dottie-minerva-mikas

[dottie-minerva-mikas]

Omg!!! Amazing. Phenomenal. Brilliant. 💀💀💀⚰️⚰️⚰️

Delaying the Inevitable Chapter 11: Shattered

Book: Open Heart 3 (After Chapter 15)

Pairing: Ethan x F!MC Tobias x F!MC

Rating: Chapter: Teen/ Series: 18 +

Summary: Extended Series WIP – Love Triangle. In this chapter: Ethan & Casey make a terrible discovery; Ethan lashes out; Tobias is there to help Casey, and Ethan as well.

Category: Extended Series (WIP)

Warnings: Addiction, anger, abandonment, language

A/N: As regular readers of this series know, I have been only partially joking that I would need to write massive A/N’s for this and upcoming chapters. I’m going to make them briefer than I had originally planned. I promised angst, the angst is here. This is a love triangle, and a love triangle will not always be happy. When I began to write this story, I decided to make it an extended series because it was important to me to show each character’s humanity. We will see their significant baggage and true flaws and how they lead to bad decisions and hurting people they love. Like you and me, they are good people who will make bad choices and they will live with regret. But, as in life, people can grow, improve and there is always hope for redemption. So, remember, I love these characters as much as you, but we’re going to look at them through a real lens. We are not even halfway through the story yet, so there is lots to come. After all that, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS

If you wish to be added or removed from tags, please let me know. Comments and reblogs are always appreciated. 😊

The ride to Providence was excruciating. Casey begged Ethan to let her drive to no avail. She only relented when she realized how desperately he needed to feel in control of something as his world spiraled around him. She already had a plan of action in place if she thought it was unsafe. But as the doctor in him took over as he settled into a zone, methodical and singularly focused, tuning out all other noise. This was one of his greatest attributes and one of his most destructive flaws. Silence permeated the air for almost the entirety of the trip. Casey understood that Ethan needed focus, and she was going to afford him whatever was necessary to get through. Every so often, he would reach for her hand and give it a tight squeeze before returning it to the steering wheel, and, twice, at red lights, he pulled her over to kiss the top of her head. Right now, all he needed was to know that she was there. She understood this and vowed to be whatever he needed.

Casey kept in contact with Alan during the drive down. Her concern was growing with each message he sent her:

Her friend told me she has not been in NA for several weeks.

She has frequently called out of work; today is the first time she just did not show.

Neighbors said she stopped coming outside to talk completely.

Each time Casey picked up her phone, Ethan anxiously asked for an update. There was no way she would be anything but fully transparent with him, but she knew these messages were not helpful.

“Fuck!” Ethan yelled, shattering the silence.

“What?”

“I have to stop for gas. I thought we could make it, but….”

Casey looked at her app, “It’s OK. Get off on the next exit. There’s a station right off the ramp. It shouldn’t add more than 5 minutes to our trip?”

“Want me to get out take care of it?” She offered as they pulled up.

“No, I’ll take care of it. Thank you.” He said before giving her a quick hug.

She was relieved he had turned her down because it allowed her the opportunity to call Alan in private.

“Alan, it’s Casey. I wanted to let you know that we should be there in 20 minutes, but listen, don’t text me unless it’s urgent. Every time you do Ethan insists on knowing what happened, but it only makes him more anxious and, I need to keep him as calm as possible to deal with everything. If it’s urgent, of course....”

Alan’s voice was quavering, “I’m sorry, Casey, I didn’t mean to make anything worse.”

“Alan, no! Please. I hope that didn’t come off as crass. You have nothing to apologize for. I am just trying to talk quickly; he will be back in the care any second.”

“How is he, Casey?”

“Right now, he is in that place where he shuts everything else out to focus on the task at hand; that’s the only reason I let him drive. But… everything has been taking a toll on him for weeks, Alan, I am worried about him.”

“Casey, I don’t know how he would take it, I….” Alan’s voice began to break.

“Alan, listen to me, we have to stay in the present. Let’s deal with what we have to, and we will cope with more only if we need to. Where should we go when we are in town?”

“Go to Louise’s apartment, I’ll meet you there.”

Casey hung up just as Ethan entered the car.

“Who was that?”

“It was your Dad. I just called to let him know when to expect us. He said we should go directly to Louise’s apartment when we get there.”

Ethan leaned his head back into the headrest and closed his eyes.

“The police haven't been able to access the apartment, correct?”

“No. She has been missing less than 24-hours and, since her car is not there, they have no reason to suspect she isn’t home.”

“We have no idea what we are walking into, do we?”

Casey took Ethan’s hand across the console, “No, baby, we don’t. But I promise you, whatever it is we’re, we are walking into it together, OK? I’ve got you.”

Cocking his head toward the side, he looked at her with glassy eyes. She noted his face looked so much older and it hurt her to see him in so much pain.

“Thank you, Casey.”

She smiled, trying to control her own emotions.

“There is no need. Are you sure you don’t want me to drive?”

“No, if I drive, I don’t have to think. It’s better this way.”

She nodded and kissed his cheek, “Let’s go, baby. I love you.”

While Ethan stayed laser-focused on the road, Casey tried to take her own advice as her mind began to wander. He was right; what the hell were they going to walk in on? Casey was not religious, and she did not know if she believed in an all-encompassing God, but she found herself praying on that trip. Please let her be OK. Please let her be out somewhere and returning home. Please, please don’t let her be gone, or … worse. And, if she is, please give Ethan what he needs to get through this.

Casey knew that Ethan had changed drastically in the past year. He was at peace, more open, and willing to accept and give love. She found herself terrified that another loss could set him back, and he did not deserve that.

Stay in the present, Casey, stay in the present. She reminded herself. But as they neared their exit on the highway, her heart began to sink. She just couldn’t imagine a happy ending rising from this situation.

____________________

Louise lived in a small, garden-level apartment in an older but well-kept two-family home. A chain-link fence surrounded a small patch of weathered grass with a concrete walkway that led to her door. Ethan had struggled when she moved in here. It was certainly a comfortable apartment and a safe neighborhood. Still, he knew he had the means to help her move into a better place. Together, they concluded that this was best based on many factors. At the time, Casey recalled being happy in the area herself. It reminded her of where she grew up. Some of the homes on the block may have needed some refurbishing, but they were very well maintained. Autumn decorations of chrysanthemums and pumpkins adorned front yards. Children were laughing as they played in the street, and everything felt…beautiful. Casey knew where to find beauty and she could often see it where others did not. A neighborhood like this usually held much more of it than any of the multi-million-dollar penthouses she stepped into back in Boston. But as they turned the corner and onto Louise’s street today, the joy and beauty that was once quickly found were replaced by a harsh, stark landscape. Today’s cloud cover turned everything grey. The contrast was vivid, although, she noted, it was absolutely attributable to the circumstances. When Casey saw Alan and two neighbors leaning against the fence, she felt her heart fall into her stomach, and she began to brace for something awful. She sensed this was a moment where everything would change, and things would be defined by before and after it happened. She only had one prayer remaining, for the others seemed too hopeless. Please let me be able to help Ethan through this.

Ethan jerked his car into park and jumped out to greet his father.

“Son,” Alan said, running up to embrace him. Ethan rebuffed at first but then gave in.

“There will be time for that later. We need to get in there.”

Ethan fumbled with his keys, attempting to find the right one for Louise’s front door. For the first time since they left Boston Casey saw the man she loved unable to function. His hands were shaking, and she could see his chest rising and falling rapidly. She walked over and steadied his hands.

“Let me help, baby. What does the key look like?”

“It’s gold,” he said in a monotone voice, “like the key for the office, but it has a square head, not round.”

Casey found a matching key on his ring, “Is this it, Hun?”

“Yes,” he said abruptly grabbing it from her and as he raced up the concrete pathway to her apartment door.

Casey was right on his heels with Alan behind her.

“Baby, do you want me to go in first,” she asked.

“No.”

Once again, his hands were trembling as he tried to open the door. Casey lovingly put her hands atop his to insert and turn the key together then Ethan turned the knob and burst in through the front door.

The living room was dark with the shades pulled. There were no lights on in the apartment.

“Mom! Mom!!!” Ethan yelled as he walked in.

Casey pulled the shades to let light in. The living room looked intact. Still, she immediately noticed a single photo missing from her bookshelf; the photo Alan had given Ethan the first time she had visited Alan's home. It was a photo of Ethan as a boy seated on a swing alongside Louise. When she realized it was missing, Casey felt as if the air was sucked from her lungs. She instantaneously knew what this meant. She ran to Ethan.

Casey lovingly placed her hand on his back as they reached the door to Louise’s bedroom, they were on a precipice, and when Ethan’s hand turned the knob and pushed the door open, the rocks gave way.

Unlike the rest of her apartment, the bedroom was in disarray. The closet and every drawer were left open, and for a moment, it felt as if time stood still. The eerie silence was broken when Ethan let out a soft gasp. He stumbled backward, falling into Casey, who gently supported him. Alan was immediately at his side. Casey walked to check inside the open spaces. Her heart was racing as she knew what she would find. As she walked over, there was still the smallest amount of hope and she knew she was about to diminish that flame. She closed her eyes tightly for a brief moment before turning around. As a physician, she had become accustomed to delivering terrible news that no one wanted to hear; but this was the person she loved most in this world, and she was about to deliver a ferocious blow to him. After opening his heart, he was being abandoned once again.

“They’re empty. Her things are gone.”

Her things are gone, is if that would soften the reality, she is gone, your mother is gone, you gave her a second chance, and she left you anyway.

Ethan was frozen in place, his mouth slightly ajar. As much as Ethan had appeared older earlier today, he now looked like a little boy. His was not the face of a cynical, nearly middle-aged man who was hardened to the world. It was now that of a heartbroken little boy who was being forced to relive one of the most tragic and defining moments of his life.

Alan was also visibly affected, he draped his arm over his son’s shoulder as he looked to the ground in an attempt to contain his own emotions. His only desire was to be there for his son. Casey was a doctor. When you boil it down, she fixed people for a living. All she wanted was the knowledge of how to fix the man she loved, yet she was helpless.

The moment lingered for an eternity.

Finally, Ethan spoke with a fragile voice, “She couldn’t have… she wouldn’t just leave, how do we know something didn’t happen to her, maybe there was a robbery….”

“Baby, we will call the police. They can investigate now that we have more information, but many valuable items have been left behind. It seems only her essentials were taken. It’s not likely that….”

“You don’t know that!” he barked at Casey, “You don’t know that. You know better than to make such a broad assumption!”

“I’m, I’m sorry, Ethan… I…”

“Ethan,” Alan said softly but firmly, “Why don’t you sit down? Casey and I can look around. Maybe there is a note or something….”

“I will look too,” he said curtly, removing himself from his father’s touch. He looked at her nightstand, around her bed, in her dresser, pushing anything he could to the side in search of... something, anything, that would give an idea of what she had done or where she may be. Casey hovered nearby, careful not to get too close, just letting him know she was there.

A knock sounded from the front door. Alan moved the curtains and saw the police car outside. “I’ll go let them in,” he said quietly. Eventually, Ethan walked inside and sat on the sofa with Casey perched next to him on its arm. This time he allowed her to gently rub his back as he sat hunched forward, rubbing his brow.

Alan accompanied the police through the apartment, looking for any evidence of foul play, but it was increasingly apparent that there was none to be found.

“So, it appears as if the only items missing are her clothing and personal care items, correct?” the officer asked.

“Yes, it seems so,” Alan answered somberly.

“Are any personal items, memorabilia, anything of that nature missing that you can tell?”

Casey looked to the officer with an unsettled look, “There is a photo missing from the mantle. I noticed it before.” She nodded toward the spot.

Alan looked over and choked back a sob, a single tear rolled down his cheek. “Actually, two photos are missing. Ethan’s sixth-grade school photo is also gone.”

“Sixth grade. That is when she walked out of my life the first time,” Ethan said with a mix of anger and sorrow in his tone.

Casey slipped off the arm of the couch and squeezed in next to him, wrapping him tightly in her embrace. He remained motionless.

“We’re going to write up a report. Given her history with addiction, we have notified local authorities of her car and license plate, but, I have to be honest, it appears as though she left on her own accord.”

Ethan and Alan were silent, Casey caught the officer's gaze and said, “I understand.”

“Are there any family members or friends that she may have contacted?”

Alan popped out of his trance, “Uh, uhm, no. She was only in contact with a few friends and us in town who have already been spoken to.”

“OK, well, we will get this written up and be in touch if we hear anything further. Please let us know if you hear anymore.”

“Thank you, gentlemen,” Alan said, “I will walk you out.”

“Ethan, I am so sorry,” Casey whispered into his ear once the others had left.

He didn’t respond at first, eventually taking her hand in his and clasping it on his lap. Alan returned and sat across from them.

“Casey, could you get me some water?” Ethan asked.

“Of course,” she said, “Alan, would you like some too?”

“Please.”

Casey stood before the grey cupboards in the kitchen. She had experienced death in her family before and, this felt the same, but in many ways, it felt worse. Death steals people from us, but they do not have a choice; here, regardless of the factors behind her decision, Louise elected to leave. She was out there right now, alive, and she chose to leave. Casey’s heart ached to imagine how Ethan must have felt.

Breaking herself from her thoughts, she opened the cabinets looking for glasses. She found a bright yellow envelope with her name written across in blue ink on her third attempt. Her breath hitched when she took it in her hand. Standing alone in the kitchen, she silently opened it and removed the white paper inside and read:

Dear Casey,

I hope you can promise me that you will take care of my son. I can be at peace with my decision because I know he has you.

I wish I could have been a better mother, a better person, but I could not. In the long run, this is the best choice for everyone. It was selfish of me to ever return.

I’m so sorry.

Louise

Casey dropped the letter to the floor and covered her face with her hands. She wanted to let out a scream but held it in to avoid upsetting Ethan and Alan. She was trembling with anger.

Her Son! She had no right to call him that!

Peace with her decision. How dare she!

I can’t. No, she chose not to.

It was selfish of me to return. Fuck yes, it was!

How dare she!!! How dare she abandon her son again! How dare she use me to ease her conscience!

Her body felt heavy as she dragged herself to the kitchen sink and splashed water on her face before pocketing the envelope. She found two coffee mugs, filled them with water, and returned to the living room. She handed each man a mug and waited for them to drink before sharing her discovery with them.

She sat on the ottoman in front of Ethan, her face contorted and her eyes heavy. Taking her in, he spoke before she could bring herself to utter one word.

“What is it, Casey?”

“I found this.”

She placed the envelope in Ethan’s hands as Alan moved to sit next to his son. Ethan’s stony facade crumbled. He let out one heaving sob before he quickly recovered. Inhaling deeply, he stood up from the couch, crumbling the note in his fingers and hurling it across the room. He stood silently before the window, staring blankly outside.

Casey moved to be near him, but he turned around and said, “No! I don’t want to be touched, I don’t want anyone fussing over me, all I want to do is get out of this fucking apartment. I need to to breathe.”

He turned and headed out the door.

“Casey, go to him,” Alan said, “I will be right out. I’m going to take one last look around and lock up.”

Ethan was leaning on the fence and grasping his hair in his hands as Casey to him.

“Baby, how can I help you?”

He lifted his red eyes and he pulled her in for one tight but brief hug.

“I want to get the fuck out of here, and I never want to see this place again.”

“OK, I can get you out of here.”

Alan arrived, “Why don’t we go to my house. Ethan, please let Casey drive you….”

“I don’t need Casey to drive me.”

“Ethan, I think it would be best if ..."

“I said, I do not need her to drive me. What I would like right now is some time alone.”

“Son, I don’t think that is a good….”

“Goddamn it, Dad! I’m not a child. I know what I need! I’ll go to the house shortly, but not now, please take Casey and go. I’ll see you both later.”

“Ethan, just promise me you’ll be careful….” Casey said.

“I’m not going to do anything stupid, Casey,” he snapped.

Casey tapped Alan's elbow, “Come on, Alan, let’s go.”

“Yes, thank you for hearing me, Casey.”

______________________

Casey took Alan's hand after they were seated in his car.

“Alan, how are you? I know this cannot be easy on you either.”

He shrugged. “You know, Casey, I always knew it was a possibility. I hoped it would never come to be, but... I guess now we just cope.”

“I’m here for you too, you know.”

