Finding Stone (The Stone Brothers Series) (Volume 1)

by T. Saint John

  "Ready?" Kerrigan smiles.

  "I was ready yesterday," I laugh. "Who am I meeting?"

  "My friends Jessica and Lani. Jessica is artsy, but not the space cadet kind. Lani is a bad ass. She does some investigative reporting. She can bully her way into any place. You'll also be meeting my boyfriend, Aaron," she sighs. "He's a cop."

  I figure there is something going on between them. I don't pressure her to tell me because if they are in a fight, that's her business. I don't think she'd be comfortable telling me anyways. We did just meet.

  We walk into Gigi's Pizza Parlor. The nurse in me wants to head home for some disinfectant wipes. This place is a dump. The linoleum floor is cracked. The red seats have rips. The tables are permanently stained a shit brown.

  Kerrigan must have seen my expression and says, "I had that same look when I first came here. After you eat the pizza, you don't notice the place where you're eating it."

  "Uh. Next time maybe we can just take it home and eat," I grimace and shiver. The bell rings, announcing the arrival of two beautiful girls. They must be Kerrigan's friends.

  Lani looks like a bad ass. She is in skintight jeans, a black tank top and Chuck tennis shoes. She is pretty, if you like that 'I'll kill you with one look’ kind of a girl.

  Jessica is artsy. She is in a flowing skirt with a loose baby doll top. Her red hair is down with a couple of small braids that she has clipped in the back. I do like her beaded bracelets.

  This is an odd group of girls. Looking at them all, they look like they would have spent high school tormenting each other. The cheerleader, the geek, and the loner. Hmm. Maybe they picked me to play the role of the goody-two shoes. I laugh to myself.

  "Hey. This is Jessica and Lani," Kerrigan says.

  "Nice to meet you both," I say.

  "Love the shirt," Jessica says while extending her hand.

  "Thanks." It's a Phish t-shirt. I appreciate that she appreciates it.

  "Hi, Molly. It's good to meet you," Lani extends her hand. OUCH! I am not a wimp, but man, the anger in her brown eyes is evident in her handshake.

  "Thanks. You too," I say hoping I don't look like a baby.

  We sit at a booth. I make sure to sit across and down from Lani. I like her. I just think she may have a quick trigger.

  Before pizza is served, they talk about their week and conversation is flowing. They make sure not to leave me out. Kerrigan asks me if I have a boyfriend. I say no.

  The bell rings again. A guy, who looks like Mr. Clean on steroids, walks in. Kerrigan stands. She walks over to embrace him. He practically mauls her, claiming his territory. Why is he claiming her? To my knowledge, it's just us. He whispers in her ear. I can't hear what's said but it obviously makes her uncomfortable. Maybe I'm wrong. She looks fine when she faces us. He smiles.

  "Molly, I've heard a little about you. Kerrigan went on and on about the girl who danced on the bar with her," he says, clearly agitated. His smile remains plastered and fake. It makes me feel gross. Kerrigan remains sitting there smiling at me.

  "Yeah. It was a really bad day. I just needed to let go. It was fun," I say, hoping I'm not getting her into trouble. Does he think I am a lesbian? Maybe that's why he was claiming her?

  The tension eases when the Chicago-style pizza arrived. It's loaded with meats, 3 cheeses, onions and mushrooms. It looks great. I realized I didn’t take a lunch today. We all grab our pieces and I glance at Lani. She is giving Kerrigan a reassuring look.

  I have a lot of questions. Of course, I won't ask them here, but I make a mental note to ask in the future if Aaron will be joining us again. I will make sure I'm not available if he is. We awkwardly finish our meal. Kerrigan was right, I didn't mind sitting in this dump.

  "Hey, thanks for inviting me. I had fun. It was nice meeting everyone." I wanted to add, “…besides Aaron,” but kept my mouth shut.

  "Yes. We need to do this again soon," Jessica responds.

  "Give me a call if you want to go sight seeing," Aaron responds.

  I am offended for Kerrigan. Both Lani and Kerrigan are walking to the door and I follow. After saying goodbye, I walk quickly home. Aaron totally gave me the willies.

