And So It Goes (Stevens Book 10)

Chapter 6

Agatha got through her last week with Merrick treating her as he always had, with sharp commands and very little patience. The other nurses were upset about Jenny, but the gossip about Sherry and Jessup had spread rapidly, taking the place of the sad news, and Jenny wasn't mentioned again. Agatha knew she couldn't hold it against anyone because they hadn't known Jenny that well, and no one wanted to talk about the sad or scary stuff.

When the time came, Agatha kept her goodbyes short and sweet, and Merrick was nowhere to be found as she boarded her flight, which was probably for the best. She was flying to Germany, where she would finish all of the necessary discharge paperwork before spreading her wings and traveling a little.

When she looked up from buckling her seatbelt, her eyes met Merrick's as he sat across from her on the plane.

"No goodbye, Stevens?" he asked as he worked on his seatbelt without really looking at it because his attention was focused on Agatha's surprised face. He was dressed similarly to Agatha, wearing a t-shirt and blue jeans, and she hardly recognized him.

"What would have been the point since it appears you're booked on this flight as well, Merrick?" Agatha pointed out as she watched his muscles play under the short sleeves of his shirt while he settled into his seat.

He didn't reply because a few others joined them, making any additional conversation awkward.

Agatha kept to herself for the entire flight, which was bumpy, and Merrick caught up with her when they arrived safely and were deplaning.

"Stevens, I want to say something to you," he said as he blocked her way with his body.

"Then say it," Agatha said with a sigh. She had prepared herself never to see him again, and this was only delaying the inevitable.

"I can't right now." His focus was on her as she let slip a protesting squeak. It was the same tune he had been singing for the last month.

"I never took you for a game player, Merrick," Agatha met his eyes with a disappointed look.

"Can we meet up this evening for drinks?" He ignored her comment as his eyes held hers, giving Agatha the impression that whatever it was he had to say was important.

Dammit, now she was intrigued!

"Is this a command?" she asked, testing him. If he replied yes, then she wouldn't meet him because the outcome would be the same as usual.

"Not at all." Merrick watched her hesitate. "You asked once what would make me happy, do you remember?"

Agatha nodded, remembering the conversation and his smile.

"I told you that once I am no longer your superior, I will be able to say what I want. This is my chance to share that with you. Please, one drink. What I have to say will only take a few minutes. If, after our conversation, you want me to leave, I will go."

The request, which was so unlike the man she knew, coupled with the fact that he was implying he would stay after their conversation, made her even more curious.

"Did you just say please?" she asked as she placed her hand on her chest in mock surprise.

"I did," he gave a half-hearted smile at her little joke. "And I'll say it again. Please?"

"All right, on one condition." Agatha looked at him. "You stop calling me Stevens." It sounded like a simple request, but to her, it was important. It broke down a barrier and made them equals.

"Fine, what would you prefer I call you?" Merrick's eyebrow rose in question.

"Agatha or Aggie. My family calls me Aggie."