by M. C. Decker
“Oh, don’t get your panties all twisted. I knew you were on your lunch break. It’s not like you were actually busy or something,” he said, sitting on the edge of the desk.
“You know I have a perfectly acceptable couch three feet away? And, for your information, I was in the middle of a book when you so rudely interrupted.”
“I’m not sitting on your couch for you to go all psychologist on me,” he shrieked. “There aren’t enough hours in a day for my shit.”
“You’re such a drama llama,” I laughed.
“I’d ask to borrow your book when you’re done, but I can’t handle reading on one of those things. I still need to feel the pages of a book in my hands,” he said.
“Oh, I have it in paperback too,” I laughed.
“Perfect! Can I borrow it then?”
“Absolutely not! It’s signed. Signed books aren’t for reading. Their only job is to sit on my shelf and look pretty,” I said, nodding my head.
“And, you call me extra,” he chuckled.
“Was there a reason for your visit other than your inability to go down to the cafeteria on your own, Bradley?” I asked, snidely.
“Yeah, I need a date to the Halloween party. Everett and I were supposed to go as Popeye and Olive Oyl and clearly that’s not happening now.”
“Sorry, friend, you know I don’t go to that thing. I haven’t celebrated Halloween since I was fifteen. I don’t plan on starting now,” I explained. “What about Nick from the bar?”
“Oh dear god, no. Don’t get me wrong, the sex was good, but he was a bit dry for me. The guy was a total snoozer.”
“Well that’s no good,” I said, pouting my lips. “Sorry, you’ll be short your Olive Oyl.”
“Oh, no, I’m clearly dressing as Olive Oyl. I need my strong sailor man.”
“I should’ve known,” I laughed as there came another knock on the door.
“Ms. Sommers, sorry to interrupt, but there’s a delivery here for you,” the temp announced, handing me a large bouquet of red roses tipped in black.
“Oh, thank you,” I said, as Brad took the large bouquet, placing it on my desk.
“Looks like someone has an admirer,” Brad said, snagging the card from the arrangement before I even had the chance. “I wonder who it’s from?” Brad questioned, beginning to read the card out loud.
Ash,
I’ve enjoyed spending every minute with you over the last few weeks. I can tell there’s still so much you want to say, and I hope in time you’ll be able to fully let me in. Let me take you there, Ashlynn. Also, please accept my invitation to the hospital’s Haunted Halloween Extravaganza. I promise to have many tricks and treats in store for us.
Always, C.
“Seriously, could Doctor Carson get any dreamier? This guy’s perfect, Ashlynn. What do you think he’s hiding? Dead bodies in his closet? Four wives in his bed?” he said, handing me the note so I could read it for myself.
“No, I really don’t think he’s hiding anything from me. He’s been really transparent this entire time.”
“So, are you two in a relationship then?” he asked.
“No, I wouldn’t say that. We haven’t discussed it or anything, but you and I both know that I don’t do relationships.” I reminded him.
“But does he know that? Because I’m pretty sure Doctor C thinks you two are a couple.”
“He does not,” I argued.
“Yeah, whatever you say. At least tell me you’re changing your mind about the party now. You better accept his invitation.”
“No, I’m still not going,” I said, shaking my head. “I’ll just have to decline. He’ll understand.”
“What do you have to lose, Ash?” Brad questioned. “You obviously like the guy. I could tell the other night at the bar. You practically had googly eyes after you saw him up on stage. We’ve been best friends for six years and I’ve never seen you that interested in anyone before. And, from what I gathered in the note, he clearly adores you.”
“I hear everything you’re saying, I really do,” I paused.
“I feel a ‘but’ coming on,” Brad interrupted.
“But,” I continued, glaring at him. “I’m just not ready. Just please trust what I’m saying and leave it alone.”
“Uh uh, not this time. Ashlynn Renee Sommers, you need to pull your head out of your ass and smell the roses, girlfriend. Carson is kind, caring, and hot as fuck and as your best friend, I cannot in good conscious let you fuck this up!”
