Chapter 17 – Bon Appetit
Arriving at Tru, Grace was hit with an attack of nerves and had to force herself to go inside. The last thing she wanted to do was have lunch with her ex, her new man and Donald Anspaugh.
Never having been to this restaurant, she was struck immediately upon entering by the glamorous décor and wondered how an odd turn of events had landed her at this trendy place. Anspaugh and Mancini were already waiting when Grace arrived with Romano. As she was seated between Romano and her ex, she hoped for a quick and painless meal, but secretly expected the worst.
"Donald…Mancini." Romano said with a touch of annoyance in his voice as he looked down at Steven.
"Robert." Mancini said politely. "I'm so glad you could join us, Grace. I wanted you to have a chance to get to know my good friend Donald. We go way back." He said, smiling at Anspaugh.
"I've met Dr. Anspaugh before, Steven. But it's lovely to have a chance to see you outside of the hospital." She said, nodding at Anspaugh.
"Yes, yes. It's true, with all the meetings and administration work, I just don't get enough opportunities to spend the time with our staff as I would like." He smiled.
Romano chimed in, "So, you and Donald are old friends. Well, you know what they say, friends will help you move, good friends will help you move bodies."
"I've never lost a patient, Robert, so maybe you're more in need of some 'good friends' than I am."
"Well, I've never been involved in a malpractice suit." He grinned smugly.
Grace jumped in to try to diffuse the conversation, "Dr. Anspaugh, what would you recommend? I just can't seem to decide." She said, pretending to pour over the menu. As he recommended his favorites to Grace, Romano and Mancini just stared at each other, neither one wanting to be the first to look away.
As the waiter was taking their drink order, Anspaugh's pager went off, "Sorry, it's the hospital, I'll have to check in." He said, excusing himself to go make the phone call.
"Look you two, I will leave if you can't be civil. Steven, I can't believe you put me in this position. You had Anspaugh invite me along, only because you knew I'd never agree to lunch with you otherwise."
"I thought I could help chat you up a bit to the old guy. You know, help your career along a little? Anspaugh barely knows you exist and I'm sure you don't plan to stay in the ER forever. You're way too good to waste your skills treating the dregs of society all day."
"I love my job here." Grace countered. "It's a refreshing change from those bleach blonde bimbos looking for instant self esteem from a new set of double d's."
"Those bimbos made it possible for you to enjoy the Mercedes, the condo and the beach house in Maui…"
"All superficial bullshit, Steven. Funny you didn't mention the fringe benefits you enjoyed, you bastard. I'll never forget walking in on you and Bambi or Candy, or whatever the hell her name was."
"Her name was Randi."
Grace glared, "Yes, I remember now, very apropos. Of course she had to spell it with an i, because she couldn't remember the rest of the alphabet."
Romano smiled as he enjoyed listening to Grace put Mancini in his place, until suddenly his pager began beeping as well. He got up from the table to join Anspaugh to see what was going on at County.
"I hope it's not something to do with Connor." Grace said.
When they returned to the table it was only to give their excuses. "Grace, Steven, I'm sorry but we have to get back to the hospital. Apparently two rival gangs have started an all out war and they're anticipating at least five of them have severe gun shot wounds." Anspaugh reported.
"Do you need me to come back with you?" Grace offered.
"Thanks, Grace, but it happened right before the shift change, so Kerry was able to keep a few extra nurses on. So please, go ahead and have your lunch. I'll make arrangements to pick up the tab on our way out, and Steven, I'll see you later on." He smiled.
Trying not to break their promise to Anspaugh to divulge their romance, Grace looked up at Romano who simply nodded and added, "Try to enjoy your lunch, Grace." Before shooting Mancini one last threatening stare. He hated the idea of leaving the two of them alone, but had no choice in the matter.
After they left, she said, "I think I should go too. They might need an extra set of hands after all."
"I'm sure they've got it covered. I'm actually kind of glad we finally have a chance to be alone, so we can talk. There's so much I want to say, Grace. "
"I think that ship has sailed, Steven." She said, beginning to rise from her seat.
As he took her arm, he pleaded with her not to leave. "Look, we're here anyway. Worst case scenario, you get a free lunch. Best case, if I get out of line you get the pleasure of throwing wine in my face. Come on, how can you resist such a tempting offer?" He said charmingly.
She took a deep breath and sighed, grinning slightly, "Okay, fine. I'll stay. But only because I ordered the red, and it would go so nicely with your pristine white shirt."
"Still quick as a wink. I miss that."
"Somehow I doubt it. You used to say my sharp tongue was my Achilles heel."