  Molly

  Going into my second week of work, I’m feeling more comfortable. It's not perfect, but better. I have learned something new everyday. Things I would have never got to experience this back home. Besides Dr. Hotty Asshole and Avery, most people have been indifferent to me. That’s better than being under constant scrutiny. Thankfully, Dr. Stone is off today. It's so distracting when he’s here. He looks at me in a way that makes me feel vulnerable. When he speaks to me, I feel belittled. It’s like he’s two different people. The one at work is stoic and professional. The one that I have met outside of work is raw and sexy. I can see why girls would drop their panties for him.

  I am so glad to be home. All day I’ve had Dr. Stone on my mind, thinking about him makes me stir crazy. I decide I need to get out of here. What can I do that is cheap but fun? I decide to go out for a run. I can get things off my mind and see around Chicago. I laugh at myself. I’m such a cheap date. I sit down on my 90’s style plaid couch and lace up my shoes. Let’s get this show on the road.

  Clearing my mind, I take off in a jog. I need to find a spot for a daily routine run. Today I heard someone at work saying there was a park nearby and that's where she goes walking at lunch.

  On my way to the park, I pass by Hansons. I try to peek in and see if Kerrigan is there. Not seeing her, I keep going. I see the park as I round the corner. It’s so pretty; I can see why people would love it here. All I've seen of Chicago is the high rises. This park seems almost out of place. Lush green trees line the sidewalk. This place reminds me a little of home. I see couples walking, children playing. I see a large water fountain. It's dusk so it's lit with beautiful blue and white shimmering lights. Instead of taking the runner’s path, I decide to jog around the fountain first. I have never seen one so big. It’s amazing. It's at least 1/4 of a mile around, maybe bigger. It's the first bit of serenity I've felt since being here. I become fixed on the lights watching them glimmer.

  Noah

  I'm out for a run tonight. There’s nothing like a nice Chicago night. Once winter gets here, it’s near impossible to get outside for exercise. I like this park in particular because it's never busy this time at night. I see the occasional family out playing, but everything seems to be at laid back pace. Most people who are here are looking for the same thing I am, a little peace and quiet.

  As I finish with the park’s running path, I start to slow down my pace and jog around the fountain. Out of the corner of my eye, I can’t believe who I see. Molly, the new nurse. Fuck me. Damn, she looks enticing. I hope she doesn’t see me. I need to make sure I don't run into her. I don't need the complications. I find it very hard to control my tongue around her. Maybe I can turn around and keep running in front of her, that way she won’t see my face. Maybe I can let her pass me then turn around and watch her ass in those tight running shorts. Jesus, what am I thinking? I keep looking forward and notice she is looking to the side, watching the lights. She hasn't noticed me. I wonder if she realizes where she is running, if she sees the bench that's in her path. Obviously not.

  "Hey, watch where you’re going! Look out!" I yell. It startles her.

  "Shit. Thank you." She says while slowing down. She’s so breathless. I can’t help but watch her chest rising up and down. No, more like I can’t take my eyes off of that tight as hell running shirt that looks more like a bra. It makes my dick ache. Oh the things I could do with her to make her breathless.

  "You're welcome.” We stand in an awkward silence. I take notice dusk is turning dark. She is out here running. Is she really running alone out here? Not good.

  "Okay, well, thanks again. I'll see you around." She starts to take off in a run again and I grab her arm.

  "Hey. It's getting pretty dark. You should head home. It isn’t safe out here for a pretty girl like you.
"

  "Uh. I'm just going around a couple more times. It's all right. I don't live far from here. I’ll be okay.”

  "Alright. Have it your way. See you around." I say as I run off. I'm not leaving. I decide to hang back and watch her for a little while longer. I’ll hang back far enough that she doesn’t know I’m still here.

  Molly

  This day is ending on a good note. I had a run in with Dr. Stone, but it was actually pleasant. Maybe things will improve. Seeing him out of his usual scrubs and white coat made me feel like I had butterflies in my stomach. Watching the sweat dripping down on him, made me have very dirty thoughts. I wanted to lick him. What am I thinking? I actually wanted to lick his face, his chest and other parts of him. My God, I’m losing it. I can’t be thinking about him like that.