I stared at Brad for a moment, completely in shock from his words. He’d always let me get away with it before. Just letting things die when I didn’t want to talk about them.
“Look, I’m sorry, but it’s the truth,” he added, shrugging. “And, if you don’t march your cute behind down the hall and tell him ‘yes’ right now then I’m going with him in your place! He can be my sailor man–Toot! Toot!”
“You wouldn’t!” I laughed.
“Oh, honey, I would!”
“Fine, I’ll go with him. But you better be there the whole time in case I need saving,” I said, my eyes pleading with him.
“That’s my girl. Also, look on the bright side. If you play your cards right, maybe Carson will let you go bobbing for his apple.”
“Oh my god! Get out! I have to get back to work,” I said, shoving him out the door.
After I’d seen the last of my couples for the day, I grabbed the note from the bouquet. Carson’s words really were beautiful. And as much as I was scared of letting him in and the nightmares that could return, I wanted to give us a chance, too. Kyle may have taken parts of me that I’ll never be able to get back, and I may have let him take Parker from me, but I wouldn’t let him take this too–not Carson. Not this time.
Pulling my phone from the drawer, I typed Carson a quick text.
Ashlynn: Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.
The moment I hit send I noticed the three dots, indicating a quick reply.
Carson: I’m glad you liked them. I’ve been waiting to hear from you all afternoon.
Ashlynn: I’m sorry, I’ve been with clients all day. I finally got a minute to myself.
Carson: No need to apologize. Just say you’ll accept my invitation to the Halloween thing.
Ashlynn: Well I’ve never gone to the hospital Halloween party before. I wasn’t really planning on going this year either. Brad even tried convincing me to be the Popeye to his Olive Oyl and I turned him down.
Even though I knew it was a little mean to string Carson along by not immediately accepting his invitation, I still laughed as I hit send.
Carson: Oh OK, I understand. Hopefully, we can get together some other time soon then.
Ashlynn: Carson . . .
Carson: Yeah?
Ashlynn: I’d love to go to the Halloween costume ball with you. On one condition . . .
Carson: Anything.
Ashlynn: Our costumes have to be epic.
Carson: I’ll wear whatever costume you pick out for me.
Ashlynn: You may regret saying that.
Carson: As long as you’re there with me then I’ll regret nothing.
Ashlynn: So Peter Pan and Wendy it is then. ; )
Carson: I probably should’ve put a no tights clause in there, huh? You know I’ve heard those things can cause shrinkage.
Ashlynn: Ha! We wouldn’t want that then, would we? You can relax. I was only kidding. I’ll try to come up with something that we can both agree on. Something that doesn’t involve tights.
Carson: Sounds good. I hate to cut this short, but I have some patients waiting to see me. We’ll talk soon.
Ashlynn: Sounds good, Doc. Talk to you later.
Carson
WALKING UP AND down the aisles of the Halloween store for the last thirty-five minutes, I was getting frustrated that I couldn’t find the perfect fedora to complete my Ricky Ricardo costume. After coming to me with several ideas, Ashlynn and I had finally decided on dressing as Lu
cy and Ricky for the hospital’s Halloween ball. As much as she acted like she wasn’t looking forward to attending, I could tell she was excited to dress up as the famous couple.
Turning the corner, I was surprised to see my brother and nephew rummaging through the pumpkin carving kits.
“Well look what the cat dragged in. I heard you were back in town,” I said, getting their attention.
Camden stood as Sam ran toward me with his arms extended for a hug. “Uncle Carson! I missed you,” Sam said as I scooped him up into my arms.
“I missed you too, Buddy! Looks like you’re getting ready to carve pumpkins,” I commented, looking down at the patterns he held in his tiny little hands.
“Yep, Daddy said I could make a ghost punkin just like he made as a kid.”
“I remember that pumpkin. I think I carved a vampire pumpkin that same year,” I said, lost in a memory.