He smiled at her with pure affection, “I know that dear. You are truly precious and I hope you know that. I fear it is going to be a rough road ahead with Ethan. I know his heart is breaking and…I expect he will push us away. I am going to warn you. It won’t be an easy walk.”

“I’m two steps ahead of you, Alan, but don’t worry. I don’t frighten easily.”

“I hope he never forgets how lucky he is to have you.”

Casey leaned over the console and they hugged for a long time as both of them let out pent-up tears.

“And I am so lucky to have both of you. I’m not going anywhere, Alan.”

Pulling back, Alan said, “I’d like to make a quick stop at the grocery store if that’s OK. I can get in a few things to make dinner for us at the apartment. You’ll need some sustenance before you drive back to Boston.”

“No problem at all, I’ll help.” She forced a smile as they pulled away.

_____________________

After driving around in silence, Ethan gathered himself as much as he could before heading back to his childhood home.

He arrived before Casey and Alan and allowed himself in. He surveyed the living room and walked toward Alan's recliner. All these years later, it was a different chair, but it sat in the exact spot that his old one did. The same spot where Ethan sat as a child when his father told him that his mother was missing. The exact spot his father sat in when he told his son that she was unlikely to return home. Ethan felt as if the chair was absorbing him into a grotesque embrace; it forced all of his painful memories from years ago back into the forefront of his mind.

She left me twice. She left a note for Casey… but none for me. Not even a goodbye. She can leave because Casey will care for me? When the hell did Louise care for me? She couldn’t even bring herself to love me. She couldn’t even give me the dignity and respect of a goodbye. Was her return all a lie? How could she?

The trauma of almost three decades was trying to make its way back inside: the pain, the abandonment, the fear, the worthlessness, all of the things he had been trying to heal were began crawling on his skin, looking for a crack to seep inside.

How could she? He hated her. He hated himself. Was he that hard love? Was he that unworthy? He was angry at himself. Never mind how could she, HOW COULD HE? He knew better! He knew who she was! He spent his adolescence and adult years doing all that he needed to do to protect him from the very pain he was experiencing now. Was it all for naught? He felt like an exposed nerve, everything hurt and it was unbearable. The goddamn recliner continued to suck him in when all he wanted to do was get up and run. Run as far away as his legs to take him.

He didn’t even hear the door open when Alan and Casey entered. He observed their somber faces and demeanor, but he did not believe that they were stricken enough. They stopped to buy groceries, they were conversing when they entered, he thought he may have heard Alan chuckle. They were also in pain and consumed with worry, but they were more at peace. He resented them. He was furious at them. With one look in his direction, they both already sensed the wrath he was about to unleash.

“Ethan, honey,” Casey said tentatively, “your Dad got some things to make a quick soup. Why don’t you and I go upstairs to….”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“OK, well, can I sit with you.”

“I would rather you didn’t.”

“Son, I know you’re hurt but, Casey is just trying to….”

“No, you can’t, you can’t imagine my hurt right now, and no, you can’t make it better. Neither of you can.”

“Baby, please let us be here for you.”

“That’s great, Casey, that’s just great. You’re both be here for me. See that chair, Dad? That’s the spot I sat in 26-years ago when you told me that Louise left us. For 26-years after that, all I did was want to push her away. But you kept trying to keep her memory alive like she was some goddamned guardian angel. Why? Why were you respecting the memory of a woman who couldn’t care less about you or her own son more than you were respecting what I needed? For 26-years I told you I wanted to forget her, but you insisted I keep that door open. The best thing I ever did was bolt it shut. But you knew better, right?”

“Ethan,” Casey said, taking a tentative step toward him.

“Do not come near me, Casey. He may have pushed me for 26-years, but I was always strong enough to resist. When did I get weak? When did I remove the damn screws from the door? When I met you. How many times did I tell you I didn't want to give her a chance? How many times? But then I had the two people who loved me pushing me. Why was I so fucking blind?”

“Ethan, I know you’re hurt, but you can’t just..” Alan piped in.

“DON’T TELL ME WHAT I CAN AND CANNOT DO!!!! I would not be standing here, right now, reliving this hell without your interference! Don't you see that?”

Ethan shook his head, “And I know this is fresh, and I know I need time. I know all that shit but, right now, at this moment, I know I cannot be around either of you. I need space and I have to demand that you respect it.”

“Ethan!” Alan yelled, “if it helps, you take your anger out on me but don’t turn your back on Casey, she didn’t force you to do anything, and she loves you…she’s only been trying to help you. She’s your….”

“I know she is, Dad. I don’t need a reminder. I need to be alone.”

He grabbed his coat, “Casey, I’ll make arrangements for you to get back to Boston tonight.”

She scrunched her face, “What? You’re leaving me here?”

“You’re a brilliant woman, Casey. I’m sure you can deduce that needing time away from you cannot include being stuck in a car with you for over an hour. I’ll arrange to have a car service pick you up.”

“Stop it, Ethan!” Alan interjected, “I know you’re hurt, but this is unacceptable!”

“No. It’s fine, Alan.” She looked at Ethan, her eyes cold, “Fine, you don’t want to go back to Boston with me, then don’t. But I will find my way back without your help. But, no matter how angry you are at me, I need to know where you are going, Ethan, because I still love you and your safety means too much to me.”

“I don’t know where I am going and I don’t know what I am doing. I will contact you later when I do. I will call you, DO NOT contact me. I hope that’s clear.” He exited, slamming the door behind him.

Casey and Alan stood dumbfounded, staring at the door. Hot tears were welling in Casey’s eyes, a mix of hurt, anger, and frustration attempting to make their way out.

Alan looked at her sympathetically, “Casey, I am so, so sorry. You didn’t deserve that.”

“Neither did you,” Casey said, wiping her tears on her sleeve. “Alan, I don’t know that he’s going to be OK tonight, I'm worried."

“Casey, why don’t you stay the night? It’s been a terribly long day.”

“I wish I could, Alan, but I can’t. I don't know if Ethan will be at work tomorrow, and things are too busy for both of us to be out. Also, no matter what he says, I want to be there for him if he comes back to the apartment tonight. I need to be there for him. But are you OK to be alone?”

“Sure, sure. I’m OK, and if I need to, I will call my friend Charlie, he can come to stay a bit if I think it is necessary. But, why don’t you let me drive you home?”

“I can take the train. I’d appreciate a ride to the station, but I am not going to make you drive to and from Boston after the day we have had.”

“Casey, I need to say something.”

“Of course."

"I said before, it’s going to be a rough road. I know that Ethan is going through hell and lashing out right now and, hopefully, that will change. But, even if he is lashing out for valid reasons, that doesn’t mean he gets to do whatever he wants to do. We all have damage and baggage to a degree. I’m sure you do too and, I hate to admit it, but I am well aware that some of it is even at my son's hands. So, what I’m saying is you have a wonderful heart, and your patience and understanding are admirable, but, Casey, don’t let yourself be mistreated in the process. Promise me that.”

Her flood gates opened. Alan took her in her arms as she wept for several minutes before she began to compose herself.

“Thank you, thank you, Alan, and I am assuming you will do the same, right?”

“I will. Now, are you sure I can't take you home?”

“No, but I’d like to get to the train. If we get there soon, I can be back in Boston by 9:00.”

“OK, I’ll take you, but you have to let me know as soon as you’re home. I am worried about you too.”

“Of course,” she said, giving Alan one final embrace.

____________________

Casey walked into the Providence Station, exhausted and numb. For the first time, she slightly regretted her decision to take the train home. She was afraid she would fall asleep and be riding the rails all night. In an attempt to prevent that, she bought an enormous coffee with an espresso shot. Then, for the first time that day, she just sat and was just still. She took a deep breath and looked at her phone to see if Ethan had called. Nothing.

She shook her head gently; she did not have a playbook for dealing with this. She didn’t know how to be there for him, she was worried out of her mind and she was hurt.

She looked through her other messages and saw she had several from Tobias. Ah, fuck! I never called to let them know how things went. She began texting…

Her phone rang almost instantaneously.

“Hey, T,” without realization, her voice broke and she began softly crying. She attempted to muffle the sound, but Tobias heard it clearly.

“Case, Sweetheart, calm down. Talk to me. Are you alone? Are you safe?”

Sniffling back tears she replied, “I am. I’m alone, but I’m fine. I’m on the train now.”

“What the fuck happened?”

“Nutshell version, we got to Providence and went to her apartment and all of her clothes and personal belongings were gone.”

“Holy shit! Is there any chance that there was something not above board here?”

“Well, considering I found her farewell note, to me, not her son, not her son’s father, but to me telling me to look out for him, I think it’s fair to say she went on her own volition.”

“Jesus! How is Ethan?”

“He wasn't well before. I don't know how he is now because he refuses to be near me." She began to cry again, “I want to call, but he is furious at me and made it abundantly clear I am not to call him, I just don’t want to make things worse.”

“Case, I am freaking lost here. Explain this to me, first, why the fuck are you on a train back to Boston alone.”

She let out a deep sigh, “Because he doesn’t want to be anywhere near me. He needs to blame someone… he said Alan & I forced him to accept Louise back into his life, and he wouldn’t be here now if not for us.”

“Holy Fuck, Casey! You know that’s all bullshit, right? You know it’s not your fault.”

“I do know that T. I also know he’s processing grief and has to blame someone. But I’m losing my damn mind worrying…and,” she began crying again, “T, I’m so sorry, I’m sorry, I don’t want to bother you.”

“Casey! You have nothing to be sorry for. Take a breath, take something to drink, don’t talk, just calm down. I’ll wait right here…I’m not going anywhere. God, why didn’t you call me Case? I would have gotten you.”

“It’s OK, T. I am a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

“That’s lovely, Casey. Anyone with functioning brain cells knows you can take care of yourself, but you’ve had a traumatic day too, and the last place you should be is on a train alone right now.”

“T, I don’t even know my middle name right now. I’m just going on muscle memory and, it’s a train from Providence to Boston. I’ll live.”

“I'm sorry, Casey, I'm sorry. The last thing you need right now is me reprimanding you, I'm just worried about you. What do you need from me? How can I help?”

“Could you call Ethan? I just want to know that he is OK.”

“Of course. Now, when is your train in town and what station.”

“8:45, South Station.”

“I will pick you up there.”

“T, you don’t….”

“I will pick you up there. It’s not up for discussion. Let me call Ethan and I will call you right back, OK?”

“OK, thanks, T.”

“No thanks needed. Hang in there, Sweetheart. I’ll call you right back.”

____________________

Tobias dialed Ethan immediately; the first two calls went directly into voicemail. Apparently, he does not remember I can be a persistent asshole. He hit redial again. On the third attempt, Ethan finally answered.

“Hello,” he said groggily.

“Buddy, it’s me. I spoke with Casey. She is frantic with worry about you, and so am I. Where are you? Can I come get you?”

“Thank you, Tobias, but I need to be alone.”

“Ethan, please, don’t shut us out. You’re not alone.”

“I need to be alone…. Just do me a favor.”

“Name it.”

“Check on Casey. I want to know she is safe, but I cannot talk to her right now."

“Ethan, I’m happy to check on her, but you should be calling her yourself. She loves you and she’s worried sick.”

“Tobias, right now, I don’t need a lecture, and I don’t need to be told what I need to do. I will talk to Casey when I’m ready to, and that’s not now.”

“Just tell me where you are at least. Are you safe?”

“I’m sitting at a bar in Providence.”

“Great, so you are going to get shitfaced and get behind a wheel. Can you do one thing for me? Can you tell me what bar? Because, once I make sure Casey is home safely, I’m coming down to get you.”

“I have no intention of driving drunk. If I can’t drive, I’ll get a hotel or park my car and get a cab home. I’m not an idiot.”

“Bro, my heart aches for you, and I can’t imagine how much you are hurting. But as your friend, I have to tell you, that doesn’t mean you’re not acting like an idiot, because you are. Casey’s train gets into Boston at 8:45. I’ll make sure she gets home safely. Then, your job is to get home to her. Don’t be an asshole! Do you have any idea how lucky you are to have someone who loves you as much as she does? You took a terrible blow today, and it’s not your fault, but it’s not her's either. Don’t turn your back on her, do not mistreat her!”

There was a long silence.

“Ethan…”

“I will reach out to Casey when. I. Am. Ready. If you want to put her mind at ease… I would like to put her mind at ease. Can you tell her we spoke and I’m OK and I will talk to her… soon.”

“I will. Are you sure I can’t come to get you?”

“No. Honestly, it will mean more to me if you just make sure she is taken care of. Can you let me know when you’re with her?”

“Yeah, I mean, fine... but this is ridiculous. Please keep in touch with me, or I will come find your ass.”

“I will, and thanks, Tobias.”

____________________

“Casey? It’s me. I talked to him”

“Is he OK? How is he?” she asked anxiously.

He sighed. “He’s at a bar in Providence. I offered to go get him, but, as you can imagine, he said no. I made him promise that he won’t drive. He promised to get a hotel room for the night or a taxi home if he is not up to driving. He’s probably calmer than when he talked with you last, but he’s still not good. He said he’ll keep in touch, so keep you updated.”

“I’m sorry you’re in the middle….”

“I’m not. He did want me to make sure you were OK. I told him I was already on it. But I wanted you to know that.”

“Thanks, Tobias.”

“Look, why don’t you rest. I’m going to call you at 8:30 just to make sure you’re awake and don’t miss your stop, then I’ll get you, OK.”

“OK. T, thank you. I'm so glad I have you.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Sweetheart. I’ll see you soon.”

____________________

As promised, Tobias called her at 8:30 sharp and it was fortunate that he did because she was passed out. He told her to meet him right outside the station. When he saw her approaching, he could see how exhausted and how sad she was, and it broke his heart.

Casey smiled weakly when she caught sight of him before rushing over to him. He wrapped her in his arms and she held on like she never wanted to let go. After such a rough day, his embrace felt like a divine gift.

“It’s OK, Case," he said rubbing her back.

When she squeezed him even tighter, he placed a chaste kiss on top of her head.

“I’m so sorry you’re going through all this.”

“Thanks, T,” She said weakly, finally letting go.

“I’m sure you haven’t eaten.”

She snorted, “Not since breakfast.”

“Yeah, well, we’re putting an end to that. Are you up to grabbing something, or I can take you back to Ethan’s apartment and whip something up for you there?”

“That’s a good idea. I really just want to get out of the public.”

“I can’t blame you. Come on, let’s get a car home."

Once they were seated in their Uber, he advised her that he had spoken with Ethan again and he was going to find a place to eat and head home later tonight. Casey filled Tobias in on more details of the day. Once they entered Ethan’s apartment, Casey immediately collapsed on the couch.

“Now, that’s what you need to do right there. Can I get you anything?”

“No, it just feels good to be off my feet.”

“Well, I’m making you dinner. I’ll see what we have here. Any preferences?"

“As long as it’s edible, I’m good. T, do you mind if I take a quick shower while you make dinner. I’m pooped, so it will only be 10 minutes.”

“You go right ahead.”

When Casey emerged back into the kitchen, Tobias had a veggie burger and waffle fries waiting for her.

“I did my best,” he said, “But it looks like your boyfriend needs to get some groceries in.”

She smiled, “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

Tobias let out a small snort and looked at her with a silly grin.

“What are you smiling at?” she asked sweetly.

“The sight of you in your pajamas, you’re quite adorable.”

She looked down and laughed.

She was so tired she didn’t even realize she emerged from the bedroom in her PJs. They were a ridiculous pair, pink cotton bottoms with a matching camisole top with tiny ice cream cones embroidered all over them.

“Well, lucky you,” she said, grinning, “you got one of my exceptionally sexy pairs as well!”

He laughed, “Hey, I consider myself honored to be among the few who get to retain this visual for the remainder of days. Would you like to get some ice cream to follow this up? I am happy to get Postmates on it."

“Normally, a shitty day would require ice cream, but this day, food and rest will do it.”

“So, what do you want to do? Talk, watch some TV?”

“How would you feel about just staying with me for a bit while I lie on the couch?”

“I can do that. Let’s go.”

Casey fluffed up the pillows and Tobias grabbed a throw off of a nearby chair and placed it over her.

“Stay by me?” she asked tenderly.

“Of course,” he said taking a seat at the end of the couch as she placed her feet on his lap.

“I may fall asleep.”

