Iain shifted in his seat smiling. He watched as the blonde nurse headed back into the hospital from his ambulance but couldn't help feeling slightly confused at what had just happened. From what he could make out, the good news - as well as the fact that Rocker was now off the the scene - was that he would now be seeing Rita that evening, purple lace underwear and all. He bit his lip as he remembered the last time he'd seen her wearing it, however briefly…
But then, and this was the tricky bit, had she actually ever been intending to go out with Rocker? She hadn't seemed too disappointed that he was now standing in for whatever she'd had planned with that idiot. And that was another thing - what exactly were they supposed to be doing tonight? She said they didn't have to call it date night but…
Iain jumped as his thoughts were interrupted by a knock at his window. He wound the window down to speak to Charlie, the veteran nurse who was smiling kindly up at him.
"Erm, any plans to move this ambulance today Iain or has it taken roots?"
"Oh right yes sorry Charlie have you got an incoming?"
"No no, nothing that we know of, don't worry. I just wanted to check everything was okay. You alright? You looked deep in thought just now?"
"Oh… you know. Women" Iain gave Charlie an exasperated shrug.
"Women? Plural? Or just one in particular?" Charlie's eyes were twinkling now and the fact that Iain fidgeted awkwardly in his seat didn't go unnoticed. "And here was me thinking you'd been hanging round my office more because you wanted to start helping me with the crossword..."
He leaned further towards Iain.
"You make a lovely couple" he said lowering his voice conspiratorially "I was actually hoping things might be heading towards - how do you kids say it - 'Facebook official'? He raised his eyebrows at the dark-haired man. Iain grimaced.
"I dunno Charlie. I really like her, and the physical side of things is great. Amazing actually" he exhaled, puffing out his lips as he thought about it. "But how do you know if you're supposed to take the next step? I don't think I even know what the next step is. Let alone how to take it. Or if she'd even want me to? Help?" The paramedic looked at the older man imploringly.
"Sounds like I might need to take a seat. Shift over" Iain heaved himself over to the passenger seat while Charlie clambered in. The nurse beaming as he grabbed the steering wheel.
"All this time and they've never let me drive one of these things" he chuckled.
"Yeah well…" Said Iain as he reached across to take the keys out of the ignition "no offence Charlie, but I don't fancy risking a third ambulance hijack. I can't trust anyone these days" he smiled ruefully at the nurse.
So…new territory for you this I take it?
"Pretty much, yep. Well there was Sam but…" Iain picked at mark on the dashboard in front of him.
"Ah yes. Affair with the married woman while on active duty. Not particularly representative of real life sadly eh?
"I thought I loved her" Iain said sheepishly
"That can be the beauty of love a second time round Iain. You realise that it blows whatever you thought you had before right out of the water" he smiled encouragingly at the paramedic.
Anyway back to the current issue...Rita then? We are talking about Rita aren't we?" Charlie checked. Iain looked down at his lap, reddening slightly as he nodded.
"I'll let you into a secret first shall I? She's been like a different person these last few months. Relaxed, happier, like she's not carrying the weight of the world round all on her own you know? I think you've probably got to take some credit for that" Iain acknowledged with an embarrassed smile as Charlie continued.
"You two, you've known each other a good while now? Mates before all this started?"
"Yeah I guess" Iain's eyes narrowed as he tried to figure out where Charlie was going with this.
"Ok so before you got together, if a mate you were supposed to be going to gig with suddenly couldn't make it but you knew it was a band Rita liked too, would you have considered offering your spare ticket to her? And still have had a good night? A load of you are spending your day off down the beach but, for whatever reason, everyone's cried off apart from Rita. Would you still have gone and had a laugh the pair of you?"
"Sounds like you know my flaky mates pretty well" Iain joked weakly.
"You get my point though. It's about finding someone you want to spend time with Iain, you know, more than just in the bedroom. Shared experiences, ultimately shared life.
So look if you can find someone whose company you enjoy, great. Someone for the physical side, great too. I'd take either if I was offered them right now I'll be honest! But if you get a chance at both, that's when you move up into a whole different league. Don't pass up that opportunity if you get the chance Iain. You and I both know that the only reason Dixie isn't here saying the same thing to you is because she worked that out too"
"Another scenario for you. Someone who prefers the company of a quality whiskey and a good Inspector Morse, offers you a meal for two in town that he happens to have just won in the ED Easter raffle. Can you think of anyone you'd like to take? It really doesn't have to be much more complicated than that you know. Give it a go. From where I'm sitting you've everything to gain and not a lot to lose." Iain stared at Charlie thoughtfully as he fished in his pocket
"Yours if you want it" he said offering the piece of paper "and before you ask, I don't want anything for it. Just keeping a smile on the face of my roommate is enough"
"Thanks Charlie, I don't know what to say. No doubt your lad doesn't realise how lucky he is having a dad like you?"
"Something like that. Do I take it yours isn't around to speak to?"
"Never was" muttered Iain sadly as his radio crackled to life. He proceeded to confirm he'd attend St James' for a patient transfer.
"Right. This is your stop I believe Mr Fairhead. No driving for you today I'm afraid" Iain patted the older man on the shoulder as he vacated the driver's seat, shutting the door behind him.
As he drove away from the hospital complex Iain frowned as he saw the lone figure in navy hunched on Jeff's memorial bench; fingers wrapped round a coffee cup, knees hugged to her chest.