The next day at work, Linden only spoke to Maddy when he had to, and even then it was in as few words as was humanely possible. He avoided her at all times other than when dealing with a patient. This was not just some situation that her over-active imagination had thought up; Sam had noticed it as well.
"So, Maddy. What did you do to our Mr Cullen for him to be even colder towards you? Did you shove him into a freezer? The morgue? Connie's office?"
"No, no and no – even the ice-queen herself wouldn't have done this… I honestly don't know. We were okay yesterday, but then today… I don't know."
"I'm sure it'll sort itself out soon enough. Anyway, the patient?" Sam took a sudden interest in the notes Maddy was holding, as Linden himself walked past.
"Have you got a problem Dr Young?"
"No, I'm fine Mr Cullen. Sam was just double-checking my diagnosis – being nosy as he usually is. Luckily he agrees with m–"
"If that's all, then I think you should go back to your own patients Mr Strachan." Linden walked off, grabbing a pile of notes from the desk.
"Good luck with him Maddy – you'll need it."
Around 16:00, there was a slight lull in work, so Maddy took the opportunity to talk to Linden.
"Mr Cullen! Do you mind if we have a word? In your office, if that's okay…"
They went in and Maddy ensured that the door was shut properly.
"Look, Linden, I don't know what the matter is, but you've been really off with me all day. And it isn't just me who's noticed. What's the problem?"
"Problem, Dr Young?"
"Yes, problem. Last night was really good – I enjoyed it lots. But today, it's as though you've had a complete personality reversal. Please, just tell me what the problem is, maybe I could help."
Linden hesitated. How did you tell someone that you thought you were deeply attracted to them, without them calling you weird or running away? Especially when you have the same background as he himself possessed. He took a deep breath. "Dr Youn– Maddy. I lost my wife a few years ago in a car crash, our daughter was left brain damaged. I was the driver, and therefore the one responsible, but I was left unscathed. To right my wrongs and pay for my sins, I've worked relentlessly, helping anyone that I could. I've also never allowed myself to get involved or attracted to anyone before. Now, I know I don't really know you, and please don't be scared or anything, but I like you. Well, like isn't really the correct word, but I can't think of it at the moment. I'm scared of letting go, and I'm afraid of betraying my wife, Olivia, with another relationship. This is the baggage I spoke of; I'm sorry."
"Oh, God! Linden! If I'd known then… Well, you don't have to do anything if you don't want to. Honestly, I'm so sorry." Maddy went over and gave him a hug, soothingly massaging his back. A couple of the agency nurses walking past were surprised, but not noticed by either of the figures in the office. Linden was grateful for the contact; it had been so long since he'd been hugged. He put his arms around Maddy, holding her close, breathing in the apple scent of her shampoo. Gently, he kissed the top of her head, whispering softly, "I think it might be time for me to let go. It feels right." Maddy looked up, her soft brown eyes shining with happiness. Linden smiled and closed the blinds. He then gently touched his lips to Maddy's, experiencing a feeling he had believed was lost to him, along with his wife. They melted into the embrace, running fingers through hair and up backs. They broke apart when there was a sharp knock on the door.
"One minute, thanks. Okay, so yes, if you do the scan and then bring the results to me, just so I can check with your idea of treatment." Linden opened the door as he handed Dr Young a sheaf of notes. He let Maddy out before Michael Spence walked in. as their conversation on operating targets and the economic benefits of something or other; all Linden could think of was Maddy and her smile…
Please keep reviewing! hands over hot Holby character of your choosing (and yes, I'm bribing you, but hopefully it'll work) If you review, then you can request a hot character… Or suggest things to make my fics better, or anything :-)