Jac and Zosia drove back from the hospital with the windows rolled down and an old, battered CD of Zosia's whirring in the background. Jac didn't need to ask how it went because she heard everything first. 'And the ward is great,' said Zosia, going off on a tangent, 'They reckon he'll be out soon. To be honest, I think he's a bit sick of seeing me there, but-'
'Hello?' she said a bit indignantly, as she had spent about twenty minutes talking in great detail. 'Just thinking,' smiled Jac. 'It's good to see you happy, even if it is the type of happy that makes me want to buy earplugs.' Zosia gasped in mock offense. 'And to think I thought you cared!' 'I do, but all in moderation,' Jac said, grinning. 'You've taken a wrong turn, too!' laughed Zosia as she watched Jac make a U-turn back to where they were a moment ago.
The car was mostly quiet apart from music for a few minutes before Zosia spoke. 'I think you're amazing, Jac,' she said suddenly. Jac didn't say anything, but the sudden rush of blood to her cheeks made Zosia laugh. 'So amazing that you can come with me to the Christmas party in a few weeks.' Jac finally found her tongue. 'With everybody there?' she asked. 'Yes, and with me. Do you want us to be something?' Jac didn't think for a second. 'Yes, of course.' 'Well, you can show me by coming to this.'
The car pulled up outside the door to Zosia's flat. 'We'll go together, then,' said Jac, watching Zosia get out of the car. She stopped to kiss Jac briefly on the lips. 'That's the spirit.'
•
The next day, Jac picked Zosia up but regretted it just a bit when she saw the looks poor Digby and Dom gave her as they were left to take public transport. Zosia hopped up the steps without waiting for Jac. 'Back from your day off?' asked Bernie, clearly amused. 'Yeah I...' Zosia trailed off, never good at twisting the truth.'
Jac caught up with her girlfriend and heard the end of their conversation. 'I'm her head of department and I okayed t, so if you could just-' Bernie had a wry smile like she'd heard the funniest joke ever. 'Funny, that.' Jac was annoyed now. 'Relax, she's harmless.' said Zosia nonchalantly. 'Coffee?' she asked. Jac relaxed. 'Like old times?' she said. 'Just like old times.' said Zosia.