18. Sometimes It’s Hard to Focus

Sage

S age finds her thoughts on Stassi for the past few days. When they stood together talking and Stassi went to brush a strand of Sage’s hair out of the way, Stassi thought she was going to actually brush it behind her ear. A move that you often see in old rom-com. It startled Sage and she couldn’t help but back up. But the truth was, she wouldn’t have exactly minded, if she had any inkling that Stassi wanted them to pursue something outside of building their friendship.

She quickly tried to force the thought from her mind. Making extra trips to the front desk to pretend like she needed copies or taking extra glances towards Stassi when she passed by her. They were all indications that Sage was interested in the beauty, but she had to be reasonable.

“Earth to Sage. Come in Sage.” Lena nudged her in the ribs as they exited the elevator.

“Huh?” Sage asked.

Lena laughed. “Am I missing something?” Marcus asked.

Lena rolled her eyes. “I think our girl has a little bit of a crush. It’s hilarious because I can’t count how many times, I’ve tried to set this woman up and never once did she seem interested. The blind dates were….”

“From Hell,” Sage muttered. “But Lena is crazy. I don’t have a crush.”

Marcus arched an eyebrow. “Let me guess…Stassi?”

“Ding ding ding. We have a winner,” Lena laughed as Sage stared at her. “There’s nothing to be upset about.”

“You’re the woman that runs hot and cold with Stassi,” Sage pointed out. “You first thought that we would be cute together, then gave me these rumors about her and acted like she’s scum, and now you’re teasing me and giving me a look that says Go for it, Sage.” Sage rolled her eyes. “You confuse me.”

“I confuse most people.” Lena laughed. “I guess the bottom line is; I want you to be happy. If Stassi can make you happy, who am I to judge?” She winked, nudging Sage in the ribs once more. “And as my very best friend pointed out to me once, chances of the rumors being true are slim.”

Sage snickered. “So just like that, you’d be overjoyed if we got together? Well, it doesn’t matter, because I’m not crushing.”

They stepped into the cafeteria and Sage instantly spotted Stassi sitting at a corner booth. She was alone and met Sage’s gaze. She quickly waved her hand, beckoning them to join her.

“And just like that,” Lena said. “Lunchtime improves.” Lena leads the way over to Stassi’s table.

“I’m thrilled you guys are here,” Stassi commented. “I thought I was going to be forced to eat lunch alone and the skies are dark, so it doesn’t look like going outside is an option. Grab your food and join me.”

“Gladly,” Lena commented. “Sage was just saying how she wished you were at lunch.”

“You were?” Stassi’s eyes bugged out.

Sage stared at Lena, then turned back to Stassi. Yeah, of course. You work way too hard, and I was worried you wouldn’t get a break. We’ll be back.” She grabbed Lena’s elbow and ushered her away from the table. “What the hell was that?” Sage asked.

Lena laughed. “Just giving you the in you want. You can thank me later.” Lena winked and then wandered off. Marcus laughed behind her. She turned and arched an eyebrow. He shrugged and went to get his food. Sage groaned. She just hoped that things would run smoothly, and she wouldn’t have to kick Lena under the table too many times.

After she had her food and got back to the table, she saw Lena was already there. She mentally groaned, as she could only imagine the conversations, they could have already started between one another. They looked to be too deep in conversation that it worried Sage, but she chose not to say anything, simply sitting in the vacant spot next to Stassi. She could smell her perfume, and she was hit with an elegant whiff. She wasn’t just beautiful, but she had an exquisite scent about her. She looked down at her food, hoping that she could concentrate, but already failing miserably.

Marcus returned to the table and the four of them ate, with Sage steering clear of the conversation. Lena spoke about work and then drifted into her conversation about her girlfriend. Stassi seemed interested, too interested. Her eyes were focused on Lena as she spoke, and it caused Sage to laugh.

All eyes went to Sage. Sage felt her cheeks warm. “Just saying that if you get Lena talking about Maya, she’ll never stop.”

Lena laughed. “She isn’t wrong.”

The table turned into laughter and Sage released a breath. One more hurdle crossed. The conversation began flowing again and Sage went back to her food.

“You know, Stassi, you should come to the Hospital’s Happy Hour Friday evening, if you’re not working,” Lena continued. It would be nice to see Stassi outside of the hospital. Sage looked up, waiting to see what Stassi’s reply would be. “I know that Sage would love for you to be there.” Sage choked on her water as she felt all eyes on her. She stared at Lena. “Isn’t that right, Sage?”

“Well yeah, because everyone should experience the Hospital Happy Hour. It’s a lot of fun, so you should come.”

Stassi nodded. “I would love that.”

Sage looked at Lena and then kicked her in the shin. Lena winced and Sage looked back at her food. Lena deserved it because she felt like Lena was just instigating to get a reaction and she didn’t want to be a part of that.

They finished eating and when lunch was over, they all left the cafeteria. Marcus and Stassi were ahead of them, and Sage grabbed Lena’s arm and held her back. “What?” Lena asked.

“What?” Sage asked. “What was that all about? I know Sage would love for you to be there.” Sage batted her eyes, in replication of how the statement came across.

Lena laughed. “I didn’t look like that.”

“You might as well have,” Sage mumbled.

“Are you ladies coming?” Sage turned to Marcus who had the elevator door open for them. Sage led the way to the door and stepped in next to Stassi. Marcus pressed the two buttons for the floors, with Lena and him getting off on their floor first. That left Stassi and Sage to take two floors alone. A situation that Sage expected to be unbearable. When the doors closed, though, Stassi started the conversation.

“Happy Hour sounds like fun. I’ll be there. That is, if you really want me to.” She gave a slight laugh and Sage met her gaze. Stassi’s face lit up and Sage nodded. “Perfect.” The doors opened and Stassi got off first. She turned around and gave Sage a grin. “Everyone that works here is so nice. I couldn’t have asked to have a better group of work friends.” She turned and walked away from Sage.

Sage shook her head. The intensity of the way Stassi stared at her, made her all hot and bothered. She couldn’t imagine that feeling ending anytime soon. She went to the nurse’s station, where Kimberly, a nurse that works with Physical Therapy was crying. Heather, one of the PTs was patting her on the shoulder.

“What’s wrong?” Sage asked.

Heather looked up and grimaced. “Kim just got notified that her hours have been slashed in half.”

Kim shook her head. “I have two kids that rely on my income. I’m not married, and I have no one. How could they do this?” She sobbed, leaning into the counter.

Sage shook her head, disgusted with how the budgets were handled. Sage looked over to the front desk, where Stassi was back to working, her back towards Sage. Something had to change. If they didn’t get answers soon, there wasn’t any guarantee of the future of them or the hospital.