I'm sorry I know it's been ages since I've last posted, life tends to get in the way of things like this. I have wanted to get back into it again for a while and realised I already had most of this chapter typed up. I have absolutely no idea how often I'll be able to post with my current work schedule but we shall see.
Enjoy x
Rita relaxed on the sofa as she watched Connie getting dressed, trying not to over think what had just happened and the last words Connie had said. 'I guess I'd better pretend to be surprised' she sighed quietly.
'You'd better. Don't you dare tell them I told you' Connie gave her one of those looks. The sort of look that would terrify most but affected Rita in a different way. She felt guilty wishing it was already midnight.
'Don't worry I won't' Rita smiled innocently, rose from the sofa and gently took Connie's hand 'I guess I'll see you later then...' gazing into her eyes for a few seconds then let go and made her way to the other side of the office.
Before opening the door she glanced over at the brunette who was reclined in her chair with an amused expression, Rita wasn't sure what else to say. After a short pause she simply stated 'you're bloody gorgeous by the way' and left the office.
Not before long Robyn and Tess approached her with a big bundle of flowers and excited expressions. 'Happy Birthday Rita...don't worry we didn't actually forget' Tess beamed passing her the bouquet and something wrapped in a colourful silk scarf. Robyn handed her a card 'we've booked a table at the Red Dragon for a meal and then drinks on us all night.'
Rita grinned, her eyes lighting up, she was clearly grateful but she tried her best to act surprised as well 'thank you so much.' She opened the card, which everyone had signed, including Connie. Rita unwrapped the silk covered package that turned out to be Lush products 'awww, thank you so much! I love Think Pink and Olive Branch. You guys are amazing!' pulling both of them into a hug.
'So what's the plan?' Rita gleefully enquired, knowing the answer.
'You have an hour to get home and get ready, there's a taxi outside right now to take you back to yours then will wait for you and take you to the Red Dragon...we'll meet you there.' Robyn beamed, she had put so much thought in to the night. Tess and the redhead had pulled out all the stops.
Rita looked at her face in the bathroom mirror a million thoughts rushing through her mind. How will this night end? Should I go to the Black Swan? What has Connie planned? How will I hold it together during the meal? I can't tell anyone about what happened. Would Connie actually be there? What's her angle on this?
Rita wasn't sure what was going on but just to be on the safe side she wore her favourite lingerie, black lace with red ribbon detailing. It was so comfortable and made her feel a million dollars. She slipped into a simple black dress that fitted her perfectly and a pair of black heels. Rita looked out of her bedroom window at the poor taxi driver who was waiting for her. 'Do I have time to put make-up on?' she thought aloud '...maybe just some mascara and eyeliner...'
Rita grinned victoriously, for the first time in her life it hadn't taken her half an hour to get her eyes to match. Putting them back in her make-up bag she saw her trusty red lipstick, rather than putting it on now she decided to pop it in her handbag for later.
Rita locked her front door 'here goes nothing...'
The entire journey she stared out of the window and thought about Connie, wondering what she was doing right now.
She entered the restuarant section of the Red Dragon and was escorted to her table by a waiter. 'Rita!' Robyn called to her, eagerly beckoning her over. There were many members of staff at the table, which shocked her a bit. Lofty, Robyn, Tess and Zoe were sitting on one side. Dylan, Ethan, Dixie and Max on the other. Rita knew that the others were working tonight so didn't mention it. 'Wow, I can't believe you're all here!' Rita exclaimed. 'It's your birthday silly, we wanted to treat you! Come and sit at the head of the table birthday girl!' Dixie pulled out the seat for her.
Rita didn't want to be rude, she was definitely having a good time but her mind kept wandering to the Clinical Lead. She made sure she ordered food that wasn't going to be too filling and kept the conversation flowing to keep herself distracted. It felt like every 10 minutes she would subtly check her watch, she wasn't even 100% sure that she was going to meet Connie but at the same time was extremely curious.