“That may be a good idea. Do you want me to get you up at any point?”

“If you hear from Ethan.”

“Close your eyes, Sweetheart. You’ve earned this rest. I'm not going anywhere.”

About 45 minutes later, Ethan text Tobias to advise him he was on the road and expected to be home within the hour. Tobias let him know Casey was fed, resting, and had calmed down substantially from when he picked her up. He strongly recommended he and Casey try to keep that vibe going tonight. Ethan agreed and thanked Tobias for being there for her, for both of them.

Tobias gently nudged Casey.

“Hey, Case. Casey. Princess, wake up.”

“Hmmm,” she stirred.

“I just spoke to Ethan. He is on his way home. He should be here in the next hour. Do you want me to stay until he is here?”

She looked at her phone, “Oh, no, Tobias, it’s OK. It’s getting late and you’ve already done so much.”

“I don’t mind. It’s up to you.”

She sat up on the couch, stretching out. “No, I’m good, hun. But I appreciate it.”

“Now, try to stay calm tonight. Everything will be OK. It’s just going to take some time.”

“I know that,” she said with a smile. “Come on, I’ll walk you out.”

At the door, Casey pulled him into a big hug, “Thank you, T. Thank you so much for everything.”

“It’s nothing,” he said, placing a kiss atop her head.

He was so close, so close that he had to press his lips together to prevent himself from saying the words. I love you. He didn’t even necessarily mean it romantically. He loved her, as a person, as a friend; she meant more to him than she would ever know. But he knew that once it was said, regardless of the sentiment, it would be out there, a genie that escaped its bottle, and it was best kept in its place.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, and, on instinct, she reached up and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. She smiled at him as he walked out the door.

Once in the hallway, Tobias took a moment and sighed before making his way to the elevator.

____________________

Casey made herself a cup of tea and settled on the couch to await Ethan's arrival. She marveled at how today felt as if it was two weeks long. Finally, she heard his keys in the door.

Her heart was racing; she did not know what to expect. Her instinct was to stand up, greet him and hold him in her arms. But, for the first time since she was an intern and he was just her attending, she didn’t know if he would welcome it. So she remained seated on the couch as he entered.

“Hey,” was all she could muster.

“Hey.”

Finally, Casey broke the silence, “Ethan, I am going, to be honest with you. For the first time since I’ve known you, I don’t know what to say. I don't know what you need from me. But I don’t want you to think I don’t care. I love you and I’m worried about you. I am here for you if you want me, but I am going to have to rely on you to tell me what you need from me. Whatever it is, I’m willing to give it, but I don’t want to do something that will upset you or make things worse.”

Ethan took a seat across the room on the stool by the breakfast counter.

“Casey, for the first time since I have known you, I honestly don’t know what I want or what I need from you. I’m sorry for my anger earlier today. It was cruel and it was wrong. I am also sorry for making you return to Boston alone. I should have calmed down and come back for you. But I am not sorry for what I said. I am not in a good place and, while I can’t blame you for my choices, I am angry at myself for letting down my defenses. Fair or not, I am resentful of you and my father for your part in that. Maybe, that will change, but it’s not changing tonight.”

“You’re entitled to your opinion, and your feelings are always valid, Ethan. But I am also entitled to mine and, in my opinion, is that is unfair and very hurtful. But I know better than to try and change your mind right now. I want to say a couple things to you, and then I am going to bed.”

“The first thing I want to say is something you told me a while back. In medicine, sometimes, even when we do everything right, things don’t work out. It doesn’t make it our fault. The same applies to life, Ethan. I am making no excuses for Louise, and I know, as a son, you may not be able to accept what I am about to say, but as a doctor, I know you can. Addiction is a serious disease and it causes people to do terrible things. You did everything right, your Dad did everything right, even she may have done everything right, but the fact is, it didn’t work, it doesn’t make it your fault, or mine, or Alan's”

“The last thing I want to say is, I love you, Ethan, so much. You have my heart. I will be here for you if you will allow me to be and, I truly hope you will.”

Ethan stared at the floor. “I appreciate your words and that you took the time to share them with me. But, right now, there is really no more to say.”

“I understand. I’m going to turn in. Will you be joining me soon?”

“I am going to take the guest room for tonight.”

Casey was visibly taken aback, “You.. you’re, oh. No. No, Ethan, you’re not. I don’t live here yet. This is still your home and I still have mine. If you can’t bring yourself to lie next to me, then I am getting dressed and going home. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”

“Casey, I …”

“Now it’s your turn to listen to me. I said I will see you at work tomorrow and you will respect that.”

____________________

Casey felt numb as she sat in the back of yet another Uber on the way to her apartment. The apartment where very few of her things remained, the apartment that she and her friends would vacate in less than a week. She didn’t know what to think, but she knew she and Ethan would need to discuss things, but not tonight.

Mercifullly, no one was up when she arrived, so she tiptoed into her room and slipped into bed. She pulled out her phone to see if Ethan had contacted her. He hadn’t.

But she promised him she would let him know when she was home safely. She sent a text. “I’m in. See you tomorrow.” She immediately got a response saying, “Thanks for letting me know. Good night Casey.”

She shook her head sadly and checked her other messages. There was one from Tobias:

Three times he typed it. Three times he erased it. But he never hit send. He looked at his watch, 1:20 AM.

Better get some sleep, I’ve got an early day ahead.

_____

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[dottie-minerva-mikas]

Me. Right. Now.

Six(ish) Sentence Sunday

Delaying the Inevitable: Chapter 11

“Buddy, Casey texted me. She is frantic with worry, and so am I. Where are you? Can I come get you?”

“Thank you, Tobias, but I need to be alone.”

“Ethan, please, don’t shut us out. You’re not alone.”

“I need to be alone…. Just do me a favor.”

“Name it.”

“Check on Casey. I want to know she is safe, but I cannot talk to her right now."

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[dottie-minerva-mikas]

I’m ready for it!!

Me contemplating the disclaimers I have to put in A/N of next weeks chapter…. And the next one… and the next ine

[dottie-minerva-mikas]

The spiraling has begun… great chapter!

Chapter 10: Unsteady

Book: Open Heart 3 (After Chapter 15)

Pairing: Ethan x F!MC Tobias x F!MC

Rating: Chapter: Teen / Series: 18 +

Summary: Extended Series WIP – Love Triangle. In this chapter: Casey & Tobias enjoy a relaxing afternoon; Casey confesses to Ethan; Ethan’s state of mind becomes worrisome; Alan has troubling news.

Category: Extended Series (WIP)

Warnings: Drinking; drug use; addiction; language

A/N: This is a much more manageable length. I don’t know what I did to you last week. I’m so sorry, but I can’t promise it will never happen again. 😊I split the original chapter 10 into two parts, I think it will work better this way. I would love to hear where you are right now: team Ethan, team Tobias or team I can’t decide! I would also love to hear your theories, though I can’t confirm or deny them. Thank you so much for reading! 💕

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS

If you wish to be added or removed from tags, please let me know. Comments and reblogs always appreciated. 😊

Tobias had already secured the perfect outdoor table at Ocean Prime when he saw Casey arrive for lunch.

He laughed as he stood up to greet her; they wore almost identical outfits, light wash denim jeans, a classic V-neck black tee for him, and the same color denim capris with a black crop top for her.

“I see you got the memo,” he laughed as he greeted her.

“I sure did! What do they say about great minds?” she said giving him a quick hug. “I’m sure this will do wonders to quell rumors about us.”

“Yeah, fortunately, we’re out of the way. I don’t think we’ll see too much the hospital staff here.”

“Sure, Tobias. Because no one in Boston visits the Seaport on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon,” she laughed, “Now, where is the waitress? They have an espresso martini that is simply to die for here, and I may just die if I don’t get one soon.”

Tobias shook his head and laughed, “You might die?”

“Yes, shrivel up in front of you, right here, at this table and die if I don’t get an espresso martini in my hand soon!”

“Bagels… espresso martinis… is there anything else that elicits such visceral reactions in you young lady?”

She put her chin on her hand and her face became serious. This was obviously an important matter that demanded her full attention. “Magnolia cupcakes in New York City. Bartenura Moscato. Pizza, but only from certain places, I could provide a list.”

“Oh, please do,” he said laughing, “just e-mail it to me. This way I can have it accessible at all times.”

He waved the waitress over, “Well, then let’s get that order in as I have no desire to deal with a martini crisis this afternoon. I am off the clock!”

Casey smiled noting how happy Tobias appeared. His mood was much lighter than she had seen in some time, and his smile was so natural that anyone meeting him for the first time would have assumed it never left his face. His body was relaxed as he leaned onto the table, bringing him closer to her. The way the sunlight reflected off his features made him appear even more handsome than usual. Casey thought that his date must have gone very well; perhaps he even got lucky. What else could explain his exuberance? She was wrong on both counts.

“So how was Tanglewood on Friday? Did you enjoy yourself?”

“I really did. It’s such a lovely venue! Sienna and Raf came along, and it was great. I would love to get lawn seating sometime, but I think Ethan would frown on that.”

“Ramsey sitting on a blanket taking in the symphony, I’m not sure you’re going to get that wish granted, sweetheart.”

“Perhaps not. But how are you? How was your weekend?”

“It’s better now,” he said, smiling at her. “Go ahead, you can ask.”

“Ask what? I have no idea what you are talking about, Dr. Carrick,” she giggled.

“Liar.”

“Hey, I take offense to that. But OK, how was your date? You look really happy today, so I assume ….”

“Well, getting in some quality Casey time always makes me happy. The date on the other hand… not so much.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. But I guess you can’t expect to hit a home run when you have not been at bat in a while. But at least you’re back in the game?”

“I guess you can say that. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t dreadful, but… , I’m still not 100% in the mindset, but, yeah, I have to try to get my head back in the game.”

“True, but keep an open mind, Tobias. One thing I have seen firsthand time and again is how fast someone’s life can change on a whim. If you happen to meet the right person, it can take off faster than you could believe.”

“So that’s how it happened between you and Ramsey,” he said with a wink.

Casey choked on her martini, “No. I certainly don’t recommend the Ethan and Casey route for anyone. Don’t misunderstand, I’m glad we are here now, but it was a treacherous path at times.”

“Yeah, well, had I been around, I would have been happy to knock some sense into him. Sorry Case, I love the guy, but anyone who pushed you away for the better part of two years really should have their head examined.”

“Oh, T, we all know Ethan should have his head examined, but we love him in spite of it.”

“Yeah, well, it’s good having him back. You feeling better since we’re fully staffed again? I was worried about you for a while there.”

“I’m feeling wonderful! I mean, just being able to have time for an afternoon like this. I didn’t realize how much I missed them or how important they are.”

“Yeah, we are all borderline workaholics, and we have to keep that in check. Hey, I’ve meant to ask you. Have you had any contact with Floria since she has graced our presence at Edenbrook?”

“Fortunately, no, I haven’t interacted with her much at all. I’m sure it won’t stay that way, but I’ll take it for as long as I can. What about you?”

“Sadly, I’ve had to dance with the devil once or twice, but so far, no real issues to speak of. But I’m not letting my guard down. The crap she was trying to sell Ethan is all the proof I need to know she’s already up to her games.”

“You know, do you really think she did that purposefully? I mean, I don’t doubt that she would, but you have to admit, she would be far from the first person to assume you and I are together. So, how do we know she wasn’t just saying what she thought to be true?”

“No way. The people who made that assumption about us saw us interacting. They could tell we care for one another, see us bantering and laughing, these are things you’d expect to see in a couple. Sadly, a good portion of the couples I know don’t have those things, but they should. So, I don’t think it’s abnormal for them to draw the wrong conclusions. But Floria never saw us together, so how could she have any inkling? No, she was just trying to create a problem.”

“You make a good point. T, I have to tell you the night she told Ethan that shit, I got really weirded out by it. Like, I almost felt like we had been doing something wrong, like I should feel guilty about something.”

He took a sip of his drink, “Mmm-mmm. No. Don’t do that, Case; that’s precisely what she does to people. She gets in their heads, and then they end up second-guessing themselves at every turn. That’s what she did to Ethan in med school, don’t let her do that to you. You live in the truth; you know what it is. Do not let her worm her way in. Case, I’m warning you.”

“I’ll try my best, and you’ll get me on track if you see me fall?”

“When don’t I?”

Casey smiled, “And I appreciate it. I hate that she is around, especially now. I don’t know if you’re aware, but I’m pretty worried about Ethan. His mom has been acting weird, and I have reason to suspect she could be in relapse, if not physically, at least emotionally. Alan has the same concerns, and now Ethan does too.”

“Have you talked to her?”

“Yeah, but she’s been confrontational and argumentative about it.”

“Which is not a good sign.”

“Exactly. Ethan has permission to talk with her therapist, and he’s been in contact with her more frequently, but I worry. He was so hesitant to open that door again, and, honestly, the two of them have really bonded. I think it has done him a world of good; I can see the change in him. I know with addiction, it’s always tentative, but I can’t help but worry.”

“I’ve seen the positive change in him too; honestly, I attribute most of it to you, but I’m sure reconciling with his mother hasn’t hurt. I hope you both know that you can count on me for anything.”

Casey reached across the table and squeezed his hand, “I hope you know how much that means to me, and to Ethan too.”

“I do. Just know I mean it.”

“You’re always there when I need you, T. Why would I ever doubt you?”

“Hmm... speaking of times when I was there, you never mentioned, did you ever get to tell Ethan about your pregnancy scare?”

Casey put her drink on the table and looked down. “No, I haven’t. I’ve meant to, but since it’s now a moot point, it keeps slipping my mind.”

“My two cents? I’d tell him, Case, sooner than later. If he should learn any other way, I think he would be upset. Seeing how he reacted to learning that we knew about Floria and, I can’t tell you what to do, but I would consider it if I were you.”

“Yeah, I will. But… and I feel a little badly about this… but because I’m telling Ethan so far after the fact now, I don’t know if I want to tell him that you were with me through it all. I mean, I told you and let you hold my hand as I cried, and I didn’t let him. Yeah, he wasn’t here, but... anyway, are you OK with that?”

“That has to be your call, Casey.”

“Well, that’s my call. Do you back me?”

This time Tobias reached across the table and gently took Casey’s hand. “Always, kid. Always.”

She squeezed his hand and smiled gently at him. “I hope you know how much your support means to me. In a million years, I would never have thought that we would grow so close, but every single day, I’m grateful that we did. I told you that Floria making shit up about us, it spooked me, but… I will make sure I never let anything like that come between us. I hope I don’t sound like a sappy jerk right now. Clearly, I’m a little over-emotional… I blame the espresso martinis….”

“Case, sweetheart, I feel exactly the same way about you and, don’t worry, as long as you want me, you have a friend for life.”

Casey smiled as she bit her bottom lip, “Well, I’ll take that lifetime membership then. Thanks, T.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“Well, I should probably get going. I promised Ethan I’d make dinner tonight. Sometimes that man’s bravery just boggles my mind.”

“You mean there is something that Casey MacTavish isn’t good at? I can’t believe it.”

“Well, if you want to keep that illusion of me going, please just continue meeting me at a restaurant for lunch, or I’ll pack for a picnic, but no more than that.”

“Hey, I’m all for ham and cheese sandwiches in the Common, so that’s fine. It was really good seeing you, Case. I have missed these times.”

“Me too, T. Let’s make time to do it again real soon.”

His kitchen had a perfectly good dishwasher, yet Ethan & Casey had a routine that altogether avoided its use each night. Whoever didn't cook washed and dried the dishes, and the cook would collect them and return them to their cupboard. It may seem silly to some, but to them, these little moments of domestic bliss felt so normal, so natural, so good. Since Casey was this evening's chef, Ethan was drying dishes as she retrieved them to put away.

“Hun, I have to tell you, the chicken marsala was wonderful tonight.”

“Really?” Casey asked, a bit surprised, “You’re not just saying that?”

“I don’t lie about food, dear.”

“I’m glad. I am really trying, Ethan. If we are going to live together, I have to pull my weight on the cooking detail.

Everything you make is always so fantastic, and, well, it’s one thing for me to force myself to subside on PB&J and spaghetti, but it’s not fair to subject you to that as well.”

He laughed, “Even if we had PB&J every night that it was your turn to cook, I assure you that you make up for it in so many other ways, I would not mind.”

