Chapter 9 - The Talks

Wednesday 8th May - Night at Cleo's

Cleo's was heaving, a typical workers bar, where all the workers from all nationalities got together to talk about guests, relax after their shifts and dance. It was small and made mainly from wood with a thatch roof, a DJ booth sat in one corner, a mechanical bull in the other corner and a stage dominated the middle. The front of the bar faced the beach while the back had a small car park. People were dancing on the floor, on the tables and on the bar. Some had got changed while others were still in the many different work uniforms of nearby hotels. Graffiti was written on almost everything, some if it was wise words of wisdom, some of it just names of past people who had been in there, and some were just drawings of mainly sexual parts. It certainly was not the same as the bars that they had been in already. This was a workers bar through and through.

"My God. I'm in heaven. This is what it's all about, this is just like that movie Dirty Dancing, all these sweaty sexed up people dancing all over each other. Where nothing matters and everything matters at the same time. Come on bitches we're on the shots." Kenzi simply loved this place, looked at home in it too and when she saw the bottles of everything behind the bar she raced over.

"Thanks Lauren. This is what I needed." Dyson said to Lauren, this time kissing her on the side of her head and taking her hand before pulling her to Kenzi at the bar.

They had been there four hours already before Tamsin had arrived. Lauren, being on call, had drunk only soda water and lime. Kenzi and Dyson however had been drinking none stop vodka shots. Kenzi had tried to get Lauren on the mechanical bull, but Lauren had refused. Kenzi took it as her being boring, but the truth was she was still on fire from earlier with Bo and all that rocking and straddling a bull would have been too much. Tamsin had settled right in and ordered a bottle of Vodka, just for her, although Kenzi had protested so much she bought another one for her. Dyson just took from a shot from them both which was equally annoying.

Somewhere in the conversation Lauren got lost and went into her own thoughts, the others were talking about Football? Lauren had never understood this, Football to her was what they would call Soccer, and their Football is what she would probably call Rugby and was something she had never watched. Sure she loved football, as in Soccer, her and her whole family supported Chelsea Football Club in England. Maybe she would get into the American Football, she thought, if she was in the states or Canada she would watch it, she wondered if Bo liked it "Hey Lauren", inner Lauren spoke, "what are you doing, one day together and already you're dreaming about dates with Bo, planning nights in watching their version of football – seriously girl you're done!". Lauren smiled at her inner thoughts, she was being silly when she thought about it rationally. But that was the problem, she was rational, but with Bo she didn't want to be, she wanted to be impulsive, she would have never done that before in her place of work. But then again she would never have joined the mile-high club. Living with Nadia and the way it was in the end made Lauren feel suffocated, now she decided that she would do something every day that was 'not Lauren' just because she could. She only wished that Bo would text or call.

"Hey Laur, you ok? You look …. erm…. distracted?" Tamsin asked

"Yeah, sorry, just thinking that's all." Lauren replied

"Don't you ever switch off Doc? I mean man relax, have a drink, something, you're so uptight, you're wound tighter than a rope" Kenzi said half-jokingly, half serious.

"I'm on call Kenzi, I'm a Doctor, sorry if you think that's uptight, but I have responsibilities….." Lauren was cut short by Kenzi.

"What and I don't yeah? Because I wait on people on a beach? And yeah I think you're uptight, I think you look down your nose at people like me. We're different, different world. I think that you look at my job and my life as pointless and I don't need to focus or work hard. So excuse me Doc if I don't fall automatically for your charms." Kenzi spat back to Lauren. Alcohol was a reason in her outburst for sure, but also Kenzi just didn't like or trust Lauren. She was always off on her own on some trip or another, never spoke about herself and when she did speak she never understood half of what she said. Kenzi knew that she should apologise and nearly did, but then Lauren retorted back.

"Well you and I are different, you stay focused so you don't mix up drinks, I stay focused in case I need to perform an endoscopic surgery on someone later in the night? I could literally make an incision in the wrong part of the body and make the patient look like a cross word! Sorry if that does not charm you." Lauren got up and moved to the bar. Dyson also got up and joined her.