  Deep in thought, I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings. I nearly run into a guy.

  "Hey honey."

  "I said, Hi Honey." I try to run around him but he keeps moving around me, getting in my way.

  "I heard you. Listen, I don’t want any trouble."

  "Trouble? Well, I’m the best kind of trouble there is. Imma good-looking guy. You're a smoking hot chick. What da ya say?" He slurs and grabs his crotch. “I can show ya a real good time!”

  "No thanks. Sorry. You're not my type."

  "What's your type baby?"

  "Sober. Sober is my type."

  "Awww... Okee dokee. Watch this." He starts trying to walk in a straight line and falls flat on his face. Well shit, so much for getting out of here and going home. I stop jogging and squat down beside him to see the damage.

  Drunken guy starts talking, “ I knew you cared. I told ya baby, Imma catch.” He’s acting like he throwing a rod out like he’s fishing. I can’t help but laugh. I notice he has a small cut over his eyebrow. This guy is lucky, but he’s going to feel it tomorrow.

  Noah

  I watch as a guy approaches Molly. Instantly I'm on alert. I wait because I don't want to expose myself if I don't have too. She seems to be laughing. Is she giving him a field sobriety test? He has his arms to his side and starts walking forward. Shit, he is drunk. He makes it a couple steps before face planting.

  I decide to wait. Molly is helping him to his feet. She walks him back to the bench and kneels in front of him. When he is under the light, I see blood over his eye. Shit. I have to go over.

  "Hey. What happened?"

  He's drunk. He fell."

  I look at the guy and ask, "Do you mind if I take a look? I’m a doctor."

  "Have at it.” It's not deep. A little bit of surgical glue should take care of it.

  "Hey. The cut isn't deep, but you should head over to the E.R."

  "No. I was about to prove to this smoking hot girl that she oughta go out with me."

  "Alright Romeo. Stand up. Let’s get you to the hospital. Lucky for you it's on my way.” I know I must be looking at her like she has two heads. What is she thinking? Does she think that I would actually let her go anywhere alone with a strange guy, a drunken one at that?

  "Okay baby! But only if I can walk behind you and enjoy the view."

  Molly laughs, “That’s enough. Come on.”

  "Actually I’ll go with you. Looks like we are all headed that way; I’m parked at the hospital. ."

  "Man, you sure are a cockblocker."

  Molly jumps in and says, "Okay, okay. No one is cockblocking anyone. Remember, I told you, you aren't my type."

  "Oh yeah." he says laughing. "Dammit. This guy’s your type."

  "Don't worry buddy. He isn't my type either." I feel a stab of disappointment.

  "He is isn't he? He’s sober. You said sober was your type." I can’t help but laugh out loud.

  "Yes, yes, I said sober was my type. I didn't say that Dr. Stone is my t...oh hell." She says flustered.

  She is ten shades of red. I can’t hide the enjoyment that this conversation is bringing me.

  "Yeah Molly. Tell us all about your type? Sober and what else?" I tease her.

  "You all leave me alone. I’m only trying to be nice and look where it’s getting me. What are you doing here anyways? Weren’t you leaving awhile ago?” She is clearly getting embarrassed and upset.

  "I wasn't finished with my run. I like to finish my runs over here. It's further in and more quiet." I say, praying she doesn't question. I'm lying out of my ass.

  She looks straight at me. I wonder if she’s going to call me out. "Well I’ve had about enough of this day, let’s get going."

  "Can I at least get your number, Molly? I like Molly. It rhymes with Dolly. Your breast aren't quite Dolly's, but big enough for me to motorboat.” The drunk starts making a motor sound. Now I am pissed.

  This guy needs to shut up. “Enough already buddy. Enough!”

  Molly flushes. I notice she is looking anywhere, but at me.

  "Standup. I'll alert the E.R. so someone can meet us at the front." I know he'll sit for several hours before they attend to him. By the time he gets seen, he will be sober and hurting, serves him right.