Casey walked up and gave him a hug from behind, “God, I love you. What do you say, ready for some couch time?”

“Couch it is.”

Casey nuzzled up against Ethan, “So, how are things going with your mom? Any breakthroughs?”

“I spoke with her and her therapist today. I am concerned. She isn’t forthcoming and there has been such a drastic change in temperament.”

“I have tried talking to her as well. She was always very open with me, but now, if she takes my calls at all, she barely says a word.”

He let out a deep sigh, “Yeah, that’s why I have decided I’m going to take a few days off as soon as I can schedule it. I want to stay in Providence for a few days and try to better access the situation. I mentioned it to my mom, and she seemed happy about it. Maybe it will help me get some insight so we can move forward.”

“I think that is a good idea. Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, no. With me gone, you will be needed at the hospital.

I won’t be away long. But, thank you, Casey. I appreciate you offering.”

He pulled her a bit closer to him. “Oh, one other thing. I spoke with Bob about using his beach home again. I’d like us to get away for a weekend before the weather turns too cold. I know you’re practically moved in now, but your friends may need help and such, so would early October be OK with you?”

“Sure, honestly, I hope it’s a little cold; I was dying to put on that fireplace in the bedroom.”

“I have to admit, having the fire going and watching the surf from bed with you, it sounds perfect. I will let you know when I can get us both off schedule.”

The ring. Oh, my, god… the ring! It took every bit of Casey’s willpower to refrain from leaving the room to go and text Sienna at once. He was taking her back to the beach house! This had to be it! She thought she might faint. But then something else crept up in her mind. She recalled her conversation with Tobias earlier and, she knew that she had to fill him in on what took place while he was at Mayo. Now may not have felt like the right time, but when would it be? This time would have to do.

She sat up and faced Ethan, “There is something I have to tell you, and I hope you won’t be too mad at me. Please know, I wasn’t purposely trying to keep you in the dark ….”

Ethan sat forward with concern etched on his face, “Casey, get to the point….”

“While you were away, I had been feeling sick and, in the end, it was just exhaustion, but one morning I woke up and realized I was… late. I thought I might have been pregnant. I tested at work, and just a short time after, I knew I wasn’t and, at that point, it seemed moot, and we were both so busy… and then I just never told you. I have been feeling guilty about it ever since, and I just wanted to let you know. And now I’m doing that thing I do when I’m nervous and I just run on and on. I’m really sorry, Ethan, are you mad at me?”

“Casey, I’m… I’m not mad, but I’m a little shocked. I’m not happy… why wouldn’t you tell me about this right away?”

“Please know, what I am about to say are not excuses, they are just explanations. The morning I suspected, you were in conference all day, so you were unreachable. Then, once I knew I wasn’t, it just didn’t feel important anymore. Mainly because you were so busy and so far away, I didn’t want to worry you.”

“Casey, you’re the woman I love. If there is anything is wrong with you, even if it is “just” being sick from exhaustion, I want to know about it. And, a pregnancy scare, that involves both of us, I realize it’s moot now but, I wish you would have told me.”

Casey hung her head, “I know.”

Ethan lifted her chin to look at him, “Baby, I’m not mad. I can appreciate the circumstances surrounding this, but you can’t keep withholding things from me in the name of protecting me. It was the same with Floria. I understand your desire, but I would prefer honesty. Can you please promise me that going forward?”

She smiled, “I can. I’m sorry.”

He pulled her close to him and rubbed the back of her head. “There is no reason to be sorry. I know there was no ill intent. Honestly, it makes me feel like a shitty boyfriend. The thought of you going through something that must have been so frightening to you alone... I wish I could have been there for you.”

Casey felt guilt well up inside her chest. She wasn’t alone; Tobias never left her side, and he couldn’t have been more caring and kind. If she had told Ethan about this from the start, he probably would have been grateful to his friend for being there for Casey when he could not. But with so much time elapsed, telling him just felt wrong. She could have told him, but she chose not to, and, at this point, sharing that Tobias was the one who held her hand would only cause unnecessary pain. Why should Ethan have to deal with that just because of her flawed decision?

“You didn’t know Ethan; if you had, we both know you would have been there. I denied you that opportunity and, I am truly sorry.”

“Look, it’s done, and you learned, there is nothing more to discuss. I love you, Casey.”

“I love you, too.”

“Normally, I would say this would time for some incredible make-up sex, but I am completely exhausted. So, how do you feel about some quality make-up cuddling until we pass out?”

“I can definitely get behind that idea.”

“Oh, thank God. Because if you insisted, I couldn’t deny you, but I may have fallen asleep during the act.”

Casey burst out laughing, “Yeah, that would do nothing for my ego. So come on, cuddling awaits.”

Ethan drove into his reserved spot in the hospital’s garage. When they exited the car, Casey laced her fingers through his as they walked toward the elevator. Together they decided that they would engage in any PDA at work, and they were successful 90% of the time, well, at least outside of the diagnostic team’s office. But they always considered the parking garage neutral ground, so all bets were off there.

Casey was holding on a bit tighter than usual. Ethan was leaving for Providence tomorrow, and she wanted to keep him as close as she could until then. The situation with Louise had not improved, and it was taking a visible toll on him. He had not slept well in weeks and, despite her best efforts, he was becoming more withdrawn by the day. Tobias, Harper, and Naveen all offered their support, but his constant insistence that he was “fine” did not fool anyone.

Work was just adding to his stress. While Casey had barely seen Floria since she began working at the hospital, Ethan had regular contact with her, and Casey knew it was vexing him. The fact that he moved heaven and earth to limit Casey’s contact with her didn’t help things. He was very clear in letting Casey know that he did not want her to protect him, but he was working double time trying to protect her. She knew she could handle Floria, and allowing her to take over some of that workload, would take some of the burdens off Ethan. She made a note to speak to him about this when he returned from Providence. Besides, as lovely as it was not running into her, she knew that it was only a matter of time, and it would probably take place at the most inopportune moment…. like right now.

The elevator door opened and its sole occupant was Floria. She eyed them both, looking down to their clasped hands, then back up to their eyes.

“Good morning Casey, Ethan,” she said with a nod.

Casey entered the elevator buoyantly; she was determined to not let this woman get to her. Ethan, however, did not budge until Casey gently tugged him in.

“Good morning, Floria,” Casey offered cheerfully, but the most Ethan could muster was a brusque nod.

Before the elevator doors had entirely shut, Ethan abruptly dropped Casey’s hand. She looked up at him, but his face was set in stone, staring at the doors directly ahead of him. As Casey turned to look forward, she inadvertently made eye contact with Floria, who was just lifting her eyes from looking at their now unclenched hands.

Casey and Ethan agreed on many things, but one place they diverged significantly was their belief in things that could not be explained. Casey believed in things like omens, destiny, and fate. This earned her more good-natured ribbing from her boyfriend than she cared to admit. "How could a brilliant woman of science believe in such drivel", Ethan would say. She would argue that being a scientist encouraged her to believe because she knew there was so much that remained beyond the scope of human knowledge. “One day,” she would say, “there will be proof you will see I am right.” But as she exited the elevator today, she wished she shared Ethan’s viewpoint because she could not shake the feeling of foreboding that overtook her today.

Ethan went straight to the office, but Casey wanted to speak with a couple of the evening nurses before their shift ended. When Casey reached the nurse's station, Tobias was holding court, making everyone laugh as he often did. He took just one look at Casey and he could see the uneasiness etched on her face. “Hey, Kid. How are you holding up?”

“I’ve been better,” she said. “I don’t know where you stand on such matters, but I just have this awful feeling, and I just can’t shake it.”

He reached over and tenderly placed his hand on top of hers, “Case, try not to worry, hun. No matter what happens, I’m here for you. Everything will be OK."

“I know,” she said with a sad smile.

Casey turned around and found Floria speaking with Dr. Lazare, both of whom witnessed the exchange that just took place between her and Tobias. She turned back to Tobias and whispered, “And the fact that they just saw that just adds to my feelings of impending doom.”

“Remember what I told you,” he muttered. “Live in the truth Casey, you know the truth. Neither of us did anything wrong. Now, walk away. I’ll take care of the stare-down duties here.”

“I’ll take you up on that,” she smiled.

Ethan was supposed to leave for Providence today, but his trip was delayed for two days due to an emergent board meeting regarding department restructuring. To say he was displeased was truly an understatement. Casey encouraged him to have Tobias or Harper attend in his stead, but he curtly dismissed her stating two days would not matter.

The ride to work was filled with silence in spite of Casey's attempts to break it. At one point Ethan put on the local news station for background noise, but, honestly, he also hoped it would prevent any further conversation. When they exited the car, he did not wait for Casey to take his hand but started to walk methodically toward the elevator.

“Ethan,” Casey said kindly, but with firmness in her voice, “wait a moment.”

Clearly in a daze, he turned around, “Hmmm.”

“I know things are really crappy right now, and you have so much on your place, but hun, let me be here for you. Let others be there, Tobias, Harper, Naveen, we all want to help you, please let us.”

Ethan stood silently for a moment and Casey stepped forward to take his hand. He pulled her close to him. “I’ll try, Casey. Please know that I appreciate each of you; especially you.”

Ethan was not used to coping with complicated emotional issues. He used to evading them unless they became unavoidable. Opening the door to Louise and allowing her back into his life had helped him in many ways. He was healing his childhood trauma; Casey had taught him that he was worthy of love, but having his mother’s love again made the process feel whole. Everyone knew that relapse would be a real possibility; addiction is a disease and a lifelong battle. Still, he pushed that thought far from his mind. Ethan Ramsey the doctor knew the truth, but Ethan Ramsey the son who was relishing the relative calm and happiness that now defined his life allowed his mind to deceive him. As things began to unravel, Ethan was starting to withdraw and all those who loved him most could merely stand on the sidelines and remind him that they were there for him.

Tobias took one look at Ethan as he walked into the office and he waved for Casey to join him in the hall.

“Hey, he is looking shitter by the day, what's happening?”

“T, he can’t have slept more than 5 hours in two days. That alone is going to have him in a bad way. I keep reminding him that we’re all here for him, but I can’t force him to let any of us in.”

“Do you mind if I head in and try to have a word with him?”

“Please, be my guest.”

“OK, fingers crossed,” he said walking into the office.

“Hey, Boss.”

“Tobias.”

Tobias slid a chair up to the edge of Ethan’s desk.

“Hey, Bud, you ok? You look like hell and I’m worried about you. We all are.”

“Hmmm. Yeah, I’m fine. I would have preferred to have been on the road to Providence right now, but shit happens, I guess.”

“Why don’t you go. I can step in. You know I can. Harper and Casey are at the ready. We can handle the work here. Let us step up and help you.”

“It’s two days, Tobias. I’ll manage.”

Tobias tilted his head, “You never make it easy on those who care about you, Ethan. We know what you’re dealing with and it would make us feel better if we could help you.”

Several minutes passed before Ethan spoke, “Tobias, I mean it when I say I appreciate, I really do. But if I need assistance, I will ask. Until then, I would really appreciate it if you would all just let me do my job and, right now, that means heading to the board meeting.”

Ethan was walking down the hallway when he heard a pair of high heels running behind him.

“Ethan! Ethan, wait!”

He closed his eyes and visibly shook his head. “Yes, Floria.”

“Dr. Reynolds asked me to catch you before you went into the meeting. He has a new proposal that would be mutually beneficial for both departments. He’d like you to review it with him before you head in. Do you have 15 minutes?”

Ethan squeezed the bridge of his nose and sighed deeply while shaking his head.

Floria snorted gently. “I remember that look well,” she said, “If you don’t have time, I’ll let him know and text you bullet points….”

“No, fine. I’ll head back to my office but tell Dr. Reynolds that he has to be there within 10 minutes.”

She smiled brightly, “You got it, Ethan.”

All he could think of was how much he hated the sound of his name coming out of her mouth.

Tobias, Casey, and Harper were standing outside the office conferring about a new admission when Ethan stormed by and returned to the office.

“Casey, is he doing OK?” Harper asked perfunctory, as she already knew what her answer would be.

“I would have to go with a resounding no on that,” Casey answered.

Tobias watched as Dr. Reynolds and Floria filed into the office, closing the door behind them.

“I’m sure that will do wonders to help,” he stated.

Casey shook her head. “Well, he’ll be in Providence the day after tomorrow. I just hope that will help.” Her phone rang. “Speaking of Providence,” she said, “it’s Alan. I better take this.”

She stepped away to take the call privately. “Hey, Alan, what’s up?”

When Alan uttered his first syllable, Casey knew this was not an ordinary call. “Casey, I’ve been trying to reach Ethan. Do you know where he is?”

“He is prepping for a board meeting right now. I’m sure he has his phone turned off. What’s going on? Can I help you with anything?”

“Casey, Louise didn’t show up for work this morning. She’s not answering her phone nor her doorbell at home.”

“Oh no, do you a key to her apartment?”

“No, and her landlord is on vacation.”

“Of course! Have you called the police? They can do a wellness check, and, given her history, they can probably gain access to her apartment if need be.”

“I called right before I called you, but her car is gone. I have a feeling she’s not home.”

“OK, sit tight Alan, I’m going to go get Ethan, and we’ll head right down.”

“Casey, what’s going on?” Harper asked.

“I have to get Ethan. I need you guys to handle the workload today. I have to get Ethan to Providence. Louise is missing.”

“What!” Tobias yelled, “Oh … yes, go, go! We’ll take care of everything. Don’t worry about us.”

Casey nearly ran into an orderly as she turned the corner. “Sorry, so sorry!!”

When she reached the diagnostic office, she banged on the door before opening it abruptly, “I’m so sorry to interrupt. Ethan, there has been an emergency. We need to leave right away.”

“Casey, can it wait just a moment? We are in the middle of prepping….”

“Tobias is already on his way over. He’ll pick up the ball. We have to go….”

Despite the urgent nature of the situation, Casey was aware of Floria staring at her, taking in the situation and she did not want to share more information than required.

“Casey, I can't just…”

“Ethan, your Mom didn’t show up for work today. Your Dad just called; they can’t find her. We have to go now.”

Casey’s heart sank to her stomach as she watched as the color slowly drained from his face Ethan’s face, only for him to turn bright red just seconds later. Tobias stepped into the office behind her.

“Ethan, get out of here. Go with Casey, now. Harper & I have got this. Go!”

Ethan grabbed his keys and leaped from his desk.

“Tobias, can you tell Naveen…” Casey started.

“Already done. Just go, and Case, keep me posted.”

Casey and Ethan stepped into the elevator. She would have felt better if he showed any emotion, but his face remained stoic, not betraying any feelings.

At a loss for words herself, she took his hand and whispered, “Ethan, I’m here with you. We will get through this.”

He squeezed her hand, releasing it when he raised both hands to massage his temples.

“Casey, I should have been there this morning. I was supposed to be there. If I had….”

“Ethan, this isn’t your fault. We’re on our way. We will fix this.”

“You don’t know that, Casey. What if I am too late?"

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[dottie-minerva-mikas]

💀💀🤡🤡

Me and Simon @ that couple

[dottie-minerva-mikas]

That cliffhanger!!! I’m foaming at the mouth over this drama!!

Chapter 9: What Tomorrow Holds

Book: Open Heart 3 (After Chapter 15)

Pairing: Ethan x F!MC Tobias x F!MC

Rating: Chapter: Teen / Series: 18 +

Summary: Extended Series WIP – Love Triangle. In this chapter: Bryce’s BNO does not go as planned; Ethan comes face to face with Floria; Tobias and Casey each make an important decision; Casey & Ethan’s parents meet, and Casey & Sienna make a shocking discovery.

Category: Extended Series (WIP)

Warnings: Drinking; language

A/N: OK, to my readers who said “don’t worry about" or even "I like long chapters”, you’re going to live to regret those words. 😊 I apologize! But there is a lot that happens in this chapter and it's really getting us to the next part of the story. Break it down over the week, Ch. 10 may take a little longer anyway. :)

A/N 2: Because this isn't long enough, if you haven't already, the "bonus" chapter of Casey & Ethan reuniting after he returns from his business trip can be found here. This takes place between Ch. 8 & Ch. 9 of this series. It's pure romance and pure smut, it doesn't move the story forward, but damn, it sure does enhance it! :) Good to be home

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS

If you wish to be added or removed from tags, please let me know. Comments and reblogs are always appreciated. 😊

(Good to be home is a standalone chapter that takes place between chapter 8 and chapter 9, it can be read here.)

