Paging Dr. Adams

Chapter Sixteen

(Unedited)

Another week went by before Emily finally decided she may be able to give writing a try. The whole 7 days she thought about it, Jason would inch around the subject, but never press her to do anything.

"Ok, I think I'm ready to maybe take a shot at writing." Jason looked up from his paperwork and smiled.

"Took you long enough. I'll pick you up a flash drive tomorrow after work." Emily curled up onto the couch, her leg bothering her only a bit of what it used to.

"About that, is there a reason you've been working more again? Are there bills needing to be paid? Because I will get a job, even if it's at a fast food joint, if you need help."

Jason once again looked up from his paperwork, and then shut his computer. Emily studied her painted nails while he came over and sat beside her on the couch.

"Emily, I've already told you what I thought about that idea. I have the bills fully covered. I'm better off than sixty percent of Americans, and I don't even have student loans to pay off. Money is not the problem." Emily felt like a little kid asking him,

"Then why are you working so much more again? Is it because... you know, of what happened?"

The couple, but not couple, have both been thinking about that Saturday weeks ago. Neither of them would bring it up and Jason sure as hell would not admit that that was in fact the reason he had begun picking up more shifts.

"Of course not. The hospital won't get off my case to work more shifts. They are still short staffed and I love helping whoever I can."

"Oh. Well, do you think, since it is Friday and your office is closed tomorrow, that we could go do something tonight? I still have some money left from Chicago. I can pay for myself."

"Damn it, hon, I told you the money isn't an issue. But I'd love to go do something. How about the mall? You think you're up to it?"

"Sure, I just want to get out of the house. My friends have been oddly silent, even the ever-crazy Tiffany. Let me get ready."

As Emily go up, it was hard for Jason to not lend a hand and help her. She was becoming ever better and Jason was dreading hanging around too much. He definitely did not want to end up having another talk about her moving out. However, while sneakily looking at Emily's butt walking away, he thought back to their kiss that night. He knew that they both knew something was there and that they were both previously were scarred by someone they loved. But he needed to have a talk with her. Emily knew as much as well, only she wasn't about to make a move.

Before long, Emily was ready and they headed out the door.

***

"You have got to be kidding me. What the fuck is he doing here?" Jason immediately turned around and put his hand on Emily's back.

"Who? What's wrong, darling?" Emily couldn't answer for a moment. Her heart constricted in her chest, and her throat swelled up. Her eyes grew wet as she took a look at the man in front of her.

"Cole. Cole fucking Denver."