"So, do you want to tell me what's going on Kenz? Lauren is my best friend and you have never spoken to her, not really, so what gives with that outburst?" Tamsin asked Kenzi once they were alone.

"I don't get you or more to the point you and her? Like man, you're cool and almost normal, but she gets to me, I don't know if it's her English thing, or her Science thing, the Doctor thing or just a Lauren thing…..She's strange, we're too different, I can imagine her crying in commercials or on fucking Doctor Phil. Our crew here, me and Bo, can look after ourselves and you and Dyson are or were cops, so you can, what can she bring…the fecking tissues?" Kenzi finished and poured herself another shot.

"It's not what people can bring to you, you know. It's also what people can bring out of you. Lauren is not weak, I was with her in Afghanistan; she was brave, she worked hard and she saved so many people. She gave everything she had to save the life of strangers. She's dedicated, loyal and when you get to know her she's funny Kenz. She will never let you down and I trust her with my whole being. I love her. I love all that she is, even if that's a bit strange to others. Kenzi, please give her a chance, I like our new group, but if you don't then I'm team Lauren and by the looks of it so is Dyson" Tamsin pointed over to Dyson who had his arm on Lauren's shoulder.

"Then it's just me and Bo then, it has been before and it will again" Kenzi downed another shot.

"Don't be fucking pathetic, so you don't know or get Lauren yet, there is no need to get all Judy Garland on me and fuck off. Look we all hang out and you get to know each other more, or at least learn to be civil, because she doesn't deserve it. She's nice to you, and yes she doesn't get you either, but she's nice nether less. To understand her Kenzi you must go way back; her parents are high maintenance, her ex broke her heart and her best friend is a drunk yank! haha" Tamsin laughed the last part pointing to herself.

"So looovvveee hey. Maybe she has a magical snatch power that I can't and, to be made clear, will never see. I like my bang with balls." Kenzi said pouring another shot for her and Tamsin.

"Well yeah I guess love, but never like that anymore. I thought once before it was, but we're too close now, like we're in the friend zone and to make it change now will be awkward. We did once and it was ….." Kenzi cut Tamsin off

"Dets are not necessary dude." Kenzi downed her shot and quickly poured another.

"Like I look like the kind that shares that kind of stuff? I was going to say good, it was good, but after I felt weirded by it after. My relationships don't go so well, go fucking figure with my hot self hey? but I seem to attract the losers, the football jocks, the guys who love their car more than me, the girls that want rough to piss off parents, the one night stands who see me as nothing but the good time girl. I wanted someone pure and honest and Lauren is all that plus more, she's more than you see. I don't want fucking BFF of the Year here Kenz, but please make an effort for the crew. We have another seven months here and this could be fun. What you say?" Tamsin raised her glass to meet Kenzi's.

"Yeah I guess, there is no reason to not like her I suppose. Sorry I'll try and thanks, you could have also left and left me sitting alone like a single shoe in a road. Which always makes me laugh, the shoe, like why is there one shoe, what's the story there? Did someone just lose one shoe on a drunk night walking home? You see it all the time, single shoes in the road." Kenzi smiled, feeling slightly happy that she was not left as she did really like Tamsin and Dyson, just didn't get Lauren. She made a promise to herself though she would try harder now.

"Nah, wouldn't do that as I would miss my new friend. I sense you and I are alike, not many people we trust and actually like, so when I find another troubled soul it nice to join forces" Tamsin spoke to Kenzi

"Guess so, so what you're bi-sexual? As you mentioned guys and girls" Kenzi asked.

"Well I think labels should be left for clothes and not people, but if I had to I would say I was Tri-Sexual!" Tamsin replied downing another shot that was lined up "I will TRY anything! Hahaha"

Kenzi laughed her shot over the table, with bit of vodka coming out her nose.

Lauren had sat down at the bar and Dyson soon occupied the stool next to her. Lauren motioned for the barman and after initially wanting a scotch settled on another soda and lime. Dyson ordered a beer.

"You ok Lauren?" It was Dyson that spoke first and put a casual arm on her shoulder.