“You did,” Camden said in agreement. “We carved them for a contest that Franny held at the diner. Of course, she couldn’t pick between us. Since we had to split the prize, I didn’t have enough to take Colleen Henderson to the movies. She ended up going with Tommy Bradford instead. I wouldn’t forgive you for months.”
“You got over it when you met Jade. Besides, Colleen and Tommy have been married for years. Last I heard, she was pregnant with their fifth kid. They were destined to be together. I’m sorry, Bro, but you never stood a chance with that one,” I said, shrugging.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Speaking of Franny, I wonder how she’s doing. I haven’t seen her or Joe in months. I really wish those two would’ve taken our offer to buy the diner so they could retire,” Camden said, shaking his head.
“They’ll never leave. It’s basically their home. But, I did see them both just a few weeks ago. Franny told me to tell you hi,” I explained.
“Daddy, can we go now?” Sam interrupted, two more Halloween toys in his hands. “I really want to go make punkins! Hey, Uncle Carson, want to come to make punkins with us?”
“I wish I could, Bud, but your Uncle Carson has a date tonight,” I said, patting Sam on the head.
“A date?” he said, his eyes widening. “Is she pwetty?
“Like father, like son, I see,” I laughed, turning toward my brother.
“Seems so,” he chortled. “Now are you going to answer the boy’s question?”
“Yes, she’s very pretty, Sam. Breathtakingly beautiful, actually,” I said, smiling at the two.
“I can’t believe my brother is actually interested in something other than his job. I don’t think I’ve seen you with a woman since Marissa,” Cam said in a curious tone.
“Yeah, that was a long time ago. A lot has happened since then,” I said, remembering the carefree days before I threw myself into being a doctor and a caregiver.
“Isn’t that the truth,” Cam said, patting Sam on the top of the head. “Speaking of work, I heard a rumor that you’d transferred to St. Therese?”
“Yeah, the head of the psychiatry department had a family emergency. They needed someone to step in for an extended period of time. I was told it could be several weeks to several months.”
“Really? When we talked before I left, you’d said you were only interested in leaving Regional if you got in at the facility in Minneapolis. Something happen over there?” he asked.
“No, I just needed a change in scenery, that’s all. Honestly, I didn’t really give it too much thought. They called, and I accepted. Don’t worry about me, they definitely made it worth my while. Besides, I’ll still be able to go to Minneapolis if that opens up.”
“Oh, I’m not worried. You’ve always been able to take care of yourself, Big Brother,” he said, patting me on the shoulder. “Except for maybe on the football field in high school. Seems like I was the one doing the protecting.”
“Um, I played quarterback and you were on the offensive line. Last time I checked, that was kind of your job,” I said, rolling my eyes. “And, watch it with this ‘Big Brother’ talk.”
“What? It’s true!” he joked.
“By sixty-two seconds!”
“Still counts, doesn’t it, Sam?”
“Yep,” Sam said, suddenly interested in our conversation.
“That’s not fair. You can’t bring your kid into this!”
“Looks like I did!”
“I give up,” I sighed in defeat.
“That was easier than I remember,” Camden chortled.
“I don’t have all night to argue with you about your dumb shit. I have a date, remember?”
“Oh yeah, so how long have you been seeing this girl?” he asked, changing the subject.
“A few weeks,” I answered.
“Have you told her about Marissa?” he asked.
“No, I didn’t think she was ready for that quite yet,” I responded.
“You ever going to tell her?” he pried.
“Eventually. She just has a lot of her own struggles. I didn’t want to burden her with mine.”
“If you say so, Brother. I just know you could use the extra support, that’s all. I’m sorry I didn’t let you know I was back in town. I’ve been meaning to call it’s just that things have been complicated.”
“Yeah, I heard you and Jade were back together. What is this? The seventh time?”
“How’d you hear?”
“My girlfriend, err friend, Ashlynn,” I said, shaking my head. “Anyway, she saw you all at the roller rink a few weeks back. She thought it was me ignoring her the entire time. It didn’t go over so well. I’m sure you can imagine.”
