wally rolled their eyes repeatedly and Kori overheard Wally say something about it being a typical Saturday at Denny's with Dr. Grayson.

Near the end of the meal Dick excused himself to go to the rest room. Gar and Wally took the opportunity to ask Kori more questions about her life especially her love life and to put in additional good words for Dick.

Time past and Kori was finished her meal. She finally looked around and saw an uncomfortable Dick cornered by two blond middle-aged women. Dick looked up and caught Kori's eye and smiled and excused himself.

When Dick was walking back to the booth when Kori check her watch. It was already after 9:15 AM and Kori knew she would never be well enough rested for her afternoon shift if she didn't get home soon. She placed a $20.00 bill on the table. Kori said her goodbyes to Gar and Wally and excused herself in the face of their protests.

Kori came face to face with Dick as she stood up.

"I'm sorry we didn't get to talk more," he started.

Kori smiled "Its fine."

Looking past Kori's shoulder, "Guys I'll be right back, I'm going to walk Kori out to her car."

Dick placed a hand on the small of Kori's back and escorted her outside.

"I'd like to see you again."

"I'd like that too," she smiled at him and he got a little weak in the knees, another sensation that Dick Grayson was not used to feeling.

"May I have your number?" Dick pulled out his cell and typed in her cell number as she gave it to him.

They were only a few feet from the door when Kori said, "why don't you get back inside? I can certainly make it back to my car on my own."

"I'd rather..."

Kori placed her hand on Dick's forearm. "I'm fine. Enjoy your friends and I'll talk to you soon."

They held each other's gaze for a few seconds. As Kori removed her hand from Dicks arm he quickly and gently took her hand in his, interlacing their fingers. Giving it a squeeze, he brought her hand up to his mouth, barely brushing his lips over the back of her hand. His eyes never left hers.

"I'll talk to you soon."

"Sounds wonderful!" Kori managed softly, suppressing a squeal as she turned toward her car.

Kori felt like she could float. She almost started to skip as she moved toward her car. She knew Dick was still looking at her, but she knew if she looked back she would melt or change her mind and stay rather than go home and rest up for work. It was official: she was smitten.

Dick stood dumbfounded, his hand and arm tingling from her touch. He really could not remember being so drawn to someone. As he saw her pull away in her car, his head reeled. He had a lot of thinking to do. He had to pull out all the Dick Grayson charm and plan the best first date ever.

The moment was spoiled by the cringe-worthy phrase "Hey, Dickie-poo!"

TtTtTtTtTt

Ugghhh, Kitten! Certainly Kitten would be familiar with 'the walk of shame': it describes going home after donning the clothes one had on the previous day or evening, that is, broadcasting an impromtu sleepover.

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