It was a typical summer Friday at Donahue’s, busy, but fewer patrons than normal. The sedate environment drew even more attention to Bryce’s semi-sober toast. As part of his ongoing efforts to get Tobias out more frequently, he created tonight's event, the inaugural Semi-Monthly BNO. Bryce loved each one of their friends, but he knew Tobias needed some friend time without Casey present, so the SMBNO was born (though no one would ever remember that acronym).

“So, I am here to make the argument that contemporary society has true reverence for the GNO, as it well should. I will admit, I have crashed a GNO or two… well, or two dozen… so I can confirm that they serve as a wonderful celebration of sisterhood, of girl power, things I fully support these ideals. BUT as a people, as a nation, we have neglected to BNO, and I have decided to do something about that. So, in honor of our first celebration of all thing’s testosterone, I offer a toast… to us… the Earls of Edenbrook!”

“Earls of Edenbrook?” Tobias asked with disgust.

“Cut me a break, bro, I was trying to think of something that begins with an E.”

“You know what begins with E? Elijah and Elijah is wondering why you decided to start this tradition a month before I’m off to New Haven.”

“Ah-ha! You see, that was part of the wisdom behind SMBNO! It is a pact, therefore we must see each other every two months under threat of… what is the threat?”

“Expulsion, but I don’t know if that would serve as much of a deterrent,” Zaid offered.

“Zaid, we are honored that you decided to join us at this inaugural event,” Bryce said saluting.

“Don’t give him too much credit, he owed me a favor, it was this or sit through an upcoming seminar in place of me. Honestly, I am still surprised he picked this,” Baz said with a chuckle.

“So, what are the rules surrounding SBNO, I mean, we’re not exactly the belching and scratching our balls in public crowd, and the women we hang out with are cool, so what sets this apart?” Tobias asked.

Bryce had not thought that far ahead and responding with I’m just trying to get you out without Casey being here didn’t seem appropriate, “I KNOW! We conclude with Karaoke or Bowling,” he said, selecting the two most random things he could think of.

“I vote Karaoke!” Baz yelled.

“I vote to allow the ladies to join us again,” Tobias laughed.

“Well, for tonight, it includes male bonding and darts right here, I’ll dig deeper next time. But, since you insist on doing something to set this evening apart, I suggest that, just for tonight, we entertain the idea of scratching our balls in public.”

Everyone laughed except Zaid who downed his drink, plunked it on the table, and said “I’m out! Baz, send me the info on the seminar.”

“And then there were four!” Elijah yelled.

“How about this, let’s go outside and enjoy the summer weather, we can play some poker?”

“Brilliant, this man is a genius!” Bryce said pointing at Tobias excitedly, “Except I don’t know how to play poker.”

“Do I have to teach you everything, Lahela? Let’s go.”

The guys enjoyed their S-somethingBNO, sans ball scratching, for several hours before it was interrupted by...

“You’re playing poker and I’m not here to kick your ass? In what universe is this acceptable?” Jackie chided.

“Jack, Jackie!” Bryce said astonished, “This is a BNO, SEMBNO, I think… I specifically made sure you and the other lovely ladies were not going to be here this evening so we could...”

“Sit around and do the same shit you do every time we are here, but without us? Sexist much Bryce?”

“I don’t know if your serious Jackie, and I’m a little drunk and a little too afraid to tell you to leave, so pull up a chair and deal.”

“Nah, I’m waiting on Sienna, Case & Aurora, so I’ll sit this one out.”

“Well, I guess we may as well move over to a bigger table and conclude S&MBNO for tonight. I mean, no one was even scratching their balls?” Tobias said.

“It is not S&MBNO, Tobias!” Bryce said with disgust.

Jackie shook her head, ��Neanderthals.”

“Hey!” Casey yelled as she walked in with her friends, “Since you guys have had a head start on us, I took the liberty of ordering the girls tequila shots, I’m happy to treat you all as well after we’ve caught up!”

“That sounds good to me!” Tobias said as he tapped the space on the bench next to him, beckoning Casey to join him. Almost immediately after doing so, he realized that wasn’t the best idea, he grimaced in Bryce’s direction, but it was too late. Casey was already happily seated next to her buddy T.

“So, what are you doing here anyway, Case? I figured you and Ethan would be celebrating his return, or are you already tired out.” Elijah laughed.

“Elijah, I never tire out!” She answered throwing a discarded lime at him. “But he had to head into the office, and that is how you have been graced with my presence this evening!”

“And mine!” Sienna chimed.

“So, what’s up everyone? You guys have any luck finding a new place yet?” Baz asked.

“I have!” Elijah yelled, “an old med school buddy of mine is also going to Yale/New Haven, so we got a really sweet place together, just a short trip to the hospital.”

“We haven’t been as lucky yet,” Aurora said, “going from cutting expenses 5 ways to 3 ways is a challenge in Boston, even with better salaries. I mean, we still have med school debt.”

“OK Aurora, stop making me feel guilty.”

“Case, there is no reason to feel guilty! No one is going to fault you for moving in with your boyfriend!” Sienna interrupted.

“I am,” Jackie said as Casey laughed.

“But we are seeing a place that looks promising in South End tomorrow. It’s a little smaller than we hoped for, but it would work for us.”

“Well, I hope so, because Jackie is still threatening to move in with me,” Tobias laughed.

As the night went on the friends split into different groups: Baz and Elijah played pool, Jackie, Aurora, and Bryce had a dart tournament, Sienna bounced around between the two. But Casey & Tobias remained at the firepit, completely engrossed in their conversation. Bryce tried to pry each of them away on several occasions before it became apparent his attempts would be for naught. But when the DJ started playing, everyone met up on the dance floor, including a group of nurses who just came off shift. Carmen was one of the nurses in their group. She was new to the hospital and Bryce had coined her the Sofia Vergara of Edenbrook. He had been trying to get her attention for over a month, but she seemed to be immune to his charms. Seeing an opportunity to end that streak, Bryce waved the group over. But when Carmen began dancing, the only person she was interested in was Tobias who was (of course) oblivious to her flirtation. When the DJ stopped playing, Carmen asked if he would like to join her for a drink. Tobias politely declined stating he was spending the night with friends. As soon as she walked away his friends attacked.

“Are you out of your mind, Bro?” Baz exclaimed, “Everyone in the hospital is in love with her! She hasn’t paid any mind to anyone, not even Bryce…”

“Yet! OK! Yet!” Bryce yelled.

“…yeah, whatever, but Tobias go! Have a drink with her, trust me, we wont mind… we will be impressed. You will be named the King of SEMBON that is… I don’t know what that is.”

“Seriously T, what the hell are you thinking. She is a goddess!” Jackie added.

“T, please. Just go. It’s a drink.” Bryce prodded.

Everyone continued to cajole him, except for Casey. She didn’t encourage or discourage, she just stayed quietly on the sidelines.

Beginning to get frustrated, Tobias was ready to put an end to his friend's well-intentioned ribbing.

“Guys, I’m not interested, OK? Leave it be. Bryce, why don’t you go and see if the 200th time is the charm for you? I want to get back to my conversation with Casey.”

“Whatever, T.” Bryce said shaking his head as he walked to the bar.

“I’ll join you, Bryce,” Sienna yelled.

Once the two were seated, Sienna leaned in close and whispered.

"Bryce, I followed you in here for a reason.”

“You mean it wasn’t just my dashing good looks and exuberant personality?”

“Yeah, no, I’m over that. I wanted to ask you … you seem to … ah heck, what’s going on between Tobias and Casey? I am sensing something and I can tell you do too.”

“What do you mean?” Bryce said putting down his drink.

“At his party on the 4th, they seemed so… connected. I mean, he didn’t take his eyes off of her the entire time we were on the balcony Then, remember how they both reacted when Jackie said she was moving in with Ethan? And tonight, they haven’t left each other side and, I mean, he’s turning down Sofia Vergara for Christ’s sake.”

Bryce looked straight ahead without saying a word.

“And your reaction is telling me I am on to something. What do you know Bryce? You know you can trust me. I mean, I don’t think Casey is involved with him, she’s in love with Ethan and that’s just not her.”

“No, Casey isn’t involved at all. But… and this dies here…”

“Absolutely.”

“Casey doesn't know, but Tobias… he has it bad for her. Like bad, bad.”

“Oh, no.”

“Yeah, he didn't intend for this to happen, but it did and he can't get past it. I mean he turned down single Sofia Vergara to spend the night sitting with all but betrothed to Ethan Casey. That is how bad he has it.”

“You don’t think he’d try to…”

“No. He’s emphatic that he won’t act on it. He loves Casey...”

“Loves?!?”

“Yeah,” he said sadly, “he loves her. It’s not a little crush, Si.”

“Oh, my God, poor Tobias!”

“You have no idea. I doubt he’ll act on it, but you never know… one night if there is too much drinking, someone is vulnerable, who knows what could happen? It’s a freaking ticking time bomb.”

“Not to mention if Ethan found out we will be searching for Tobias’s body parts across the state of Massachusetts.”

“We’d likely have to extend that search into Rhode Island and Connecticut. But here is the thing, he cares about Ethan, too. He doesn’t want to do anything to hurt either of them, but the heart wants what it wants.”

“But spending time with her like this isn’t going to help which is why we are going to go and sit with them. At least it helps for tonight.”

“You go out Si. I just want to clear my head a bit, I’ll be out in a few.”

Sienna hugged him, “You got it, and don’t worry, my lips are sealed. Operation lets end this shit is in effect.”

“And with us at the helm, how can it fail?” Bryce said before ordering another drink. As he was getting ready to return outside, he saw Casey walking toward the bar.”

“Case!” he yelled waving her over, “C’mere!”

She bounced up on the barstool next to him, “What’s up, B?”

Bryce was quiet for a moment, clearly trying to weigh what he was going to say. “Case, I don’t want this to come out the wrong way…”

“Bryce, what’s up?”

“Why were you the only one not encouraging Tobias to go chat with Sofi, uhm, Carmen?”

Casey gave Bryce a disbelieving look, “Bryce, I sincerely hope you’re not implying anything improper between me and Tobias.”

“No! Case, I know you’re with Ethan and like, nauseatingly in love, I just…” he let out a deep sigh, “I’ve been trying to get the guy to just go on a date, with anyone, but he’s in such…. a place … and I mean, he values your opinion, then you're the only one being silent...”

Casey looked at Bryce somberly. “Bryce, he told me.”

Bryce choked on his drink, “He what?”

“He told me. I know he is hurting over someone who doesn’t return his feelings. We’ve discussed it.”

“Uhh, well, how much did he tell you?”

“That is really the crux of it. He would not tell me who she is, and I respect that. I also respect that he’s not ready to be out there again. Right now the best thing I can do is honor his wishes and be there for him. So, I’m not going to push him into something he isn’t ready to do even if everyone else is.”

“OK but, do you think you could let me be there for him a little more. You know, if he needs someone, let him come to me.”

“Are you jealous that Tobias relies on me, too?”

“No, but maybe he needs a different perspective...” Bryce was trying so hard to get the point across without saying too much, and considering his inebriated state, that was walking a tightrope. “Case, I just know a little bit more about the situation than you do, can you just trust me?"

“I trust you, you know I do. But he is my friend too and I’m never going to turn him away if he needs me.”

“You’ve always got to be such a good fucking friend, don’t you MacTavish.”

“Well, isn’t that why you love me.”

He grinned broadly, “It’s one of the reasons I began loving you.”

“Your such an ass, Bryce.” She said hitting his shoulder, “Now, buy me a beer to make up for it…”

“Reggie, please get this lady your finest tap!” Bryce laughed.

“Don’t worry Bryce, he will come around in time. I mean, who knows, in the end maybe it will even work out for him and his mystery lady. Stranger things have happened.”

“Hmm. Yeah. Let’s just get him to start dating again.”

“Hey, welcome back!” Harper yelled as Ethan and Casey entered the team's office.

Tobias, who had been seated at Ethan’s seat, stood up “I’ve been waiting here buddy, ceremonial returning of the chair is now in full effect.”

Ethan smiled, “Thanks guys, but what, no streamers, no balloons?”

Casey stamped her foot, “Damn it! I should have gotten bagels!”

“No, Casey,” Harper laughed, “the rest of us have discussed it and we can only handle that once a year at best.”

“Speak for yourself!” Tobias laughed.

“So, let’s catch up,” Ethan said as he joined his colleagues at the table, “without sounding like Thomas Jefferson, what did I miss?”

“Thomas Jefferson?” Tobias asked confused.

“From Hamilton. Daveed Diggs. You know ‘What did I miss, what did I miss, Virginia my home sweet home I wanna give you a kiss,” Casey sang.

Oh, they clearly got laid last night. Tobias said to himself with a sincere chuckle. “You have him listening to Hamilton now?”

“Well, I was not throwing away my shot to teach him about a modern classic,” Casey laughed.

Harper rolled her eyes and chuckled, “OK, this has been delightful, but let’s get to work? This is the one last time we are having Hamilton puns today.”

“Oh, I agree,” Casey said, “Especially since In the Heights is trendier now, anyway.”

Everyone erupted into laughter.

Tobias’s eyes were bright and he had an adorable smirk on his face. He looked over at Casey, she was so happy and radiant. Then he looked at Ethan who, in the sixteen years he knew him, just never looked the way he did now. Hamilton puns during Ethan Ramsey’s morning meetings, and Ethan is laughing along with it? It was surreal. At that very moment, Tobias resolved that he would do whatever he could to get over Casey. Things were too good for her, for Ethan, and even for the team. If that ever changed, he did not want it to be a result of anything he did. Casey looked over and shot him a smile, which he returned. I have got to do it, he thought, but it sure as fuck isn’t going to be easy.

_____________________ Bryce ran into Tobias in the hallway, “Hey man, I’m running down to the cafeteria to grab some breakfast, join me?”

“Yeah, I could stand a little something. I was sure you’d be hurting, you seemed to have a few more than normal last night.”

“Well, that’s the power of youth, old man.”

Once their breakfast and a table were secured, the two sat for a quick bite. Tobias was quieter than usual, but despite Bryce's protestations, he was a big hungover, so he didn't notice. Finally, Tobias let out a sigh and said, “You’re right.”

Bryce was about to put a forkful of scrambled egg whites in his mouth, but Tobias's words caused him to drop his fork to his plate with a loud clang.

“I’m sorry, could you say that again. I don’t even care why you said it, I just like hearing it… louder this time.”

“Is that what you sound like during sex, Lahela?”

“LOUDER! I am what???”

Tobias grumbled, “You are right. I need to move on. Maybe I should start… dating again, I’m sure in time it will…”

Bryce looked astonished. “Bro, I would come over there and kiss you right now, but all kinds of rumors would start, and then neither one of us would be dating much, so the kissing is implied, OK?”

Tobias laughed, “You’re one of a kind.”

“Look, I happen to have it on good advisement that Carmen is working the afternoon shift on 4 East, not that I have checked her schedule or anything… and for you, brother, I’m willing to step aside.”

“You know, if I’m going to date, I think I would like to keep it away from work for the time being.”

“Good idea. I do know this amazing woman from my hot yoga class, I will get you details, and we'll take it from there…. I am very happy to hear this news, T. Let's get you some practice dates, then when you’re back in fighting form, go get Carmen because, if you don’t, I will have to lose any respect that I ever had for you!”

“On that note, I’m going back to work. Baby steps, Lahela, baby steps.” ____________________

The workday had been quiet and uneventful, a rare treat at any hospital, but that was about to come to a screeching halt. As Casey turned a corner, she came face to face with,

“Hello Casey! It’s lovely seeing you.”

“Floria," Casey replied doing her best to hide her surprise, "You are looking well. What are you doing here? I thought you were discharged last week.”

“Ten days ago, to be exact. Tobias truly is a miracle worker,” she said through an ingenuine smile.

“Dr. Carrick is a wonderful physician. So, what brings you to Edenbrook?”

“I’m here on some personal business, nothing I’m at liberty to discuss yet.”

“Oh, well… OK… I’m glad to see you’re doing better, take care.”

Ethan was at his desk immersed in work, even though Tobias did not miss a beat in his absence, there was still an avalanche of e-mails and paperwork to be tended to. He was so engrossed he did not even look up when he heard footsteps entering the office door.