Lauren rubbed her eyes "Yeah, just, it's nothing actually. So how are you really?" Lauren needed to know the answer although she dreaded the response. If he was hurting, then what she done earlier would feel wrong? She so wanted everything to be ok.

Dyson looked at Lauren and saw the sincerity in her brown eyes looking back at him. He had only known her a few weeks, had a few nights out and shared a few meals together but already he knew she was 'one of the good guys' and felt at that moment he could share with her.

"Bo was, no sorry, Bo is special. There is a fire in her and it made me feel special. And when we were together I could feel myself falling for her. I wanted to love her wholly, and that's something I'm not used to. But then, when I felt us getting close she then went distant. I know she has had a hard time at life, but I could protect her, but that's it, she doesn't need or want protecting. I don't know what she needs or wants really, but I guess it was never me." Dyson spoke honestly "There were times that we were together, yet she wouldn't look at me. She is a lost girl Lauren and I'm not the one to find her."

Lauren had to process what Dyson was saying. It sounded the truth and the fact was Lauren could relate to parts. Except looking at her. Bo had always looked at her, really looked at her, that she could feel her. And when she did she could swear she saw her eyes flicker blue. Lauren never wanted to save or protect Bo, she knew she was a strong woman, she just wanted to be with her and to love her. "What are you getting into Lauren" her inner voice spoke up again "Do you like to attract trouble girl. Take your memory and run. This will end badly just look at the guy you're sitting with. That will be you in a month's time. Pouring your soul to a practical stranger on a bar stool!"

Dyson had been watching Lauren, she was just staring at the wall behind him and he wondered what she was thinking. Her jaw line was strong and chiselled, her eyes in a strange squint yet darting left to right at a rapid speed and frown lines appeared on her forehead. It was almost like she was speed reading all the graffiti on the walls around them.

"You ok? If you're looking for something to say I don't think these words are going to help much. That one over there simply says Want a Tip? Don't eat yellow snow! "Dyson pointed behind him where Lauren had been staring.

"What? Oh, sorry Dyson, I guess I think too much. So Bo was not for you, but you have a lot to offer someone. I have a cousin in Ireland that would absolutely adore you, you're exactly her type, and she loves all things American. Have you seen the British rom com called "Love Actually"? Anyway, doesn't matter," Lauren spoke again before he could answer, "In it there is this British guy who moves to America as he thinks all American's love the British accent, and when he gets there he finds out they do. They make him say words like bottle or table. Anyway, doesn't matter if you haven't watched it, the point I'm trying to make is that, Ciara, my cousin, she loves everything American! She's also partial to tall and I guess hairy"

Dyson let out a big loud laugh and threw his weight back on the stool before finally taking Lauren's hand and saying "Thanks Lauren, but I don't think I need you to set me up on dates just yet. I'm ok. I met someone, tried it, didn't work and now I move on. But if do find myself your neck of the woods then maybe there is no harm in looking, if I'm still available, guys like me are taken quickly" Dyson pulled out his chest to prove his manliness. "Come on let's get back to the wrecks over there."

When they returned to the table they found Kenzi complaining about the sting of vodka in her nose and being reminded by Tamsin that she should drink not snort drinks. They settled back into the conversation easy again, both Kenzi and Lauren not wanting to mention what had been said before. They both needed to try a bit more if they were all going to be spending time together, and more so now if Lauren was maybe starting something with Bo. The problem was, maybe Lauren should walk away now. Bo was complicated, she knew this already, and she still hadn't contacted her. The others had gone to the dance floor after another game of dare. Dyson had to strip to his waist to a song of Kenzi's choice. Lauren was left to Save the table or as Kenzi had put it Fuck the table save the booze and sat watching the dare play out when her phone beeped.

*Beep Beep* BO - "Hi Lauren, its Bo. Make an excuse to leave, I'm outside the front and we need to talk remember?"

*Beep Beep* LAUREN - "OK, on my way, LL"

Lauren had moved over to where Tamsin was dancing on a table, Kenzi on the chair and Dyson on the make shift stage to Duran Duran's 'Hungry like the Wolf'. Their games of Truth or Dare were amusing to say the least; it was like they had all tuned back into teenagers. Lauren shouted up to Tamsin that she was leaving but begged her to stay and have fun and she would text to say she was back ok. Tamsin had surprisingly agreed before jumping off the table to give Lauren a quick hug and joining Dyson on the stage. Lauren wished she could have recorded this, but thought back to Bo waiting and simply smiled and turned towards the beach front door.

