12. Hospital Rumors

Sage

“ W hat about her?” Lena asked, holding up her phone.

Sage rolled her eyes and laughed. “Do you ever give up? Why do you always feel like I need to be in a relationship?”

Lena snickered. “Because I want you to be happy.”

Sage grabbed a French fry and tossed it in her mouth. “And still I wonder if I’ve ever given off the impression that I’m not happy. I’ve always prided myself in looking with the glass half-full mantra. So, if I am showing you something else, do tell.”

Lena shrugged. “Not as far as relationships go.”

Sage rolled her eyes and turned to look off at the cafeteria entrance. Stassi walked in and Sage caught herself staring. There was something about her. When she started, she gave this persona that she was rather high-maintenance, with her earrings and makeup. But she got the feeling that something had shifted because suddenly she was toning down the look. Still beautiful, most would say, but just not trying to act like she was above everyone else. Perhaps it was Stassi who was finally coming into her own. Starting a job somewhere was always difficult, especially when you didn’t know anyone. When they had the impromptu lunch in the courtyard, Sage saw that she could have misjudged her first impressions. And it was possible that maybe Stassi would make it in the end. Stranger things had happened. With just a little coaxing, anyone could succeed.

“Don’t even think about it,” Lena mumbled.

“Excuse me?”

Lena shook her head. “I saw you looking at her and you can forget it. I know I said that you two would make a cute couple, but I was wrong. Nope. Not happening. Forget I even went there.”

Sage frowned. “I’m confused. What brought on this sudden change to steer clear of the new receptionist? I still recall that day that you were all for it. What’d she ever do to you?”

Lena sighed. “She didn’t do anything to me, personally. But what do you think about her? I mean really think about her?”

“Didn’t give it much mind.” Sage took a drink of her water. “I mean, at first, I’d say she was a loose cannon. I mean the way she beat the copier, it must’ve been crying.” Sage laughed. When Lena didn’t join in, she continued. “I guess maybe first impressions aren’t always the way to go, though. She’s alright, I suppose. But again, I ask, what’d she do to you? I mean you seem to be suddenly in a sour mood.”

“Not sour.” Lena looked down at her sandwich, while Sage watched with intent. “I agree she definitely is a loose cannon. Not too sure I would say that side of her is in the past.” Sage turned to where Stassi was standing at the deli, observing the options like new ones could appear. Sage was prepared to say she’d been wrong, but now Lena was leading her to think that first impressions were the sole route to look. “I think that maybe looks is all Stassi has going for her.”

“Ya think?” Sage turned to Stassi as she paid for her sandwich and then turned, instantly locking gaze with Sage. She raised her hand slightly.

“Great,” Lena mumbled. “If you do that, then Stassi will want to come over here and sit; frankly, I’m not in the mood. I might just rudely get up and excuse myself.

“Wait a minute.” Sage turned and stared. “I’m so confused. Something is amiss here, so what is it?”

Lena sighed. “You asked for it. I heard that Stassi slept her way into this position.”

“What?” Sage squealed, then started laughing. “You’re a riot. Stassi slept her way into the position? Why? Because hospital receptionist is such an exciting job. If she was going to do that, why wouldn’t she push for something with a little more depth to it? I think you’re crazy.”

She turned and Stassi continued to look around for an empty table. At that moment, it broke Sage’s heart that she wasn’t waving her down and offering her a friendly face. Lena most likely didn’t have any proof behind the accusations that the hospital was throwing around. She tapped her fingers against the table and stared at Stassi, just waiting for someone to offer her a seat.

“Who’d you hear that from?” She turned and glared at Lena.

“Marcus heard it from Seth, who heard it from…” Before she could continue Sage waved her hand, dismissing Lena’s comments. “I’m just saying, who wants to associate with someone that could possibly have slept with the right person to get a job?”

“I highly doubt it’s true,” Sage replied. Just a slight inkling inside her said anything was possible. “If it is then it’s not really any of our business.” Sage shrugged. “But Stassi is wandering out there like a lost puppy dog, looking for someone to throw them a bone.”

“That someone doesn’t need to be you,” Lena argued.

Sage sat back in her seat and contemplated it, but the truth was that if the rumors were true, people would lose faith in those associated with her. Sad, but true. She put her head down, questioning everything, but wishing Stassi would find one person to just wave her over and take the pressure off her.