“Well as I live and breathe. Dr. Ethan Ramsey, how long has it been?”

Ethan looked up over his glasses. Whatever feelings were percolating inside of him, they were not visible on his exterior. With complete indifference he uttered, “Not nearly long enough,” before he turned back to his work.

“Well, I can’t say that I blame you for your reaction. But honestly, I was pleased to see your name on the door as I passed by. It gives me a chance… well, to do something I have wanted to for a very long time now. Ethan, I owe you a sincere apology.”

He sighed deeply and rolled his chair back from his desk, “Floria, you don’t owe me a damn thing. Now, why are you in my office and what can I do to facilitate you leaving as quickly as possible?”

“God, the greetings in this place are just… unpleasant at best. But, at least in your case, it is well deserved.”

She took a seat.

“Floria, I would really prefer if you didn’t sit here, I…”

“Ethan, I just want a few minutes of your time. I get why you don’t want to see me, but this is important. I really wouldn’t bother you but… I am going to be working at Edenbrook, starting tomorrow. Since we are going to be working together, I wanted to smooth things over with you, as much as I can.”

For the first time since she walked in the door, Ethan’s emotions betrayed him as a mask of shock, anger, and disgust engulfed his face.

“You what?”

Leaning back Floria continued, “I will be Dr. Reynold’s new assistant. I’m just finished completing the paperwork.”

“Dr. Reynold’s…assistant… when did this come to be?”

“He and I go back a while; we became friends while Peter was teaching at Northwestern. I was looking for a new position and when I was being treated here, I ran into Jon, and well, the rest is history.”

Ethan was fighting to hide his exasperation. Floria would be working at Edenbrook. Not just at Edenbrook, but with Dr. Jon Reynolds. A doctor whose office was just down the hall. A doctor with whom Ethan and the department interacted frequently.

“Peter is making you work now? I didn’t see that plot twist.”

“Actually, Peter and I are divorcing, which is why I needed a job. Me being admitted here turned into a blessing because I ran into Jon and, poof, I start tomorrow!"

Admitted here? When the fuck was she admitted here? “I hadn’t realized you were admitted here. Then again, I have been away.”

“Really?” she said dumbstruck, “I'm shocked Tobias didn't mention it.”

“Tobias?”

“Yes, he was my doctor, can you believe it? Got me out in record time, I’m sure you can imagine why.”

“As I said, today is my first day back and, since you were not a diagnostic patient, there was no need for me to be informed.”

“I guess. It’s just… he was so unnerved by my presence, I figured he would have phoned you right away.”

“Tobias isn’t unnerved easily, Floria. I wouldn't give yourself so much credit.”

“Well, I wasn't admitted even 24-hours before he pulled his girlfriend off my case and took it over himself. So, if he wasn't unnerved, I think we can at least say he was unsettled."

“His girlfriend?”

“Yes, Dr. MacTavish, I believe? Casey? Sweet young thing, I really liked her. Honestly, I'm shocked she sees anything in Tobias. She could do better.”

Ethan's eyes turned into steel daggers as he fixed them on Floria. He steadied himself before speaking, doing everything in his power to restrain his growing anger.

“What, in your twisted mind, leads you to believe that Casey is Tobias’s girlfriend?”

“You know hospital gossip! Honestly, she must inspire a lot of jealousy because she is a hot topic. I overheard the nurses discussing her boyfriend on the diagnostic team, then some residents mentioned she was moving in with him. Well, given how protective Tobias was of her, how his eyes lit up every time he said her name, I just assumed. Besides, you’re the only other man on the team, and I sure as hell knew she wasn’t moving in with you, I mean, cohabitating and serious relationships, that's not exactly your… or… oh, my God, is she your girlfriend? Oh, I’m sorry, here I came to make peace and…”

“Floria, I’m quite confident that you know she is not Tobias’s girlfriend. You haven’t even officially started yet and…” he stopped to take a deep breath, “Let me be abundantly clear, you do not want to start something that I will need to finish. I am not a naïve 26-year-old anymore. This isn’t med school. You’re not screwing someone with power to get the upper hand. I have the power now, Floria, and I have no problem using its full force if I am pushed to do so. Do not play with me, I’m warning you. Do not play with Tobias. And, let me make this painfully clear to you, do not even entertain the idea of entertaining the idea of doing anything to Casey. If you so much as cause her to have a difficult afternoon, I assure you that you will live to regret it. Am I making myself clear?”

“Jesus, Ethan. And here I was thinking Tobias was protective! It was a simple misjudgment on my part. I apologize. I did not realize she was yours. For what it’s worth, I’m happy to hear it, I did think she was lovely and I’m glad to see that she did better than Tobias after all.”

Unamused, Ethan shook his head, “Stop playing games Floria, stop them now, before you even start.”

“Ethan, I don’t blame you for thinking the worst of me, what I did to you, it was horrible, but the same way you’re not 26-year-old Ethan, I’m not 24-year-old Floria. I have lived with a lot of guilt over what I did and I am certainly not here to create any drama. I’m sure us being friends isn’t a possibility, but I want to at least be civil with one another, that’s my only reason for coming to see you today.”

“Floria, apparently I’m going to be forced to work with you. I intend to be polite and professional, and I expect you to do the same. But do not for one moment delude yourself into believing that I trust you. Stay out of my life and the lives of those I care about, do your job and go home, and we will have no problem.”

“In time you’ll see I’m being sincere. I’m sorry, this truly didn’t go as I had hoped.”

“Mmmm hmmm. If you could see yourself out, I do have work to catch up on.”

“Sure. I’ll get out of your hair.”

“That would be greatly appreciated.”

____________________

As soon as Floria exited the office Ethan took off his glasses and threw them on his desk. Rubbing his eyes, he sighed deeply. This cannot fucking be possible. He stood up to close the door and when he was just a few feet away Tobias came barreling in.

“Hey, Boss!”

“Tobias,” he said sternly, “come in and lock the door behind you.”

Oh shit. Tobias took a seat in front of Ethan’s desk as Ethan paced the office.

“When exactly were you planning on telling me that Floria had been admitted as a patient at Edenbrook? That was a patient of yours?”

Tobias let out a deep sigh. “You aren’t going to believe this, but honestly, that is why I was heading in here right now.”

“Was it? Because from what I understand she was admitted just after I left which means you had a full month to tell me, yet you found this very moment the best time to do so. So, this is simply out of expediency? Why didn’t you tell me sooner, Tobias??

“Ethan, give me a moment to explain…”

“Please do. I’m curious to see how you spin this.”

“It’s not a spin, I’m giving you the truth. Floria was admitted the day you left; she was one of Reynold’s patients assigned to Casey. She only saw her once before I found out and reassigned the case to myself. I wanted her treated and out of here. I wanted her to be invisible to you and Casey. I didn’t want you to hear her name if it could have been avoided. Ethan, I know the damage she did and… I was trying to protect you, that’s all.”

Ethan looked conflicted.

“Tobias, I believe your heart was in the right place and I appreciate your desire to protect me and, more importantly, Casey. But I don’t need protecting, I need to be informed. That woman is a viper, and the fact that she came in touch with the woman I love, that in and of itself should have initiated a call, Tobias, don’t tell me you don’t understand that!”

“Ethan, you just left, you were going to be gone a month and there was nothing you could do. I knew there was a good chance you would lose your mind and that would impact your work at Mayo. I didn’t want her to know you were on staff, I didn’t want her to know who Casey was… it was mitigation Ethan. Perhaps I could have made better choices, but I honestly did what I thought was best at the time.”

“Tobias, within the past year, you have earned my trust again and I don’t want that to diminish. I am not happy about this, even though I do understand where your heart was. Please, do not let this happen again. We have to have total honestly here, nothing less. Do we have an understanding?”

“Yes. Of course.”

“She was just here.”

“Wait, she was here? Why?”

Ethan shook his head. “Because beginning tomorrow she is going to be Dr. Reynold’s new assistant.”

“What? Are you fucking kidding me? You have GOT to be fucking kidding me?” Tobias jumped to his feet, it was now his turn to begin pacing.

“I wish I were. And she is already playing her bullshit games.”

“Meaning?”

“Well, she told me how you took your girlfriend off of her case.”

Tobias cocked his head at Ethan, “My what?”

Ethan sat back in his chair. “Your girlfriend, Casey.”

“What the…”

“Let’s just be grateful she is using an old playbook, so we can get ahead of her. I sent a message to Naveen. I just want him aware of the situation in case anything should come of it.”

“Not a bad idea.”

“You want to talk about mitigation?” Ethan sighed deeply, “I’m going to talk to Casey, she needs to know what we’re dealing with here. I already told Floria if she fucks with Casey…”

“If she does, she will have both of us to deal with. I’m not letting her hurt anyone I care about. Period. Ethan, I’m worried about you too, I had a front-row seat to the damage she did to you, and I know…”

“Tobias,” Ethan interrupted, “I am not the same man anymore. I have hindsight and I am better equipped to deal with this.”

“I know that. But she has a way of worming herself into people’s minds without them even knowing and, I just… Ethan, I have known you sixteen years, I have never seen you so happy or in such a good place and, I just don’t want to see that change.”

Ethan stood up and put his hand on Tobias’s shoulder. “That means a lot to me. I’m glad we are back on the same team. I’d love to give her the benefit of the doubt, but that little act she just put on tells me nothing has changed with her. I know we will need to talk more on this, I need to clear my head for a moment would you mind if I just took…”

“Yeah, yeah, no worries, I’ll get out of your hair. I will also fill Harper in, she needs to know as well.”

“Good idea and, Tobias, I mean it, I’m glad you’re back in the friend column.”

Tobias smiled, “Same here, brother.”

As soon as Tobias left the office he reached out to Casey.

Casey headed to Ethan’s apartment. He had texted her that he would be late catching up at work, so she wanted to get a jump on dinner. She was anxious about the situation with Floria, she picked up her phone to call Tobias at least five times while she was preparing spaghetti sauce, but she could never bring herself to hit call. She and Tobias had talked enough and, going forward, any conversations about this needed to be between her and Ethan. Fortunately, as soon as she was taking the sauce off of the stove, she heard his key in the door.

“Hey, Hun,” she said running over to hug him.

Ethan fell into her and the warmth of her embrace helped melt his tension away. “God, I love coming home to you.”

“Well good!" She said, "you have a lifetime of it ahead of you.”

“I am one hell of a lucky guy.”

“Do you want to eat right away or unwind for a bit first?”

He walked over to the wine rack and pulled out a bottle. “Get two glasses and meet me on the couch?”

She snuggled next to him as he poured.

“There is a situation I want to discuss with you. I know you were treating Floria Dawson, well, for a day. Are you aware of who she is?”

Casey lowered her eyes a moment before returning his gaze. “Yes, Ethan. When Tobias took me off of the case I was, well, me and demanded a reason why. I wasn’t relenting so he eventually told me who she was and why he didn’t want me on the case. I am sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I’ll be honest, I didn’t disagree with Tobias, get her treated and get her out and forget about her existence again. But I should have told you, Ethan, I hope you’ll forgive me.”

Ethan put his arm around her, “I would have preferred if either of you would have told me, but I understand why you both felt the way you did. If I’m being truthful, you may have been right. I was 1,000 miles away, at the start of a complicated research project and my head would not have been in the game. Still, l would have rather known, but I can’t be angry at you when it’s something I probably would have done myself if the situation was reversed.”

He gulped his wine and kissed Casey on top of her head, “Unfortunately, Floria is going to be working in Edenbrook as of tomorrow, as Dr. Reynold’s assistant.”

“I know, Tobias mentioned it to me after he saw you.”

Ethan appeared to be a bit taken aback for a moment, but it passed quickly. “Well, it appears he has given you quite a bit of information.”

Casey squirmed, “Ethan, I…”

“Case, honestly, I’m glad he did. This way we can get this over with quickly and enjoy our night, heaven knows the last thing I want taking space up in our home is Floria. The woman I knew was treacherous and I have no reason to believe she has changed. She stopped by my office under the guise of making peace, and she proceeded to tell me about Tobias’s girlfriend being taken off of her case.”

Casey pulled out of his embrace and looked at him incredulously. “What now?”

“Yes, that’s the game she is playing. She claims to have overheard hospital gossip about your boyfriend and put 2 and 2 together and came up with 5. Of course, I am pretty confident that she purposely added wrong. She likely assumed she could make me jealous, put a wedge between us, or either of us and Tobias… I don’t think it was an innocent miscalculation.”

“Jesus! How did this woman end up here, working on the same damn floor as us no less?”

“Well, apparently she and Reynolds go back… he hired her direct. For now, we just have to keep our eyes open and cope. I need you to promise me you will do your best to avoid her, because, Case, if she hurts you in any way, I swear…”

“Ethan, I’m a big girl, and she isn’t going to hurt me.”

He smiled wanly, “I said the same thing to Tobias about myself earlier. But I know all too well, she can do damage that you don’t even see until it’s already done. So, please, let’s just be vigilant around her, OK?”

Casey put her wine glass on the table, “Or course baby,” she said pulling Ethan into a hug.

“So, we’re having spaghetti?”

“Yeah, well, you know… my culinary skills and all,” she said with a grin.

“I’m sure it will be amazing. Oooh! I meant to tell you, I got us tickets to see the Boston Symphony Orchestra later this month. You haven’t been to any performances at Tanglewood yet, have you?”

“No, but it is on my bucket list!”

“Well, I’m glad we can cross that off. Trust me, you’ll love it. I got four tickets, who do you think we should bring along?”

“I’d love to bring Sienna. She is the one most upset about all the changes going on.”

“OK, that’s one. Who should number two be? I was thinking maybe asking Tobias would be a nice gesture, what do you think?”

Under normal circumstances, Casey would have immediately said yes, she considered Tobias to be one of her best friends and she was so happy that he and Ethan were rebuilding their friendship. But after hearing about Floria ‘suggesting’ that she and Tobias were a couple, Casey was unsettled. Like Ethan, Casey did not believe Floria was being honest about her assessment. Then again, Casey could not deny that countless patients, waiters, sales associates, and acquaintances who saw the two of them together instantly assumed they were a couple as well. Plus, there was an element of guilt, she didn’t tell Ethan about Floria, she shared that secret with Tobias. When she thought she might be pregnant, she didn’t call Ethan, it was Tobias who sat by her side as she waited. She knew there was no impropriety, or was there? She and Bryce were equally as close, yet there were no such issues with him. In fact, even Bryce was disappointed the other night when Casey failed to encourage Tobias to try to date again. As all of this swirled in Casey’s head she said:

“You know, as much as it would be nice, I don’t think the symphony is Tobias’s thing. Plus, it would be difficult for the three of us to get the same night off.”

The second the words left her mouth, she felt a pang of sadness that she could not quite explain. She cherished her friendship with Tobias, and she was not about to let that change. She knew in her heart there had never been anything improper that took place between them, but suddenly, everything felt questionable and it didn’t feel good. Was this indicative of something deeper that she could not see? Or was this Floria successfully weaving her way into her mind? Casey was too busy coping with the insidious thoughts swirling in her mind to analyze it.

“Casey, Casey…”

She heard Ethan’s voice, “Oh, yes. Sorry, Honey, I just zoned out a bit. Uhm, we have time to think of who we can bring. I mean, maybe even your Mom or Dad, or your Mom and Dad, I don’t have to ask Sienna.”

Ethan noticed Casey’s distraction and pulled her in for a quick hug, “It doesn’t matter, we have time to worry about that. I’m just looking forward to going with you, I think you’ll love it.”

“I’m sure I will.”

Two Weeks Later (Mid-August)

“Casey, my Dad just called, they’re running late, so it looks like we will be entertaining your parents alone for a little bit.”

“OK, we can handle that. I'll put out some appetizers to hold them over, it’ll work,” she said with a smile.

“Now, I know I’ve beat around the bush with this, but since they will be here any moment now, let me be blunt. Your Dad is fairly old-fashioned and now, in what has been essentially 5-months, I’m moving his precious baby girl into my lecherous bachelor pad and there is no ring on her finger. I know he liked me, but that was before… should I be prepared for a duel or anything?”