"Is Lauren off?" Dyson asked when Tamsin joined him

"Yeah, she's ok, she will text later…Anyway you, guess you won that bet hey, let's get Kenzi and back to the game wolf boy" Tamsin half dragged Dyson off the stage once the song changed towards Kenzi who had already started to back away

"Na, na, na – Kenz-inator, we have an unfinished game to play and it's your turn!" Tamsin pulled Kenzi and dragged them both back to the table.

"Oh and Tam It's Wolf MAN, not boy, I'm all man baby" Dyson remembering what Tamsin had called him only seconds ago.

"Well that's to be seen Dyson" Tamsin flirted back, maybe Dyson was not sad about Bo after all, and now he's single, he's game, she thought.

"Eugh, if this is flirting I'm going to spew. I already drank half this shitting place, if I bled it would be vodka, you two need your shit together. Friends don't make fuck buddies, we not learnt nothing from the past – you and Doc" Kenzi pointed at Tamsin "and you and Bo" now pointing at Dyson. "We do not screw our crew and we're now a crew baby! Boys and girls, one mother-fucking-fucked up-hot-crew! We keep our paws off each other drawers. We make a pack man, here and fucking now, we stay tight, we fight but make up, and we do not bang each other naughty bits – you got it? Now hands in the middle, we make this pack now!" Kenzi putting her hand in first, Tamsin rolling her eyes but also putting hers on top of Kenzi's and finally Dyson putting his in.

"Whatever, and for the record I was not flirting" Tamsin laughed "Right next roll Kenz is yours, what you say, Dyson rolled a 7, higher or lower?"

"Come on baby" Kenzi kissed and blew on the dice "higher" Kenzi threw the dice and a 3 landed "shit, come on then your best shot – I chose dare!"

Outside Cleo's

Lauren had gone outside and looked around to find Bo. She spotted her down on the beach by the stairs. Something about having the moon lit up behind her made her look even more stunning. Bo reached up the stairs motioning for Lauren's hand before leading her down the beach to one of the sun beds. When they reached the sun beds she led Lauren to sit in front while she sat behind her, leaning back on the rest and pulling Lauren in tight to her.

"Comfortable?" Bo asked Lauren who was now stretched out in between Bo's legs.

"Mmmm, very. You?" Lauren asked back at Bo.

"I am now Doctor, so how was your night? I saw some of it, they look like they're having fun hey. Good to see Dyson enjoying himself. I think he will be ok..."Bo trailed off.

"Bo, you haven't done anything wrong. And yes, he will be, just needs some time." Lauren answered back.

"So Lauren, your cute note said we needed to talk. I'm all ears" Bo didn't really know what Lauren would say, she hoped she wouldn't regret what had happened earlier, and her leaning into her now did give her confidence, but she needed to hear it from her. Bo had already told Lauren how she felt before the exam room. Now she needed to know how Lauren was feeling.

"Well, yeah, I did write that. I need to know what you think is happening between us now? Is there even an "us" now?" Lauren spoke.

"No, No doctor, I already told you that you make me breathless and that you have lit a fire in me. I need to know what you want or feel now. Remember the plaster approach Lauren and just say it." Bo gave her a gentle squeeze for reassurance.

"Well, Ok. I feel the same. Ever since I first saw you there was something. And then every day since then I couldn't keep my eyes off you. Then Dyson happened. Then the rumour went round. Then you surprised me by saying what you said and everything I thought was washed away with a need to just kiss you, then you kissed me back and that fire was in me too. I felt it. And, I'm sorry if I got a bit carried away. After all you were there for a medical reason, and I might have crossed a bit of an ethical line there. So I'm sorry if I did" Lauren looked down.