"Only because I was jealous of how quickly you could wound me with it. Grace, I know I hurt you and I know nothing I can ever say will change that, but you have to believe that I was a different person back then. It took having to live without you to make me realize how much I gave up. "
The waiter brought them their glasses of red wine and took their lunch order.
"Cheers, Grace. You didn't deserve what I did to you, and for that, I'll be eternally sorry."
"Hmm. I'm sure you are, Steven. Not about what you did, but very, very sorry you got caught."
"No, that's not true. You and I were a team. You were a part of my life, my business, my bed. Gracie, I can't tell you how alone I felt after you'd gone. "
"I'm sure you found a way to stay warm at night."
"But none of them were you, babe. You're so right, it was all superficial bullshit and at the end of the day, it didn't mean anything to me. I used to lie awake at night wishing I could take back what I did and that you were still there with me. I must have picked up the phone a thousand times, wanting to call you."
She stared at him, scrutinizing his demeanor. "I'm not really sure you're being sincere, but on the off chance that you are, I'm glad you finally figured out what's important to you, Steven. You're getting a bit old to still be sowing your wild oats and I hope for your sake you do realize what you chose to throw away."
"That's why I really wish you'd consider giving me another chance. Please, Grace. I know I can earn your trust again and show you I'm not the shallow guy who broke your heart for a few meaningless rolls in the hay."
"Well, I know I'm not the same person. I'm so much happier living here in Chicago. I've got a new life, a great apartment, a new job and more recently, began dating again."
"You're seeing someone? Right, of course you would be. Foolish of me to think otherwise. Probably one of the ER docs no doubt?"
"I'd rather not get into that with you."
He became quiet and finally added, "So, you really like working in the ER?"
"I like the variety, it's always a new adventure every day. I've done a few shifts up in the OR, but it's not my first choice."
"It's not? Hmm? I'm kind of surprised to hear you say that."
"Really, why is that?"
"Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't we going to be part of a monumental surgical procedure in a couple of days? I have to wonder why you're on this team if your heart doesn't really belong to surgery?"
She tried to back peddle a little, "Well it's true, I didn't ask to be part of it, but when I was recommended by…well, asked to be considered for a spot on the team, I realized what an opportunity it was, to be part of something like this. I don't really know what my long term plans are, and I thought it would be good to keep my options open."
"You're not telling me the full story, Grace."
"You're accusing me of lying? That's a switch."
He thought for a moment as he stared at her and sipped his wine. "I bet Romano submitted your name. Am I right? "
"I don't really recall who it was." She said evasively. "I've worked with several of the surgeons at County…" Her cheeks began to give her away, ever so slightly, as they began to turn a slight rosy color.
"Wait a minute, is he? No, couldn't be. Grace Elaine Hanson are you dating Dr. Romano?"
"I can't imagine why you'd think that, Steven." She protested, taking a large sip of wine.
"But you're not answering the question and now that I think about it, it all makes perfect sense. He practically threw down the gauntlet, warning me to stay away from you."
She glared at him, "Fine, it's true. But you have to promise me you won't say anything. We're trying to be very discreet and it could cause problems for me at the hospital if the gossip mongers get a hold of this. Please Steven." She implored.
"Okay, Gracie, calm down. I promise not to tell a soul. Cross my heart." He smiled impishly.
"I mean it, Steven. Anspaugh warned us specifically to keep this under wraps while the press are here, covering Connor's surgery. They've already taken a shot at our past history to try to create a scandal, and we don't need to give them any more ammunition."
"I give you my word, Grace." Somehow, she didn't look too reassured. "I won't let you down again." He said emphatically, as he reached across the table and caressed her hand.
As their food arrived in several courses, Grace gradually let herself relax a bit and enjoy her exquisite lunch, as the waiter continued to refill her wine glass. It seemed strange to be having lunch with her ex again, but familiar at the same time.
By the time dessert arrived, Grace looked down at her watch and realized they'd spent over 2 hours having lunch and chatting. She suddenly became flustered, wanting to leave as her thoughts turned back to Robert which brought with them a slight pang of guilt.
"I'd really better be getting home." She said finally.
"You know, this reminds me a little of that place on Maui. Remember? The night the chef accidentally set that guy's toupee on fire when he came out to prepare the cherries jubilee."
She began to giggle, suddenly reminded of the memory. "You were laughing so hard I thought you wouldn't be able to stop long enough to help douse the flames."
"Hey, ultimately they did the guy a favor. It was the worst toupee I'd ever seen. You know it's so easy talking to you, Gracie. It feels just like old times."
"Don't pretend to be sentimental, Steven. I know you too well for that."