“Of course you should. Why the hell do you think I’ve had you boning up on Hamilton?” she laughed. “Seriously though, my Dad is the type that wouldn’t have me moving in with you until 3 weeks after we were married, just to make sure the marriage took if he had his way. But, fortunately, my Mom and I are enlightened and we tend to have him wrapped around our little fingers. So he is honestly very happy for us.”

“Hmm… wonderful. That whole wrapping men around your finger thing is multi-generational. So I truly have no chance, do I?”

Casey spit out some of the wine she was sipping, “Oh, yeah, Ethan. Because in our three years together you have always done exactly what I have wanted.”

“Well, maybe not initially, but you’ve sort of got me now.”

“Good, then the spell is finally working! Oh, Mom text! They’re here! Oh, God, we’re introducing our parents!”

“Yeah, if mine ever get here, let’s go start round one.”

Ethan had met David and Rose MacTavish before, the first time being under tragic circumstances when Casey was dying and Ethan was frantically trying to save her life. At that time, all David knew of Ethan Ramsey was that he was his daughter’s idol, boss & mentor who was clearly distraught over everything taking place; but Rose knew more. While Casey had not confided every detail to her mother, she knew enough. She saw that her daughter was in love with Ethan long before Casey ever admitted herself, she knew how Ethan would push her away, to pull her back and do it again hurting her more each time. And she knew that Ethan boarded a plane to the Amazon a week after he left Casey's bed without so much as a word. She watched her daughter try to stay afloat at that time and she worried that each day could be the one when she finally drowned. Rose and Casey were very much alike, they both had quirky, outgoing personalities and big hearts that easily gave love and were often quick to forgive, but Rose wasn’t sure she could ever forgive Ethan for the callousness he displayed toward her daughter. He was older, he was her boss, he knew Casey idolized him. Casey forgave Ethan long before Rose ever entertained the idea. Yet, when she met him for the first time, one look in his eyes was all she needed to see to understand the depth of his love for Casey and how horrified he was at the thought of losing her. Since then, they had met on numerous other occasions and Rose began to see what Casey saw in him. Today, she was one of his biggest fans. Casey and Rose did their best to give David a sanitized version of the past three years when the couple made it official in the spring. David had his misgivings at first, for Ethan and Tobias combined could not give Mr. MacTavish a run for his money when it came to being protective of Casey. But it only took a few times of seeing the couple together for him to realize that they shared something very special. He was now elated that his daughter had found the kind of love that he and his wife had been blessed to share. But, yes, he would have liked to see a ring on it before the change of address, but Mrs. MacTavish already got him in line on that front. After greetings and a quick tour of the apartment, Ethan brought mimosas out to the balcony where they all took in the beautiful views of Boston on that splendid August day.

“Ethan, this view is spectacular. The biggest problem that you are going to have is that Rose will be trying to move in soon, this has always been her dream,” David laughed.

“Well, not necessarily my dream, but I’m quite content with it being my daughter’s so I can visit now and again,” she concurred.

Rose leaned across the table and took her daughter’s hand and then reached over for Ethan’s. Giving them both a squeeze she said “I hope you both know how happy Daddy & I are for both of you.”

“That means the world to us, Mrs. M… ROSE. I will get this, I will call you Rose,” Ethan laughed.

“I’m looking forward to you meeting Ethan’s parents, they should be here very soon. Dad, I think you and Alan will probably be meeting somewhere in Darien to go bowling in no time.”

“Darien?” David asked.

“Yes, Darien, Connecticut. It’s the halfway point between Providence and Philly, I took the liberty of calculating for you to save you both time,” Casey laughed.

“Always thinking ahead!” Ethan nodded. “David, I’m going to head down to the liquor store to get some ice, would you care to join me?”

“Oh, of course..”

“Ethan,” Casey whispered, “we have an ice maker in the fridge…”

“It’s not working right, we’ll be back soon,” he said giving her a quick kiss, “before my parents arrive, don’t worry.”

As they left the balcony, Casey gave her mother a perplexed look, “Our ice maker is working fine, what is that about?”

“Are you sure?” Rose asked, “Should we go check?” She asked conspiratorially.

“Ahh, you know what, I’m not going to worry about it, this gives us some time alone to catch up!”

“Yes, it does! So, how are you baby girl? I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you so radiant.”

Casey smiled warmly and leaned her head onto her mother’s shoulder. “Thank you, Mom. I am happy I’m really happy.”

“It looks like you knew what you were talking about, if you had taken my advice on many an occasion we wouldn’t be sitting here today.”

Casey chuckled, “Well, Ethan didn’t always make it easy. Truthfully, it was always a gamble, and I decided to roll the dice. I’m just blessed it turned out the way it did because gambling is always a risk.”

“He’s a good man, Casey. I see what you did all along.”

“Was that the doorbell?” she looked at her phone, “Oh, it’s Alan, looks like they got here sooner than expected, come let’s go meet them.”

Casey and her mother moved inside and welcomed Alan and Louise. Alan was his usual vivacious self and he affably greeted Rose. But Casey immediately noticed that Louise appeared more withdrawn than usual, of course, Alan had said that she was under the weather this morning which could be an explanation.

“Louise, this my mother, Rose, mom, this is Ethan’s mother Louise.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Rose said shaking her hand.

“Likewise,” Louise said her eyes began to immediately dart around the apartment. “Casey, where is Ethan.”

“He and my Dad went to get … ice … they should be back any moment now.”

“Oh, OK. Can I use the restroom, it’s been a long ride?”

“Of course,” Casey said, “Mom, Alan, why don’t you sit out on the balcony, we will join you momentarily.”

“How are you feeling, Louise? Alan said you weren’t well this morning.”

“Yes, well, I’m fine now, Casey. Thanks. I know the way from here.”

“Oh, OK. Well, I’ve got to get some things in the kitchen, I’ll wait for you there.”

Casey stood at the kitchen island and watched Louise as she walked away before she began preparing some of the plates to go out onto the porch. After several minutes went by, she went to check on Louise to find that she had already bypassed Casey to join Alan and Rose on the balcony. I hope she is OK, she is acting peculiarly. Casey was carrying two trays in her arms when the door opened, her Dad and Ethan were boisterously conversing about golf when they walked in. GOLF? Ethan freaking hates golf, why the hell are they talking about golf, and excited about it no less? Ethan was a little taken aback when he saw Casey standing there.

“Oh, Honey, hi! Let me help you with that!”

“Uhm, your parents are here, they’re on the balcony with my Mom.”

“OK, give us these trays, let us help then,” her Dad said.

“Uh, sure, but… where is the ice?”

Ethan and her dad both looked at each other nervously. “They were out,” Ethan said.

“The liquor store was out of ice?”

“Yes.”

“OK, so did you try the 7-11? It’s right next door.”

“Didn’t think to. But, let me get that food, come on, everyone is going to be starving.”

Casey shook her head, OK, what were those two up to?

The rest of the afternoon was lovely, it was such a nice day they barely stepped inside. Casey was right, her Dad and Alan were already exchanging Facebook information and discussing when they could come to spend a weekend together in Boston, Rose and Louise were getting along fine, but Rose seemed to be making the most of the effort.

Louise only seemed interested in talking to Ethan, which Casey didn't mind. She knew how profoundly happy Ethan was to have her back in his life, so it didn't bother her if she monopolized him now and then. She just found it odd that she was being so disatant with her today, Louise had always been very loving toward Casey. But she certainly wasn't being rude, Casey figured she was making too much of it.

As dusk began to fall, Rose jumped up. “Ooh, I have a surprise for you I’ll be right back.”

“Oh, I know what this is,” David said, “Ethan, keep your girlfriend away from the edge of the balcony over there.”

“Great Dad, now he knows where I get my flair for the dramatic from,” she laughed.

Rose came out with a large box and a bag, “One is for now, and the other you may want to freeze, but here are… whoopie pies….”

“NO FREAKING WAY!!!!! OMG!” Casey yelled.

“What one person calls a flair for the dramatic, another calls years of experience and knowing what to expect,” David laughed.

“What are whoopie pies?” Ethan asked, earning a death glare from Casey.

“Ethan, if you’re planning to spend the rest of your life with Casey, I strongly suggest you come to spend a weekend in Pennsylvania so you get to know all her favorite foods, otherwise, you are doomed.”

“Yes, my husband is correct, but, there is more...”

“BAGELS!!!! PHILLY BAGELS!!!!”

“Now, this I already knew…” Ethan said laughing.

“Oh, my heart is SO full right now!” Casey said jumping up to hug her parents.

“I’ve officially taken note, if I ever screw up don’t send her roses, but dozens of carbs.”

“A man who learns fast!” David chuckled.

After eating the delicious whoopie pies and coffee, Casey’s parents headed out since they had a much longer drive home. They insisted they would come up for a weekend in September to help Casey move, even though she told them 70% of her things were already at Ethan's. Ethan whispered to just let them be, their "help" could easily just become spending time together.

Once her parents were on their way, Alan joined Casey as she was putting things away in the kitchen.

“Hello, Honorary Daughter-in-Law!” He said giving her a big hug.

“Hello, Honorary Father-in-Law!’

“It was lovely to meet your parents, your Dad is a great guy…”

“He told you about Darien, right?”

Alan laughed, “Yes, he did, you’re very proactive!”

“I am a diagnostician, Alan. I had a feeling you two would hit it off famously."

"Ah, having two of you in the same family would be tiresome if you weren't so amazing Casey!"

Casey laughed, " Alan, can I ask you, is everything all right with Louise? She has not been herself, I know you said she wasn’t feeling well earlier…”

“She did feel off this morning, but... I don't know Casey, she has been different lately.”

“Different how?”

“More distant, a bit moody, depressed even. I haven't seen her as frequently and if I ask about it she becomes upset. I don't want to push, I mean, some people found it odd that we became friends at all."

"But you had. And she was happy about it, she told me herself, so the fact that she changed is of concern. Has anything else odd happened recently?"

"I found out that she missed a week of work from Mrs. Davis. She's an old friend who owns the store next to the florist. I mentioned it to Louise and she just said she had a stomach bug and didn't make much of it."

"Really? I don't think she mentioned that to Ethan, and I know he speaks to her twice a week. He would have definitely mentioned that to me. I don't like the sound of this, Alan. Do you think there is any chance she could be relapsing?”

“I mean, I haven’t seen any signs.”

“Alan, many of the things that you are telling me here are signs.”

Casey looked out to the balcony and saw Ethan and Louise engaged in an animated conversation, both smiling brightly.

“Well, she looks happy right now. I mean, Ethan is just delighted that they have been building a strong relationship again, but I think he has to know about this."

"I would hate to see it put a strain on them."

"Alan, Ethan is a physician, we know addiction is a disease and, sadly, sometimes relapses happen. But it's better to get ahead of it. Do you want to talk to Ethan, or shall I, or we can do it together."

“Let's talk to him together. Want to set up a zoom tomorrow night, I wouldn't want to spoil today. It was wonderful meeting your parents, it's always wonderful seeing you and, look at them out there."

"I'm sure there is no harm in waiting until tomorrow. I'll text you the details. It will be fine Alan like I said, we just have to get ahead of it."

Last week of August

“Casey, wait up!” Sienna yelled. “Are you getting ready to leave for the day?”

“Yeah, just have to stop by the office and then I’m going Ethan’s to change. I’m so excited about tonight! Three years in Boston and my first time going to Tanglewood.”

“I know! Everyone keeps telling me how much I will love it! I brought my clothes to change in the locker room, want to meet me there and I’ll go with you to Ethan’s, or as we have to start calling it, your place.”

Casey laughed, “Yeah, he has already told me that I will need to be punished each time I call it his apartment from now on.”

“Well, a great way to make sure you never stop calling it his place I guess?”

Both women broke into giggles.

“Well, this is me,” Casey said when she reached the diagnostic office, “I’ll meet you in the lobby in 15 minutes?”

“It’s a deal!"

“Hey, Ethan!” Casey said greeting him with a kiss by his desk. “You excited for tonight! Si and I can’t wait.”

“Of course I am, but some last-minute headaches.”

“Oh?”

“Workwise, I just have to finish one thing up. But I also have to call my Mom's therapist, he left a message for me earlier and we scheduled a call in 15 minutes."

"Oh, do you want me to wait around then, I mean, if it's important.."

"No, no, it's just a standard check-in, everything is fine. Do you want to take the T home and get ready, I can leave and get you from there, we’ll still have plenty of time.”

“That works!”

“One other thing, we have a spare ticket, after all, my Mom missed the last train that would get her here on time. I hate to see the ticket go to waste… I know you said Tobias probably wouldn’t be interested but, honestly, I’m sure he’d just love spending time with us and Sienna, so why don’t we ask him. It can’t hurt.”

“Uh, sure. I mean it’s last-minute now, but I can ask. He was just at the nurse’s station, I’ll see if he’s still there on my way out.” She leaned over and kissed the top of Ethan’s head, “I’ll see you at home then?”

“AT HOME. Excellent, you are finally making progress!”

“Shut up, Ethan!” She said closing the office door.

Casey spotted Tobias about to enter the elevator.

“Tobias! Hold that for me!”

“Hey stranger,” he said holding the door for her.

“Stranger?”

“Yeah, it’s been a good 3 hours,” he said with a smile.

“T, I know it’s very last minute, but Ethan and I are going to Tanglewood with Sienna tonight, we have another ticket and we’d love it if you could join us…” she trailed off when she noticed his face drop a bit.

“Is everything OK, T?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I would love to go, but I can’t. I have plans… I have a date tonight.”

Casey stepped back a bit, “Oh! Oh, I didn’t realize… Uhm, oh…well, that, that’s good. Right? I mean that’s good I guess?”

“I guess,” he said with a sad smile.

“Is this your first d… you know what never mind, pretend I didn’t say anything if you want me to know you’ll tell me. So Casey is going to shut up now.”

Tobias tilted his head and smiled. “Casey can always ask Tobias anything, she knows that right?”

She rolled her eyes and laughed, “Yeeeahh, she does. I’m happy for you T, and I’m not going to bother you, but if you ever want to dish, well, Tobias knows he can always tell Casey anything, he knows that right?”

Tobias rolled his eyes and laughed, mimicking Casey he said, “Yeeeahh, he does!”

They both laughed. When they stopped they stared at each other smiling, probably for a little longer than either of them realized.

“Well, I have to go meet Sienna. I hope it goes well tonight, Tobias. I’m happy to see that you’re trying to move on,” she said as she hugged him.

Tobias hugged back and he did not let go as quickly as he should have, instead he closed his eyes and swallowed as he took in the scent of her hair.

Stepping back he put on a brave front.

“Yeah, to trying to move on,” he said, “you around at all this weekend? Maybe I’ll give you a call.”

“Not only am I around, but I’m also off! Ethan is working so call me anytime, I should be free.”

“I will kid. Enjoy your night.”

__________

Casey and Sienna arrived at Ethan's, uhm, Casey’s apartment. Sienna was in charge of trying to find someone to take the remaining ticket. As Casey changed in the bedroom, Sienna yelled in from the kitchen.

“Casey! Raf said he can go, he will meet us in front of the building in 15 minutes!"

“Perfect!”

Casey’s phone began to ring, she smiled when she saw it was Ethan.

“Hey Baby, what’s up?”

“Hey, I’m leaving the office right now, I will be there in about 20 minutes, but I realized I left the tickets at home, can you bring them with you?”

“They're not digital?”

“No, I got these through my membership so they're paper, they will be in my desk drawer or on the top shelf of my closet. Come to think of it, I think I left them there with some of my notebooks."

"Dr. Ramsey, being all messy like that? Is there something wrong with you?"

"Yes, it's called I used to put things away where they belonged before bed, but now my sexy girlfriend wants me in bed and I'm helpless to say no."

"I think you can handle that, so what if things are a little messy! Should we wait for you outside?"

“That would be best. See you soon love.”

“Sienna, can you do me a favor,” she yelled, “Can you look in Ethan’s desk drawer and see the tickets are there.”

“Sure thing!”

“They’re not there Casey!”

“OK, thanks.”

Casey looked at herself in the mirror, All set! Now let’s just get the tickets!

She stepped into Ethan’s closet and she immediately saw his notebooks. She reached up and pulled the corner down, but something fell off of it, hitting her on the head and then falling to the floor. She kneeled over to pick it up and her heart started racing.

“Oh, my God….” she gasped. “Oh, my God! OH, MY GOD!!! SIENNA! SIENNA!!! Come here!!!”