“Yikes. Sorry about that, Bro. We haven’t had to play the ol’ dating switcheroo since college,” he laughed, remembering the good old days.
“Yeah, we definitely tricked a girl or two,” I laughed. “Anyway, I should probably get going. I have to go get ready for tonight. I’m glad I ran into you two. Text me, we’ll have to try and grab lunch one of these days to catch up.”
“Sounds good, Man,” he said, giving me a fist bump.
“Bye, Sam,” I said, waving at my nephew.
“Bye, Uncle Carson. Love you!”
“Love you, too, Buddy,” I said, as they grabbed their merchandise and headed toward the checkout lane.
Ashlynn
“I’m really glad you talked me into coming to the party,” I told Brad as we stepped up to the bar.
“Just say it with me. Brad, you’re always right. Oh, and you have perfect hair, an amazing body, and impeccable fashion sense,” he said, striking a pose.
“Yeah, I’m not saying any of that. Your ego is already bigger than my derrière. But since you’re fishing for a compliment, your costume is marvelous.”
“Isn’t it fantastic? These tights really accentuate my bulge,” he said, proudly showing off his junk. “The new nurse from the ICU keeps staring at me. Do you think he’s into me?”
“Oh, he’s pretty cute,” I said, turning to look.
“Don’t look!” Brad whisper-yelled.
“How am I supposed to tell if he’s into you if I can’t look at him?” I asked, slowing blinking at my best friend.
“OK, fine, but don’t get caught!”
“Have I ever mentioned that you’re ridiculous? ‘Cause you are!”
“Yes, once or twice,” he chuckled.
Just as I was about to take another look at Brad’s new infatuation, Carson came up behind us. “What’s so interesting over here?” he asked, placing his hand on the small of my back.
“Bradley Cooper over here has the hots for the new nurse over there,” I said, pointing so Carson could check him out. “He can’t tell if he’s into him or not.”
“Oh my god! You’d make a terrible undercover cop with your staring and pointing!”
“Good thing I’m not an undercover cop then,” I chuckled.
“Why don’t you just go over there and ask him?” Carson suggested, turning to the bartender to order a whiskey sour.
“Carson, I u
nderstand you’re technically my boss, so I mean this with the utmost respect, but you’re just as crazy as your girlfriend here!”
My eyes widened, and I nearly choked on the soda I’d been drinking. “Bartender! Can I please get a shot of vodka!” I yelled across the bar.
Noticing my sudden unease, Carson quickly diverted the conversation from Brad’s recent remark. “Hey Brad, I think the organizers need you over by the kitchen. I heard them say something about needing an emcee for the costume contest and your name came up.”
“Well, why didn’t you say something sooner?” Brad asked. “You OK over here, Ash?”
“I’ll take care of her, I promise,” Carson said as Brad looked in my direction.
“I’m fine. Go be brilliant.”
“Oh, I plan on it!” he said, running toward the makeshift stage.
Carson
WE STOOD ALONE for a moment, neither of us saying a word. I wasn’t quite expecting Ashlynn’s reaction when Brad broached our relationship status. It was a conversation that I wanted to have, especially after the kiss we’d shared, but I hadn’t found the right time over the last few weeks.
We’d both been busy with casework, and the short moments we’d had alone, we’d been planning our costumes. On more than one occasion, I’d wanted to pull her into the staff lounge and have my way with her, but I knew that was far from appropriate behavior. And, given her recent reaction, she would drift farther away from me than ever before.
“Have I told you yet that you’re the prettiest Lucille Ball that I’ve ever laid eyes on?” I whispered into her ear, tucking a strand of brunette hair under the bright red wig. With just the simplest gesture, she seemed to relax. Brad’s comment was suddenly forgotten–at least for now.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “You’re pretty sexy yourself, Mr. Ricardo.”
“Lucy, you got some ‘splainin’ to do!” I laughed, pulling her in closer.
“I think you’re enjoying this too much,” she giggled, music to my ears.
“I’m just trying to remain in character at all times. We’re going to win this costume contest.”