  We walk listening to this guy ramble on and on. I stopped listening to his ramblings and start thinking about her. She’s the last thing I need to be thinking about, wondering about her type, wondering about her tits... They are very nice though. I wonder what they would look like in my...

  "Hello… Dr. Stone, we’re here.” I shake my head.

  "I guess this means goodnight darling. If I were sober, we could be hiding behind the bushes going at it like rabbits."

  I want to rip this guy’s vocals cords out.

  Molly looks at the drunk. You can tell she’s had enough. She grabs him by his shirt and says, "All right you little shit. I have been giving you the benefit of doubt, you being drunk and all. I love a fun drunk. You are being rude and crude. I am done! Even sober, I wouldn't give you the time of day."

  I can’t help but smile. Take that you dumbass. Fortunately, the triage nurse and orderly come and take this idiot from us.

  Molly

  This is just humiliating.

  "Well goodnight Dr. Stone."

  "Goodnight Molly. How far is your place?" He asks.

  "Not far. About a five minute walk."

  "Okay. Remember. No running in the park after dark. I told you to go home. If you had, we wouldn't be standing here." Is he really scolding me? Like a child? I’ve had enough, now I am pissed.

  “Are you for real? Are you telling me that it’s okay for you to run in the dark, but not me? Who do you think you are? You’re not my dad! I don’t answer to you! God, just leave me alone." I start to storm off.

  "Hey. I just meant..." I don't let him finish.

  "You know what Dr. Stone, I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU MEANT!"

  "Molly, hear me out." I can see an apology in his eyes. I don't have time to figure this out. I don't want to figure this out. THIS cannot happen.

  "Goodnight," I say and walk off.

  Chapter 8

  Molly

  My third week of work. Things are okay. Dr. Hotty Asshole seems to be avoiding me. I have a feeling he is waiting to deal with the fallout from my clashes with him. I need to find a way to deal with it so we can move on. I wish I could find a hole and fall into it right now instead of facing him and all of my hostile co-workers. Looking at the hospital doors, I take in a deep relaxing breath.

  When I walk in, things look calm. Katherine is sitting at the nurse’s station; I decide to go look at the board. I don't see my name with any patients. Actually there are only a few patients right now. I can't just sit around so I ask Katherine where I could be of some help.

  "You can check supplies, really learn the layout. Ask co-workers if they need help; it's an E.R. there is always stuff to do." I feel my face flush.

  "Okay." I wanted to say a few choice words.

  I see that curtain three is closed. I decide helping co-workers might earn me some respect.

  Noah

  I am working on intubating a patient. Avery, of co
urse, is practically standing right on top of me. I hate this. You'd think after a couple of years of ignoring her she'd take a hint. The curtain opens. It’s Molly.

  "I just came to check and see if you needed help, Avery," Molly asks.

  "From you? No thanks. Dr. Stone and I have this handled. Maybe you could go help with the drunk who keeps vomiting. I heard you have a thing for drunken guys. Maybe that guy is the one you brought in last week. " Avery laughs as she touches my arm. I flinch. Avery must not have heard that I was with Molly that night. I know exactly what happened.

  All of this time, I haven’t given a second thought to Avery and how she touches me. She has always been nothing to me. I’m not sure why I care now, but I can’t stand the feel of her fingers touching me. I look at Molly. She looks saddened, frustrated and pissed all in one. Avery is such a bitch.

  "Molly, besides nursing school, have you had a chance to assist a doctor doing this?"

  "No, I can learn another time. Thank you, Dr. Stone."

  "Yeah. We've got this, Dr. Stone. I’m all you need.”

  From the next curtain over, I hear Brayden chime in, "Hey Molly. I was wondering if you want to help me."

  “Absolutely, I'm coming," she replies and then says to us, "Sorry to bother you guys."

  Fuck! I have to talk to Avery. "Is something going on with you and Molly?"

  "Oh no. I just don't associate with people like her." What does that mean?

  "What do you mean? Explain please."

  "She seems really immature; she was late for her first day. Then I heard she was dancing on a bar and I heard that she went home with some random guy," Avery excitedly lists all the reasons why she is too good to associate with Molly.