The Smile

XVII - Opened relationships

   Dr Cate Beckett had not moved off her seat when Dr Darcy entered in. The smile on her sweating face had a meaning. The curious Cate pushes her friend for informations. After she had

"I suggested moving toward a relation, more..

- More ?

- Not only professional but private. Being close with made me realize I want to be with her. Outside of the hospital."

Silence.

"So you are saying..

- Yes ?

- You two are getting together..

- Yes ?

- But not only here..

- Precisely.

- That's fantastic Eliza !"

Cate chuckles with Elizabeth. She stops right away. Dr Beckett wasn't sad nor suspicious, she just asked Eliza one more question :

"Do you know what you are doing ?"

Dr Darcy looks up. Her relation is a risk, and her job at stake. Her career could be ruined by a second, by a gesture, by a contact. Cate does not dodge her gaze once, waiting for her response :

"I am sure."

Cate started teasing her again, for the only purpose to make her laugh. But she did not forget the hesitation in her voice. A small hint to what she had in mind.

Not far from here, Dr Hedstater, Gal, was rearranging trays and equipments in Ryder's office, when she received an unexpected visit.

A man in a suit was waiting against the wall. He was probably thirty or forty according to the small wrinkles on his face. Gal was about to take the trays out when noticing the visitor :

"What are you doing ? I thought you were at home ?

- Not surprise to see me ?"

James Hedstater, her husband was standing in front of her. Dr Wylde hides behind a bin, alongside Dr Dearing, who dodged a cart of files.

The married couple start arguing a bit, but soon, their laughs arose under the curious eyes of Sam, Claire and Alex.

Alex was about to join Gal when she noticed her talking with this man. She turns at the others, asking in a whisper :

"What are you doing ? Aren't you suppose to work ?

- What about you Dr Ryder ? Claire quizzes.

- I was about to see Gal.

- Please tell us who is he !

- I have no idea !

- It's her husband !"

Sam turns at Claire, with a questioning grin on her face. Her colleague looks up, Alex tries to prevent a laugh. Gal puts an end to their talk, remarking the spies.

"Alex, Sam, Claire..Get out of your hiding places and please, meet my husband. James."

James greets them with a small hand wave, hiding the big bouquet of flowers.

"I didn't know you were married !"

Gal smiles, under the envied eyes of Claire and Sam. At this very moment, Alex wishes to had this form of relationship with Elizabeth. She tries to hide her excitement as she remembers she was about to be closer with her lover soon.

The expression on her face had not failed to Dr Elizabeth Darcy. Two offices further, she was smiling like a fool.