A Nurses Secret

Episode 2

I inhaled deeply, taking in the sent of fresh coffee. If this place did anything right, it was their coffee. I smiled internally at my cup. The dark coffee danced on the brim of the white styrofoam cup.

“You’re so gross.” Betty giggled as she poured a pound of sugar and a gallon of creamer in her coffee. Okay, maybe not that much but I’ve tried her coffee before. It was like diabetes in a cup of coffee. Too sweet for me! I smirked at her.

“It’s less calories! Gives me more room for more food!” I joked. She laughed. Times like this is what made everything better for me. Sitting down on the cold plastic chair, I glanced at my surroundings. Since I got out of the Air Force, I’ve been more observant. It’s an old habit that I will forever keep. I served my four years in as a nurse and got out. I had fallen in love with a man who didn’t want me enlisted, he wanted to settle down and start a family. So, typically, and stupidly, I didn’t re-enlist. Shortly after that I discovered he had been cheating on me while I was deployed the year prior.

“Whacha thinkin’ about?” I didn’t even notice Betty sit in front of me. She was leaning forward examining my face.

“Marvin.” I sighed. She rolled her eyes. I knew she was about to rage. She was the one who picked me up and gave me a place to stay once I left him.

“That man had f*****g nerves of steel!” She gasped looking away in anger. She whipped her head back to look at me, pointing her finger at me. “Did he contact you?! You’re not going back to him! I won’t let you! I’ll keep Bagheera hostage!” She threatened keeping my cat. I let out a breathy laugh and shook my head.

“No, he hasn’t contacted me,” I set my cup down. “I guess I’ve just been lonely these days.” I said looking down into my cup. My hands were folded over one another in front of my cup. She put a hand on top of mine and I looked up at her.

“I know. Don’t worry about it too much though. Once a man realizes what a catch you are, he’ll treat you better than gold.” She gave a gentle smile, warming my heart.

“Sometimes I wish I were into girl, ‘cause I would totally date you.” Betty laughed.

“I think I would need to be gay, too, for that to happen honey!” She joked. We giggled over our coffee while waiting for the sandwiches to be delivered to our table.

            Our sandwiches were set down in front of us and my stomach growled. I hadn’t realized just how hungry I had become. CPR for ten minutes is a damn good work out though. Maybe that’s why. I bite into my sandwich, deep in thought. Betty was the only one who I trusted. I kept telling myself that though. How would she react to my secret? Would she be scared? Would I end up a science experiment? The possibilities were endless. I ended up keeping it all to myself.

            I licked mustard off my lips and smiled up at Betty who was equally stuffing her face when a dark man walking behind her caught my eye. I watched as he went by. His hair was black as ink in a high and tight cut, military style. He was in his ABUs uniform, walking in a quick pace like he needed to be somewhere. His face was stern. Almost looked as if he was clenching his jaw. He was a very handsome man from this distance.

            Betty followed my gaze and raised her eyebrows.

“Damn boy.” She muttered with a full mouth of food. She looked back at me, set down her sandwich. She was pointing at him while struggling to swallow her oversized bite.

“He is SO your type!” She whispered. I nodded.

“He is. Doesn’t mean I’m his though.” I whispered back examining the man’s butt. I bit my lip and nodded. Oh, he was my type. Almost as if feeling my gaze, he looked at me.

Fuck! I was looking too long and hard. I looked out the windows, away from his gaze, and took a sip of my coffee. I could feel my face get hot with embarrassment. I had just got caught staring at a complete stranger. Hopefully, he didn’t take offence. But, with how he looks I’m sure he’s use to it. Betty giggled causing me to look back at her. My eyes couldn’t help but scan the area for the man.

“He’s gone.” I said. She sighed and shrugged as she shoved the last bite into her mouth. Might as well eat now while I can.

“Lizz!” Bettys voice was muffled by the food. “Eat!” She pointed to my half-eaten sandwich. I smile, nodded and finished my food.

            It was 0600 and we just finished hand off’s. Betts had flung her arm over my shoulder and leaned heavily against me.

“Jeez, you’re getting heavy!” I joked. She scoffed but continued to hang on me.

“So, I say drinks!” She raised her other arm in air.

“Um. Its six in the morning!” I wasn’t big into bars either. She laughed.

“I know this place that’s practically for us night crew. Med and non!”

“So, it wont be filled with just night shift nurses and doctors, correct?”

“Affirmative!” Betts said sounding robotic. She took her arm from around me and started walking like an animated robot towards the door having her bag fall off she shoulder. She quickly swooped her arm to catch it looking back at me with the ‘oh s**t’ look and puckering her lips. I couldn’t help but laugh. I wasn’t sure if we were dressed for a bar, but, who cares. Were just going to drink anyways.