34. No Time for Lovin’
Sage
S age glanced over at the reception desk, where another two patients stood. Whenever she went to grab a patient, Sage was swamped. She wanted to speak with her, tell her that maybe they could grab a quick bite during patients, but it didn’t seem like they were going to ever get that chance. She had to accept it because she liked the fact that Stassi had a great work ethic. It was one of the things that continued to draw her closer to her. That and the fact that she had a killer body.
She smirked, the thought resting in her mind. “What are you laughing about?” She glanced at the sound of Lena’s voice. She had just stepped off the elevator and was staring at Sage.
“Nothing,” she lied.
Lena shook her head. “I highly doubt that. Is it because of this woman?” She held open a magazine, and Sage glanced at it. She tore it from Lena’s hand and stared at the pages where Stassi was beaming. She recognized the outfits. Sage had spent the whole day watching her as people fell all over her. It felt so long ago that Sage had practically forgotten that day had occurred.
“Where’d you find this?”
Lena laughed. “It’s called a grocery store. They have a whole slew of magazines and look.” Lena closed the magazine and held it up. “She made the front cover. Have to admit, she looks good.” She shrugged. “Don’t tell her I said that, though.” Lena laughed. “Wouldn’t want her thinking I was checking her out or something.”
Sage rolled her eyes. “Nah, wouldn’t want that.” She grabbed the magazine back and flipped through it again. She shook her head. Was she totally in her element? She looked happy, her piercing smile lighting up the cover. She glanced up and started to hand the magazine back. “You’re right, though, she does look good.”
Lena held up her hand. “That’s your copy. I figured you hadn’t seen it, since you didn’t mention it. I got a few copies just in case anyone wanted to see Stassi in a whole new light.” She laughed, and Sage rolled her eyes at that comment. “Anyway, I want to grab something to eat.”
“Can’t. I wasn’t even supposed to work today. The waiting room hasn’t once let up. I could really use the help to room some patients if you want to work on your lunch hour.” Sage laughed.
“Gee, it’s such a wonderful idea.” Lena frowned, then shrugged. “Then again, anything to help my friend out.”
Sage arched an eyebrow, and Lena motioned for them to go to the front desk. She was partly teasing, but if Lena wanted to assist, then she would gladly take the reinforcements. When they reached the front desk, and Lena grabbed a chart, Stassi turned and stared.
Sage held the magazine behind her and shrugged. “Guess Lena was bored in peds.”
“Not hardly,” Lena mumbled, before calling out another patient.
Sage grabbed a chart, hiding the magazine underneath it. If Stassi didn’t want Sage to see it, then she wouldn’t rub it in her face. She called out the patient, then turned and hurried to room them. It was how the rest of the day went. It wasn’t until five, when they had their first lull in patients. Sage collapsed against the counter.
“When does your replacement come in?” she asked.
“I saw Geneva listed on the schedule for eight. You?”
“Not until midnight,” Sage scowled. Glancing at her watch, she tilted her head. “The next patient doesn’t come in for thirty minutes.” She grabbed Stassi’s hand and pulled her to her feet.
“And?” There was a slight grin on Stassi’s face, but she still looked confused.
“Well, I was thinking that you and I could slip into a room and make ourselves comfortable. If you know what I mean.”
Stassi laughed as Sage pulled her behind her, but then Stassi caught herself, digging her heels into the floor. “Actually, it’s a divine thought, but I really should be prepping the charts.”
Sage groaned. “Is it all about work?”
Stassi sighed. “When we’re at the hospital, it should be.” She shrugged. “I’m sorry.” She turned on her heel and walked to the chart room. Sage frowned. She didn’t expect to be dissed in that way. She started to head to the triage room, when the elevator doors opened, and Lena stepped off.
“I’m glad you’re still here.” Lena hurried over to Sage. “Did you check your emails?”
“Are you kidding me? I did say I’ve been swamped, didn’t I?”
Lena waved her hand with her phone and then looked down and fiddled with it before handing it to Sage. Sage looked down at what appeared to be an invitation.
“You’re invited to the 1 st Annual Fundraising Gala. Employees get a discounted ticket for $70.” She looked up and shook her head. “What’s this?”
“That’s what I would like to know. Looks like the head honchos think that charging us to go to a gala to raise money for the hospital is exactly what we need. They make us work unpaid OT. They cut the hours for the other half of the staff. They take away benefits for the senior employees, and they expect that we’ll just gladly shell out some money to pad their pockets? Well, no thank you.” Lena huffed, shaking her head.
“Hey, Lena,” Stassi stepped out of the records room, a pile of charts in her arms.
