20. More Budget Cuts

Sage

S age was disappointed that they didn't exchange phone numbers when they left each other at the taqueria. It would have been an option that they could have reached out to each other. Following the kiss, Sage wanted to spend even more time with Stassi. It was disappointing that they didn’t have more intimate time together, but the kiss was something that kept hope inside of Sage that there were better things around the corner.

Stassi wasn’t at the reception desk when Sage arrived at work, yet another disappointment. “Hey, Cami,” she replied, grabbing the chart. “No Stassi today?”

“She’s working ER desk. They said they wanted to cross-train, so you’re stuck with me.”

“I’ll manage,” Sage teased. “George.”

He came slowly with his cane; mumbling as he passed her. She couldn’t make out what he was saying entirely, but it had to do with her being a couple of minutes late, but even George wouldn’t damper her mood. She was hopeful that if she could get through the morning, she would be able to see Stassi at lunchtime.

That feeling was dampened when she walked into the cafeteria several hours later and couldn’t find her. It was a beautiful day outside, so it was possible that she would have been in the courtyard, but she didn’t want to think that Stassi would go out there without having first found Sage. In her mind, the courtyard was their place. It was just she didn’t realize that would be the case when they sat out there during that one lunch.

“Sage!” Lena and Marcus called, waving her over to their table.

“No, Stassi?” Sage asked.

Lena smirked. “We’re no longer good enough for her. She has to have her lover nearby at all times.”

Sage rolled her eyes. “We’re hardly lovers.”

“At least not yet,” Marcus teased. “I mean they did seem rather hot on the dance floor Friday night.”

“You thought that was hot. You should have seen them making out on the rooftop garden.” Sage opened her mouth and Lena winked. “See, I told you I wasn’t drunk.”

Sage scoffed. “I’ll go grab my lunch and be right over. As she left them, she couldn’t hide her smile. She was hot just thinking about how they were making out. She grabbed a salad and water, paid, then went back to their table.

Marcus and Lena were talking in hushed tones when Sage got back to the table. “Still talking about my love life?” Sage snickered. “It’s not that entertaining, I can assure you.”

“It makes for a better conversation,” Lena mumbled. “I was just talking to Marcus about these stupid budget cuts. I heard some of the senior nurses talking about it and they plan on cutting sick time and vacation days.” Lena shook her head. “If we don’t figure this all out, I don’t know if any staff will be left behind.”

Sage’s face fell. She would have rather they continue talking to her about Stassi. At least then they wouldn’t have to get this down-in-the-dumps attitude.

“I’ve heard much of the same,” Marcus admitted.

“Last week Kimberly was saying that they slashed her hours. I know it’s getting bad, but what can we do about it? I have that meeting coming up at the end of the week.”

“If he doesn’t cancel,” Marcus muttered.

“Maybe I should go to the budget meeting on Wednesday. If I’m at the door, they can’t really toss me out, can they?” Lena looked hopeful and Sage was glad to see that her friend was stepping up to assist where she could, as well.

“Couldn’t hurt,” Sage replied. “If we’re all doing our part, they’ll take notice. I’m certain of it.”

At least it was a plan, but Sage worried that her meeting would be derailed, and she would have her friends and co-workers upset with her, even when it wasn’t her fault.

“Look who just walked in,” Lena whispered. Sage looked over her shoulder and she saw Stassi. Stassi turned and looked at her, giving her a small wave. Sage excused herself and went over to where Stassi stood.

“Follow me,” Sage whispered.

Stassi didn’t hesitate to follow her into the hall. “I won’t be able to stay long. They have me cross-training and I didn’t think I’d even get a lunch, but…” Before she could finish, Sage pressed her against the wall and kissed her. She held onto Stassi’s waist, pinning her up against the wall, both their hearts colliding as one.

“Damn,” Stassi replied, breathlessly gasping.

“You were the one to kiss me Friday, so I wanted to initiate this one. I was afraid I wouldn’t see you and frankly that couldn’t wait.” She brushed her thumb against Stassi’s lip and Stassi stared at her. “But you were saying you couldn’t stay.”

Stassi nodded. “Sadly,” Stassi whispered before grabbing hold of Sage’s necklace and pulling her to her, drawing her into another kiss. Sage relaxed against her, feeling the heat heavy in her core. If things didn’t continue to progress, Sage would feel this hole that only Stassi could fill. She was desperate for her touch.