"Lauren, we were both in that room today. Nothing happened that both of us didn't want to happen. So please don't apologise for that. It was amazing, you were amazing, and it felt amazing. As for the rumour, I told you it was only once. I have got myself in a bit of bother, but I can fix it, and I will fix it, but another way. And Dyson was when I thought you were unavailable and was, well it was fun, and I do like him, but it's not the same as when I'm with you." Bo explained.

"But what if Bo. What if somewhere down the line when I'm in too deep, you move on again, you think I'm a bit of fun, you decide that you do want another life with rich men and flashy cars and I'm not enough? What if you can't fix your problem and you do meet someone who can? I just don't want to start this if that's your end game." Lauren was being honest if not a bit harsh but it's better to sort this out now than later she reasoned to herself.

"Wow. Not even had a date and you need to know my end game. I'm sorry you think of me as a vixen that sleeps with people for money. I can assure you that's not a nice feeling to have. Yeah I may be...I don't know...a bit-"

"Travelled" Lauren helped her out with her words.

"Ha ha, travelled. Interesting way of putting it I suppose but not wrong either, so I guess we can use that. I might be a bit travelled Lauren, but remember I have a good, strong heart and it's capable of hurting as much as yours is." Bo finished.

"I'm sorry Bo, I didn't mean to pry, offend or hurt you. Just, I know me. I'm loyal, less travelled, so to speak. My sexual passport has not many stamps. But I know what I feel now is stronger than anything I have ever felt. And yet I hardly know you. And I know if you wake up one day and realise I'm just a goofy doctor and leave me, which I expect you to do as you're gorgeous, I don't think my heart would take it. I'm sorry Bo for earlier. That was not fair to your feelings. I just don't think there can be an 'us' right now as we hardly know each other and yet our emotions are jumping too far ahead of us," Lauren breathed in deeply Bo's scent, knowing this may be the last moment that they were going to be this close.

"Wow that does sound like a no to there being an 'us' not just now but ever. But what if Lauren? What if I like the goofy doctor? The same goofy doctor that likes to interrupt people with little facts? Or the goofy doctor that watches Star Trek and goes to comic cons? What if I like her? What if it's enough? What if I don't need flashy cars? What if I can fix my own issues? What if we had a chance to be happy but didn't because of what ifs?" Bo replied back

"But the money Bo. You and Kenzi only came here to land a mark and get back on your feet. That still exists. And also what happens when we leave here and I go back to England and you to Canada?" Lauren turned round to face Bo, she needed to see her.

"Ok, two-part question Doc" Bo raised her eyebrows remembering what Lauren said earlier, "So a two-part answer. Firstly, about what happens when we leave, we don't know what happens in seven hours, seven days or another seven months, so we should not worry about that until then. There are options. Canada is still part of the British Empire and Commonwealth. We have your, or our, Queen of Canada. So we have a way there if we decide that's what we want. That's still a long way off and if we do this, then we can talk about that nearer the time. And secondly you worry that I'm all about sex and money, well then, unless you tell me you're a secret millionaire" Bo tickled Lauren, remembering that's how you get answers from her, and she started to wiggle and giggle around her before finally being able to say the words No, she wasn't. "Then your virtue is safe with me, for the time being anyway. We can take it slow and get to know each other first as this kind of thing is new to us both. We can see how it naturally goes without the sex or the worries we both have. So how about we start our first date tonight?" Bo released Lauren and reached down to her bag and pulled out a six pack of beer

"Bo, I can't..."

"My God, really? After that? You still can't..." Bo was hurt.

"Bo, you need to let me finish my sentences, especially if we're going to date" Lauren rolled her eyes back, "I was going to say I can't drink, I'm on call." Lauren leaned herself back on to Bo and stroked her arm slowly. She had melted completely by Bo's words earlier and she reminded herself that she needed to do things that was 'not Lauren' and being in her arms just felt so right.

"Oh, well more for me, and good job I brought water also then. I guess this is yours and these are mine. And sorry, your right, I do jump a bit. Well that was the first step and we survived, so how about you tell me all about yourself Dr Lewis, I want to know how you became so smart and sexy. This can be our first date, getting to know each other." Bo lowered herself further into the sun bed, keeping Lauren close, with nothing but ocean in front and music playing softly in the background.