"People can change, Grace. But I do thank you for giving me a chance, and staying for lunch." He said genuinely. "I didn't realize how much I missed just talking."
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but this wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be."
"Thanks…I think." He smiled.
"You know what I mean. It was a welcome relief not to spend all our time fighting. I can't remember the last time we ate a civilized meal together."
"Way too long." He said, gazing longingly into her eyes.
"It's taken a while to get to this point, but I guess I don't dream about driving over you with my car as much as I used to." She smiled evilly.
As they walked outside, there was a cool chill in the air and few flakes of snow had begun to fall, as Grace pulled her coat tightly around her.
"You must need a ride. You rode over with Romano, didn't you? "
"I can take the EL or a cab."
"It's kind of cold to be walking. I can give you a ride. "
"No, I can manage, thanks." She said, as her cell phone began to ring. She reached into her purse to retrieve it, but before she knew it, Steven had planted his lips softly against hers. Although she pull away from him, between the ringing phone and being caught off guard, she was somewhat slow to break free from his embrace.
She shook her head and glared at him as she answered her phone, "Grace speaking."
When she hung up, she blasted him for his romantic overture, "Still not playing by the rules of fair engagement? I should have known you'd try something like this."
"Sorry, I couldn't resist. You look so damn good, baby. And that perfume…I just couldn't help myself. Please don't be mad."
"Steven..."
"I know. I blew my chance with you. I'd be lying if I said I'm glad you're seeing someone, but I do want you to be happy, Grace."
"I don't have time to talk about this, I have to get back to the hospital. Weaver said they could use another pair of hands, although I doubt I'm in a position to be of much help after several glasses of wine."
"Come on," He said, giving the valet his ticket, "This way's much faster."
Realizing it made more sense not to fight him, she let him drop her off at County. When she entered the ER, Kerry looked relieved to see her arrive so quickly. "Grace, thank God! Throw on some scrubs, trauma two could use a hand. They'll be sending the next kid up to the OR, you can follow them and scrub in."
"Kerry," she whispered, pulling her aside, "I had a few drinks at lunch. I don't think I should be doing this."
"How many did you have?"
"Three glasses in two hours. Big glasses."
"We're desperate here, Grace. Go do a quick breathalyzer and let me know what your level is."
"I don't know about this, Kerry."
"Grace, we've got 5 criticals down here, plus 2 already up in the OR. They're still bringing in more wounded and Mercy's stopped taking traumas. If you're able to work, we really need you."
Grace ran off to check and came back a few minutes later with the results for Weaver.
"It's 0.07."
"Close, but technically safe enough to drive a car. Can you do it?"
Realizing the situation was dire, Grace nodded and ran into trauma two, and right into the middle of all the chaos.
After several hours, things had finally died down and she went upstairs to see if Romano was still in surgery. He was just finishing up the final patient, so she couldn't see he was smiling under his mask when he noticed her through the glass.
"How'd you make out in there?" She asked when he entered the hallway.
"Saved two, lost one. I'm not sure how Anspaugh made out."
"I'm sorry. You must be beat, it's been such a long day." She said, stroking his arm, as they made their way into the surgical lounge for a bit more privacy.
"Looks like they called you into battle after all." He said, noticing she was in scrubs.
"Yeah, just as we were finishing lunch."
"So you went from one war zone into another."
"It wasn't that bad actually."
"Really?" He said, sounding disappointed. "Having a chance to finally get you alone, I thought for sure he would have tried something."
She hesitated for a moment before replying. "He knows it's over…and, now, unfortunately he also knows about us."
"You told him?"
"No, he figured it out. I'm sorry, Robert. I know the timing is awful. I made him promise to keep quiet."
"And you of all people still trust his promises?"
"Only because I'm out of other options. Look, it's only a few more days and then we'll be rid of him."
"I think the word you're looking for is eradicate." He said sarcastically.
"You're not exactly objective where's he's concerned."
"I'm objective, I object to everything about him."
"I'm sure the feeling's mutual. You really won him over with your endearing charm."
"I don't like the way he's been sniffing around you or the way Anspaugh thinks the sun rises and sets up his ass."
"You have nothing to worry about." She said, pulling him into a long, slow kiss.
"Well, forgive me if I don't share your naïve optimism."
"Maybe I'm trying to convince myself. I know how much this means to you and I'm so sorry that my relationship with Steven has made everything so complicated."
"None of this is your fault." He said, holding her close and kissing her neck. "Besides, what doesn't kill you..."
"Leaves you maimed, depressed and with and incredibly large debt to the hospital?"