DISCLAIMER: All characters belong to Mark VII. I'm just borrowing them for a limited time. I do own Julianna.

Three hours later, Johnny and Roy brought in a patient. "Morning, Dix," Johnny said, handing her the supply paper.
"Morning, Johnny," she said.
"Where's Juli," he asked, taking the paper from her.
"Probably with a patient. She's been busy this morning," Dixie said.
"She's got to make a living while you're out goofing off," Roy said, smiling.
"Very funny, partner," Johnny said, rolling his eyes.

"Just keep the cast dry and elevate your leg. You should be out playing baseball again in no time," Julianna said, handing the paperwork to the child's mother.

"Thank you, Dr. Gage," the mother said.
Julianna smiled and turned around and headed to the nurses station.

"Speaking of the hardworking spouse, here she comes," Roy said, still needling his partner.

"Juli," Johnny said, as she made her way to the desk.

"Hey. Have you got a second," Julianna asked.

"Sure," Johnny said. Julianna motioned with her head and headed to her office.

"What's wrong, Leelee," Johnny asked.

"Nothing. Kel told me he wants me to take his place at the paramedic committee meeting in Sacramento and he said you can come with me. They want a presentation from one of the faculty of a program and a paramedic. Want to fly to Sacramento with me, Thursday," she asked.

"Thursday! Ah, man. This totally sucks," he said.
"What," she asked.

"I switched with Dwyer and work a 48. I thought you were working Wednesday and Thursday so that' s why I agreed. I'm supposed to work my regular 24 Wednesday and then another 24 Thursday. I'd get off at 8 Friday. I'm sorry, sweetheart," Johnny said.
"It's not a problem. I can always get Roy to go with me since he's not working," Julianna said.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't know," Johnny said.
"Honey, it's not a problem. Believe me, I understand. It was kind of last minute," Julianna said.

Julianna opened the door to her office and Johnny followed her out. "You're not mad are you? I didn't know, I swear," Johnny said.
"I know and I'm not mad, so stop worrying. I probably shouldn't go anyway since I'm pregnant," Julianna said.
"Look, go if you want. It's not a problem. I'm sure Roy will go with you," Johnny said.
"Where will Roy go? What are you two talking about me for," Roy asked as the couple neared the desk.
"Juli's been invited to the state paramedic committee meeting Thursday and she wanted me to come with her, but I agreed to do a 48 so Dwyer could go to a funeral. I can't go, but you can," Johnny said.
"I don't know," Roy said.
"It's not a big deal. Dixie's going, so everything will be fine," Julianna said.
"Now, wait. I can't go with Jules. Joanne's mom's birthday is Friday and she wants to go over there and take her out for the day. I'll have the kids," Roy said.
"It's not a problem. Really. I don't have to go. I can go next year. It's not a problem," Julianna said.
"Now, Juli this is a big opportunity for you and I want you to go. Brackett asked you to go. I'll check around the station and see if I can get someone to cover for me. Hell, I'll even call Brice. I'll be there with you, Leelee, don't worry," Johnny said.
"OK. I'll make the arrangements," Julianna said.

The guys got toned out for a call and Johnny placed a quick kiss on Julianna's cheek and rushed out with Roy.

Julianna and Sally went to attend to the next group of patients waiting for their expertise.

Ellen came out of the treatment room. She'd heard that Johnny was escorting Julianna to the paramedic committee and she knew Dixie was going. She wondered if she could finagle a way for her to get Dixie's place on the trip and then get Dr. Gage to stay behind.
"Might take a little bit of work," she thought to herself. She exited the room and headed upstairs to administration.

She entered the office of the Chief Medical Officer, Lucas Young. "Morning Beverly. Is Dr. Young free," she asked.
"I believe so, but he should be heading to a meeting with the cardiology staff in a few minutes," Beverly answered.
"I won't be long. Thanks," Ellen said, opening the door to the office.
"Luke! I need to speak with you," she said to the man behind the desk.
"Ellie, what do you need," he asked.
"I need a favor," she asked.
"A hospital administration favor or big brother favor," he asked.
"Both kind of," she said.
Lucas sat down and listened to his sister.
"I need you to arrange for me to go to the paramedic committee meeting in Sacramento," she said.
"I understand that Dr. Brackett asked Dr. Gage to go along with Dixie McCall," Lucas said.
"I know, but you need to get Brackett or Early or even yourself to go and take me along instead of Dixie," she said.
"And how am I supposed to do that," he asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

"You're the boss. Figure it out. Call some phony nursing staff meeting and make Dixie have to be there. Then you can do something with Dr. Gage's schedule, can't you," she asked.

Lucas looked at his sister. There had to be a reason she wanted him to change the schedules, but he didn't want to know. He just hoped Ellen knew what she was doing. He'd done her a favor by hiring her back when he'd been given this position. He hadn't told anyone she was his half-sister and he wanted to keep it that way. He loved her, but he didn't want anyone to know of their relationship.

Lucas took a deep breath and sighed. "I'll see what I can do," he said.
Ellen jumped up and gave him a hug before heading out of his office. Beverly knew he and Ellen were siblings and he only told her because he didn't want Beverly to ask any questions. He told her to keep it a secret and Beverly assured him that she would.

Ellen left and went back downstairs to work.

Julianna saw Ellen coming out of a room and that sense of dread was hanging over her again. Sally noticed Julianna's discomfort and approached her. "Want me to work with you today," Sally asked.
"That would be wonderful," Julianna said.
They spent their shift working together and Julianna successfully avoided Ellen for the rest of the shift.

She and Sally headed out the door together, relieved their shift was finished.
"That was a long day," Sally said.
"I know. Some days I think it's easier to have a critical patient than to have 30 non-critical patients. You seem to never get ahead in that regard," Julianna said.
"I agree. So, I guess I'll see you tomorrow for dinner," Sally said.
"That's right. I'll see you tomorrow," Julianna said.

Julianna set the dining room table for four. Johnny came down from his shower in fresh jeans and a short sleeve shirt.

Julianna was wearing a flowered-halter maxi dress and flip flops.

"Four? I thought it was just us and Mike," Johnny asked.
"No, Sally's coming, too. I couldn't stand the thought of my friend spending another night alone. Besides, I think Mike might enjoy seeing her," Julianna said.

"Julianna Marie Gage, you're matchmaking," he said.

She gave her husband a sheepish smile. "Possibly. Look Mike and Sally are already friends and I figured the conversation would flow pretty easily if she was here," Julianna said.
"Well, you do have a point. But don't pressure him," Johnny said.
"I know that, John," she said.

Johnny noticed she said 'John' instead of 'Johnny' which meant that she wasn't happy with him at that moment. He took the steaks outside to place on the grill and saw Mike's truck coming down the driveway.