“Hey, Stassi.” Lena didn’t even bother looking up. Sage saw the disappointment still etched on her face.
“Everything alright?” Stassi asked, stopping just shy of them.
Sage held the phone up for Stassi to read. “They’re holding a fundraising gala, and they expect us to pay to go,” she said, shaking her head.
“Could be fun,” Stassi replied. “I mean, I’ve been to a few in my time and never left disappointed.” She hesitated. “You don’t want to go?”
Sage frowned. She had to continue to remind herself of the different lifestyles they were brought up in. It was nothing for Stassi to jet off to a gala in another state, whereas Sage wasn’t used to those high-maintenance issues. “I guess it is frustrating to think that they want us to go when the pay is crap. You know?”
Stassi gave a soft smile. “I get that, but maybe it will actually help. I better get these charts back to the desk. I’m just saying that I wouldn’t mind going, if I were going with someone who I enjoyed spending time with...” With that, she turned and headed to the desk.
“Wow!” Lena muttered. “You’re hooked.”
Sage turned and stared, then released a laugh. “I mean, she kind of has a point.”
Lena grabbed the phone and took another look, then shrugged. “I guess if you’re going, I might consider it. Guess we’ll see if we’re off that night. I’m headed out. When do you get off?”
“Not until Midnight.”
Lena playfully tapped her shoulder. “I’ll be thinking of you while I’m lounging in bed and watching Netflix.” She laughed and waved, then headed back for the elevator.
Sage considered the email and turned to the front desk, where the patient was already being checked in. It would be nice to go out with Stassi in public, where everyone at the hospital would see them together, and if Stassi was up for it, she wouldn’t argue.
Sage entered the apartment at one o’clock. An ominous feeling hit her. She was sure that Stassi was in bed since it was so late. But part of her had hoped Stassi would have stayed awake so they could talk, discussing their busy day working. But she couldn’t expect Stassi to stay up just because it was what Sage wanted.
She released a yawn. Perhaps it was even a good thing that they couldn’t talk because that would have wound them up in bed, and she needed to get a few hours of sleep before she had to get back up and start her day.
When Sage entered the bedroom, though, there was a huge difference from other times she arrived home so late. Stassi wasn’t in the bedroom. She turned and headed out of the room, curious as to where she could be at such a late hour.
Sage
Just got home, and you’re not here. A tad worried. Please respond ASAP.
Sage began pacing. It was so late. Perhaps Stassi had gone back to her apartment? With no word, though, it was hard to decipher if that’s where she could be.
Stassi
I’m fine. I just needed to get some things done at my apartment. I’ll see you later. Have a great day at work tomorrow.
Her words were so unemotional. It was a text message. You’re reading too much into them. But Sage couldn’t let that rest. She dialed Stassi’s number, and Stassi answered after the first ring.
“You should be getting some rest. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”
“I’m confused. I thought you’d be here. You didn’t mention anything about not coming back to my apartment, and I guess I sort of got used to you being here.” Sage laughed. “Is everything alright?”
“Yeah, everything is fine. But my apartment was feeling neglected.” Stassi giggled, lightheartedly. “We’ll see each other soon. I’m certain of that.”
Sage looked down at the magazine in her hand, Stassi’s picture staring back at her. She tossed it down on the coffee table and tried to relax on the couch. “So? What are you wearing?”
Stassi laughed loudly. “Are you trying to talk dirty? I’m not letting it happen. It’s after one, and you really should be getting your rest. Six o’clock will come around awfully soon, you know.”
Sage groaned. “You’re killing me. I could really go for some phone sex since you’re not here. It will be just the thing to relax me.” Sage quirked up her lips. If only Stassi was truly there, though.
“A t-shirt,” Stassi replied.
“Nice. Wearing anything under it?”
“A thong,” Stassi giggled. “But that’s not fair. You can mentally picture me, while I’m clueless about what you’re wearing.” Sage stood up and went down the hallway to her bedroom. “Are you there?”
“Baby, I’m here. Just wanted to get comfortable.” With one hand she shed herself of her scrubs, so they were lying in a pile. Just my bra and panties.” She fell back into the bed and waited. “I want to tear your thong off with my teeth.”
“Damn, you’re good at this.” Stassi laughed. “And then what?” Her voice turned sensual.
“Are they off?” Sage asked, clenching her teeth as her core throbbed.
“They are,” Stassi replied, her tone just as clenched. Sage stretched out in bed, closing her eyes to picture Stassi on top of her. She wanted Stassi to always be by her side, but she didn’t know how physically attached she had become, and it was a part of her that she craved.