After the main course everyone was a little tipsy from the wine. Rita had been sipping her wine sparingly knowing they would be doing birthday shots later and didn't want to be too drunk, knowing from previous experiences that she's definitely a lightweight.
Robyn turned to the blonde with a serious expression 'now Rita we all have presents for you but we decided to bring them into work tomorrow because we are planning to get you drunk and we didn't want any of them getting lost or broken.'
'Wow, seriously you are the best. Thank you everyone, it means so much to me that you're here' Rita hugged the redhead, smiling at everyone with gratitude. Rita was a little worried that they wanted to get her drunk but she was going to cross that bridge when she got to it.
'Sorry about this Rita...' Robyn started nervously. The blonde looked round, to her dismay the waiters were bringing out a birthday cake, her cheeks blushed furiously as everyone burst into song. Even people at the other tables started singing.
'Make a wish!' Robyn shouted excitedly. The very embarrassed nurse blew out the candles, not really thinking of a wish just a certain person.
Another hour passed, everyone was grouped round the bar buying the second round of drinks. Rita was surprised that Dylan was still here, it was almost 10 but he seemed content standing at the bar with his scotch listening to Lofty babble away, a small smile on his lips. Robyn excitedly nudged Rita in the arm 'that guy has been looking at you for the last 10 minutes, I think he's going to come over...the hot one in a black shirt and jeans...' Robyn whispered clearly more than tipsy. Rita looked for him in the crowd, he gave her a cheeky smile and approach them. 'Can I buy you lovely ladies a drink?' the chap offered looking Rita up and down approvingly. Rita chuckled internally thinking 'yeah right, there is only one person on my mind right now...this guy doesn't stand a chance in hell.' The blonde shook her head with a polite smile and walked away so the redhead could have him to herself, knowing he was more Robyn's type.
The nurse stared at her reflection, thinking 'not long now...in a couple of hours I will be with her again.'
The time had come. Robyn, Lofty and Max grinned at each other 'shots!' They managed to persuade Dylan and Tess to also do them. All of them did Jager Bombs and you could tell from their expressions that it wasn't the best tasting shot. 'Guys...I hate whoever made me do that Jagerbomb...tequila next!' Rita exclaimed.
Another two rounds of drinks went by, everyone was hyped on alcohol and the latest music that blasted through the speakers. Rita looked at her watch 'crap it's half 11', she caught Robyn's eye who was wrapped up in the young black shirt man. 'Hey, I've got to go now. It's been amazing...' Rita stammered unsure of what to say.
'Hold on Rita I know that look, you're meeting someone aren't you' the redhead grinned slyly, Rita failed to hide the excitement in her eyes. 'Don't worry your secrets safe with me, go on I'll cover for you...have fun you naughty thing' she finished, gesturing for her to go.
The blonde hurried outside, typed in the number for a local taxi company on her phone 'hi, I'd like a taxi from the Red Dragon to the Black Swan. If you can get me there before 12 I'll give you double the fare.' When she hung up she saw a couple kissing on a bench in the corner, it took her a second to realise it was Lofty. The curly haired lad broke away looking over at Rita with a terrified expression. The blonde was confused by this until she saw the recipient of his affection, it was none other than Dylan Keogh. There was an awkward moment of silence. Rita was the one to break it 'don't worry I won't tell anyone...have fun tonight' she smiled softly, her tone showing she was serious. Lofty beamed with relief looking back at the doctor. Dylan just nodded in appreciation for her discretion.
Once Rita was in the taxi she took out a little compact mirror from her handbag and carefully applied the deep red lipstick. She had made sure not to drink too much but could feel the alcohol fueling her excitement for the rest of the evening. She couldn't help but wonder what Connie was going to do, what she was going to say...if she was there at all.
Once the taxi pulled up to the bar Rita gave him the money and jumped out. She spotted the brunette within seconds, a few metres away, leaning against the wall. 'Fuck!' the blonde thought 'she really is bloody gorgeous!'