The Sidewalk Incident

9. The HR Incident

"So are we just going to walk into work, holding hands and being all lovey-dovey?"

As promised, James arrived promptly, all bright-eyed and bushy tailed, to pick me up for work. We didn't speak again since the agreement was signed, and that awkward encounter with Jess. He just messaged at 6:30, saying "I'm outside." Despite making him wait for almost twenty minutes, he still gave me an encouraging smile, and handed over a takeaway cup.

"Double shot cappuccino with two sugars and a dollop of cream, right?" He said cheerfully.

I merely grunted in response and nodded my thanks, as I waited for the caffeine to revive my dying soul.

"So are we just going to walk into work, holding hands and being all lovey dovey?" My heart rate quickens thanks to the caffeine but I'm smart enough to know it's more to do with nerves than a caffeine high.

James's arrival at my place this morning confirmed it: We are actually going through with this charade.

"Yeah I was thinking about that, too. Which is why I arrived early so we could strategize but you took your own time, as per usual." He says matter of factly. "You only woke up when I called, didn't you?"

"I was meditating."

"Uh huh. Of course you were." He scoffs. "So what's the plan? I mean, how would you go about it if you were really dating someone at work?"

"Uhm, honestly? I wouldn't want anyone to know. Which defeats the entire point of us fake dating to gain favour amongst the staff."

"It might just work." He nods wisely, "Maybe we should try really badly at keeping it quiet. In that way people would think we are being all secretive in an attempt to not hinder our odds at getting the job."

"Ooh, sneaky! I think it'll be more believable. So we are keeping it on the DL."

The remaining part of the drive is quiet as I suppose we both silently contemplate our impending doom and the odds of survival after jumping out of a moving vehicle.

At least, that's what I'm thinking.

______________

Walking into work, we keep it casual, like super casual, and it doesn't look like anyone is any wiser as to what's going on. That doesn't stop me from turning my head this way and that, paranoid that we are already guilty by association.

"Relax, Charlotte. You look like you're on crack."

I release a long, drawn out breath, having not realized I was keeping it in, in the first place.

As I arrive at my office, there are a few staff members either knocking off from their shifts, or hurrying off to ward rounds. James puts his hand on my back as I open the door and whispers in my ear, "Don't forget, we have our meeting with Lynette from HR at 9; as soon as rounds and handovers are done."

He honestly could have simply told me this in a normal voice, or better yet, texted me this useless information, but this is where my life is at right now, getting seductive reminders about HR meetings in hushed tones.

And right on cue, our residents come into view and we are forced to apply some good old-fashioned, professional, social distancing.

So, I just nod and hurry into my office, wishing I could barricade myself in there but inviting my nervous residents inside, instead.

"Morning. I will be doing weekly touch-base meetings with each of you moving forward to discuss where you're struggling, what you need help with and also what area you'd like to sharpen your skills. It'll be the same time and day of the week every week, unless we're in surgery. Ok?"