Fight or Flight

Part 6

The next morning, I wake to three missed calls and a text from Ava, "Call me the SECOND you wake up."

I groan and roll onto my side pushing the phone up with my shoulder waiting for her to answer. It barely rings once when I hear, "Erin, what in the actual fuck? I left you at like 9pm and you don't get home until 2:00am? What happened? Did you sleep with him? Oh my god he is still there isn't he?"

"Good morning Dr. Ava, how are you? How is your shift going?"

"Very funny, now tell me what happened!"

"It was really nice, we talked and he took me up to the roof and we slow danced to this old band." I paused, "And we kissed, we did not have sex."

"That is insane! How come you sound so sad?" She asks, I can tell she is slightly distracted with the frenzy of the hospital.I hear papers rustling, machines beeping and maybe even nurses screaming "Clear".

I sigh, I guess I didn't realize until now that I was sad, she was totally right. "He never asked for my number. I thought it went really well, he seemed like he was into it, into me I mean. Am I so out of touch I have no idea when I am actually vibing with someone?"

"He didn't ask for your number? I am shocked. Maybe he's married." I know she is joking but I am not really in the mood so I don't respond.

I can almost hear her roll her eyes when she says. "I am just kidding, I really am surprised he didn't ask for your number, but I am not really worried. From what I could tell from being around him last night Griff isn't the type of guy who needs a phone number."

As she finishes her sentence, I hear a knock at the door.

"I am sure you are wrong and that's totally fine, I barely know him. I have to go though; someone is at the door."

I hang up and look through the peep hole to see Ernie my door man, he is holding a large bouquet of red roses and a cardboard box. I open the door and gesture for Ernie to come in.

"It looks like you have an admirer Miss." He smiles and gestures toward to table in the hall, I nod for him to set them down there.

"So, it seems Ernie, thank you for bringing them up."

"Normally I would have had you come down but I think this box needs to be refrigerated."

He tips his cap and takes his leave. I pick up the roses and hold them to my face taking a big whiff, they smell heavenly. Now that I am looking at them more closely, they are a very unique red, a little darker than a typical red rose. There is a small handwritten note with the bouquet reading:

Erin, forgive me for not getting your number last night, I was dazzled. 444-444-4444

Griff

I pull the card to my lips and realize I am smiling. I set down the note and the bouquet and turn my attention toward the box. The tape screeches as I pull it off the opening of the flaps revealing 10 white papered packages. I pick one up and its cold to the touch, I unwrap it and much to my surprise it is a large cut of raw beef. 

I can truly say this is the oddest gift of endearment I have ever received. I pick up my phone and look to the small note for Griff's number to type it in. As I am pressing call, I have no idea what I am even going to say.

It rings three times before Griff answers, "Good morning, Erin."

"Good morning, Griff."

"I take it you got my gift? I realized last night we never went over favorite flower so I had to take a guess." I can tell he is smiling when he says it.