Sienna came running in, “What is it Case, are you okay…” Sienna said breathlessly.

“Oh my God, Si, is this what I think it is?”

Sienna clasped her mouth and gasped, "I mean, it really can’t be anything else…”

“Oh my God, Si, I didn’t do this! It was on the shelf, and when I pulled the notebook off it hit me on the head, and then it fell to the floor, and I swear to God I was not snooping!”

Sienna just stared with her hands over her nose and mouth.

“Sienna, say something, what should I do. I mean, I had no idea, and now I feel so bad…but, Jesus does he has good taste or what?"

“Good taste?!? Casey, that’s a 3-carat diamond with side stones, that’s not good taste, that’s a fucking masterpiece. OH MY GOD CASEY, he’s going to propose!"

Permatags: @adiehardfan @barbean @binny1985 @bluerosesbloom

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[dottie-minerva-mikas]

I know I’m behind… but omg. It’s going to be hard not to read this while at work today!! 😬😂

Six(ish) Sentence Sunday

Delaying the Inevitable: Chapter 9 Preview

“I hadn’t realized you were admitted here. Then again, I have been away.”

“Really?” she said dumbstruck, “I'm shocked Tobias didn't mention it.”

“Tobias?”

“Yes, he was my doctor, can you believe it? Got me out in record time, I’m sure you can imagine why.”

“As I said, today is my first day back and, since you were not a diagnostic patient, there was no need for me to be informed.”

“I guess. It’s just… he was so unnerved by my presence, I figured he would have phoned you right away.”

“Tobias isn’t unnerved easily, Floria. I wouldn't give yourself so much credit.”

“Well, I wasn't admitted even 24-hours before he pulled his girlfriend off my case and took it over himself. So if he wasn't unnerved, I think we can at least say he was unsettled."

“His girlfriend?”

“Yes, Dr. MacTavish, I believe? Casey? Sweet young thing, I really liked her. Honestly, I'm shocked she sees anything in Tobias. She could do better."

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[dottie-minerva-mikas]

What. Is. Happening. This is getting WILD and I’m here for it 😂😬😍

Delaying the Inevitable Chapter 8: Fireworks

Book: Open Heart 3 (After Chapter 11)

Pairing: Ethan x F!MC Tobias x F!MC

Rating: Chapter: 18 + / Series: 18 +

Summary: Extended Series WIP – Love Triangle. In this chapter: Ethan is away on a month-long business trip; the friends gather for the Fourth of July; Casey and Tobias bond; and who is Floria and what is she up to?

Category: Extended Series (WIP)

Warnings: Discussion of sexual situations; language; discussion of pregnancy

A/N: Hello! This is long, I’m sorry! But I think it was necessary and you should enjoy it. A lot happens in this chapter, and you’ll learn some pretty exciting things. Some readers have asked how Casey, who is a brilliant woman & diagnostician, could be blind to Tobias’s feelings for her. First, she is so in love with Ethan, she isn’t even looking for those signs in anyone else; Second, she is close friends with Tobias, and they are both flirtatious, it’s not very different from her relationship with Bryce, so she doesn’t see anything happening, for now. 😊 I hope you enjoy this week’s chapter.

I wouldn't say this was an inspiration for the chapter, but it certainly expresses Tobias's feelings to me. Freaking poor Tobias, I apologize to him at least 10 times a chapter...

Not In That Way - Sam Smith https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLkWlO5n46k

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS

If you wish to be added or removed from tags, please let me know. Comments and reblogs always appreciated. 😊

Tobias stared at the door with a sense of dread, he knew he was not turning a doorknob, but peeling the lid off a can of worms that had been buried over a decade ago. How it unearthed was inconsequential to him, his only concern was ensuring that it was submerged again as quickly as possible. Steeling himself, he opened the door to her room.

The privacy curtain encircled her bed and he grimaced as he clutched its fabric in his hand, pausing for a moment before thrusting it to the side.

“Good morning, Floria,” he said in a tone that may have passed for pleasant if his lips had not been pressed together so tightly that they vanished into a thin line across his face.

She blinked when she opened her eyes, clearly bewildered by the figure standing before her. Am I hallucinating? That appeared to be the only explanation, but then again, if she were hallucinating, Tobias Carrick is the last man she would expect to see.

“Tobias Carrick. Is that you?”

“The one and only,” he said sliding into a chair near her bed.

“Wow,” she snickered, “what the hell are the chances?”

“Probably about the same as winning the lottery, but with very different outcomes.”

“It’s lovely to see you again too, Tobias.”

He snorted. “It is something all right. What brings you to Boston, I thought you had settled in Chicago.”

“We did. But Peter accepted a position at Tufts last year.”

“Ah, so you and Peter are still together.”

“Sort of. Six months after moving to this wretched town he advised me that he was leaving me for one of his students. So, I am stuck here until our divorce is final.”

Tobias smirked, “Well, then it looks like you’ll be in Beantown for some time.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“You’ve always had a flair for the dramatic. I don’t imagine a quick divorce is on your horizon.”

“That’s a rather bold assumption for someone who hasn’t had contact with me in over a decade. People do change, Tobias.”

“Yes, they do. Have you?”

“I like to think so.”

“Well, since I am overseeing your care, I am going to choose to give you the benefit of the doubt. I think that approach would be best.”

“Wait? Overseeing my care? I thought Casey was my doctor.”

“Casey? And how, exactly, did you end up on a first-name basis with Dr. MacTavish?”

Floria shrugged. “She was friendly, we got to talking and she told me to call her Casey.”

“Well, she is no longer your physician,” he grinned, “now, you have me! Talk about winning the lottery!”

“Hmm… not the same outcome. Why isn’t she my doctor any longer? No offense Carrick, or offense, it really doesn’t matter, but I would prefer her to you.”

“Is that any way to treat an old friend? Come on, I’m sure you don’t want to be in here any more than I want you to be. So, we have a mutual interest, getting you well and out that door as quickly as possible. Without sacrificing your care, of course.”

She laughed weakly, “We’re old friends now. That’s a laugh. I want Casey…”

He interrupted brusquely, “Dr. MacTavish.”

“…back on my case.”

He ignored her reaction as he read her chart. “According to the tests Dr. MacTavish ordered, it appears you have a foodborne illness that is resistant to antibiotics, a superbug. I am going to order culture and sensitivity testing, this way we can determine what medication will best treat your condition. I’ll keep you on current medications and fluids to control the symptoms until we can get you better… and on your way.”

She sighed heavily.

“Tobias, if I have the slightest suspicion that you are messing with my treatment…”

“Don’t make me add paranoia to your chart, that would undoubtedly lengthen your time here.”

“Still a comedian, I see.”

“It gets me through.

Now, do you have any questions before I go? I have other patients I need to see.”

She smiled condescendingly. “Sure. Let me see…” she said looking him over, “Hmm… I don’t see a ring, did you ever get married?”

“Irrelevant.”

“Still in touch with Ethan?”

“Also, irrelevant.”

“Am I hitting any nerves?”

“You started hitting nerves the moment I heard your name; but don’t worry, I have access to Novocain. So, before I go, do you have any questions regarding your treatment?”

“No, but stop by when you have a little more time, we simply must catch up.”

“Yeah, well. I’m busy. See you, Floria.”

_______________

Casey was surprised at how taken aback she was when she saw Tobias sitting at Ethan’s desk. Although it was only his first day away from the hospital, she already missed him terribly and having their last night together stolen from them didn’t help things. Tobias looked up and immediately recognized the distressed look on her face.

“Morning, Casey. I know what you’re thinking, it’s hard to see someone so good-looking sitting in this chair for a change, but I promise you will adapt. By the time Ramsey is back, you're gonna miss this.”

She rolled her eyes and smiled in spite of herself. “You are such an ass, you know that?”

“Yet I am one of your closest friends. You may want to analyze that. In fact, considering Lahela is also a close friend and you’re dating Ethan, you know, I don’t need to be a psychologist to tell, you’re pretty fucked up Casey. Sienna may be your only saving grace.”

She shook her head, “Sienna is everyone’s saving grace, T. But you, my friend, are incorrigible.”

“It’s part of my charm. So, why are you in early? I swear I told you to come in at 8:00 when I dropped you off last night.”

“I couldn’t sleep, so I may as well be here?”

“Couldn’t sleep? I would have thought you’d be out for the count.”

“Yeah, well my stomach was off… now before you tell me then cut back on school nights…”

He stopped what he was doing and folded his hands on the desk, looking directly at her, “Now, Dr. MacTavish, I’m going to paint a scene for you, OK? You’re at Donahue’s, on a school night, you’re having a few, letting loose, laughing a bit, turn to your left, who is seated next to you?”

“Probably you, maybe Bryce, sometimes Jackie.”

He held his hands up, “So do you really think I am going to chide you for that?”

“I guess not.”

He shot her one of those damn near-perfect smiles that gave her chills. Yes, she’s in love with Ethan, but she is not dead.

“I’m glad we cleared that up. So, while Ethan is gone if you’re bored, I can assure you have plenty of people who will be happy to entertain you on school nights, including yours truly.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

She sat at the table and began reviewing her cases for the day.

“Uhm, T, did you take me off the Dawson case?”

“Yeah,” he said nonchalantly, “I saw you had a lot on your plate, so I took it on.”

“So, you reassigned one of my least complicated cases, to yourself, when your workload has doubled with Ethan gone.”

“It was an administrative decision, Case,” he said dismissively. Casey did not appreciate being dismissed, especially when it came to work-related matters.

“You even took me off as backup? Look, I may not be firing on all cylinders this morning, but I’m still functioning, why don’t you explain what’s going on.”

The uncomfortable look on his face told Casey everything she needed to know. He was hiding something.

“Tobias, you’ve always been upfront with me, please don’t give me a reason to suspect that has changed.”

Frustrated, he stood up and shut the office door. “Come over here,” he said motioning to the couch in the corner of the office.

“I’m going to tell you, but this falls under what happens in the diagnostic team office, stays in the diagnostic team office, OK?”

“Isn’t that just our standard mantra?”

“It’s just a reminder. Did Ethan ever mentioned that we both had a thing for the same woman while we were at Hopkins?”

Casey raised her eyebrows, “He has. Are you telling me that woman is Floria?”

“I am telling you that woman was Flora.”

“Wow,” Casey said stunned, “small world.”

“Sometimes, entirely too small.”

“OK, but if you hadn’t told me, I would have never figured that out and, regardless of that fact, I would still treat her as I would any other patient, and you know that. So this still doesn’t make any sense to me.”

He sighed as his posture stiffened, “Because she is trouble, Casey, and I would prefer if you didn’t interact with her.”

Casey sat back in her chair crossing her arms and legs, “I’m listening.”

Of course, she couldn’t just let it go, this was Casey after all. Normally Tobias found her stubbornness to be one of her most endearing traits, but right now he could have done without it. He began pacing slowly. Just make something up, some stupid excuse, he thought; but then he looked over and saw her eyes fixed on him waiting for a reply. She was right, he valued the fact that she trusted him implicitly, and he did not want that to change. He pulled up a chair.

“Has Ethan told you much about her?”

She chuckled, “Tobias, I didn’t even know her name.”

“Well, then sit back, because we’re about to have storytime, and I will warn you, it’s not a fairy tale.” He rubbed his hand down his face before continuing, “She worked in our advisor’s office, she was young, charming, and very beautiful…”

“She is still very beautiful,” Casey interjected.

He chuckled. “It’s funny, Bryce and I had a conversation about inner beauty being equal to outer beauty recently, let’s just say she is a perfect example of when the two do not match up. Floria loved having two soon-to-be former best friends fighting over her like she was some sort of trophy. The fact that it was eroding our friendship just made it more intoxicating to her. It was all a game and we were too naïve to see we were just pawns. Floria’s only purpose for working at Hopkins was to land a doctor, a successful doctor or one that was known to be a rising star, she wanted to live a comfortable life, with a spouse that wouldn’t be around much so she could pursue… extracurricular activities… and a busy physician seemed to fit that bill. She eventually chose Ethan, and they dated for a little over a year. Later she told me she had preferred me, but selected him because he would be easier to manipulate.”

Casey spit out a bit of her coffee, “Not to interrupt, but she felt Ethan would be more likely to commit? Oh, that’s rich. Was he different then?”

Tobias shrugged. “I don’t know, but she believed so. It was his first serious relationship, and he was just love struck. I always felt he was looking for love he never received from…”

Realizing Tobias didn’t want to say the words, Casey stepped in. “His mother. That’s not abnormal for children who were abandoned.”

“Exactly, and she knew that and used it against him. He was obsessed, if she said jump, he asked how high? She did everything she could to make him insecure, and if he dared to question her about it, she would gaslight him. For someone who was so self-confident when it came to medicine, he was just lost when it came to relationships, so she was right, he was easier to manipulate.”

“It is not that I don’t believe you, T, but… this just sounds so different from the Ethan I know.”

“How do you think he became the Ethan you know? Louise was not the only woman that handed him the bricks he needed to build that wall around himself.”

Casey sighed and shook her head, “You mean the one that I have been throwing my by out trying to help him dismantle?”

Tobias smiled tenderly, “That very one, sweetheart. Anyway… graduation was nearing and if she was going to land him, she had to act quickly. She told him she wanted to follow him when he left for his residency and he was delighted until she made it clear that doing so would require a ring. That was one thing he was not ready to give in on. Marriage scared the hell out of him, and he knew he wasn’t ready, so he said he wanted to wait a while before taking that step. Let’s just say she was displeased that her puppet did not just follow her lead as he had been all along. They didn’t break up, but not because she wanted to stay with him, she was like an animal that plays with its prey before it finally devours it. So, one day, just after they selected an apartment together in Boston, she told him to go to her place and start dinner and that she’d be home soon. It was a setup, she wanted him to walk in on her in bed with our instructor, Dr. Dawson and she went out of her way to make sure Ethan knew she was completely naked except for the large diamond on her left hand. She pretended Ethan came of his own volition and Dawson thought he was an obsessed ex. That put Ethan at risk because Dawson was powerful both at Hopkins and in our profession. If he had made one call, he could have fucked up Ethan’s chances at Edenbrook and beyond. Luckily that didn’t come to pass.”

“Jesus,” Casey gasped.

“Yeah, but that wasn’t the end of it. For a while, he still called her, tried to get her back, and she fucked with his mind something fierce. She told him he was a boy and she needed a man, taunted him about his "mommy" not wanting him, why would he think anyone could ever love him, he would never be able to give a woman what they needed…and more shit like that. The problem was, he was desperate to have her back to prove he was loveable after all, and since she controlled him the entire time they were together, he internalized everything she said. After that, the Ethan we all knew was gone. He withdrew. He was broken. Everyone tried to help but, he was building that wall, and no one was getting in. She was treacherous, Case, and I haven’t seen her in over a decade, but I don’t think people like her change. She moved to Boston not all that long ago and it appears Dawson left her for one of his students. I’m sure that shattered any stability she may have had. I don’t want her anywhere near Ethan or you.”

“Wow. That’s a lot to take in. I certainly wouldn't associate with her, but we’re doctors, Tobias, we’re supposed to treat anyone who needs our care. But, considering all this, do you think you should be treating her? Maybe it’s best to toss this one back to Dr. Reynolds?”

“I want to keep an eye on her. I got her labs back this morning, it looks like a drug-resistant super-bug, and I can probably get her out of here within 2-weeks and make sure she is long gone before Ethan gets back. I want her on my radar.”

“Does she know Ethan is at Edenbrook? I mean, she knew his residency was and he isn’t exactly low profile.”

“I can’t say with any certainty. I am fairly confident she doesn’t know about your relationship with him, and we should keep it that way. Casey, can you please just trust me on this? Please.”

“Of course. You know I trust you and if you feel so strongly…”

“I do. Ahh, I didn’t expect this to be such an angst-filled morning.”

“Ehh, we work in a hospital. Angst is our life.” She gave Tobias a quick hug, “Thank you for sharing all of this with me. And, while I am a big girl, it does mean a lot to me that you care enough to look out for me… and for Ethan.”

He took her hand and gave it a quick squeeze, “Well, that’s what friends do. Now, enough of this bullshit, on to something more pleasant. Are you coming to my 4th of July party this weekend or what? All of your roommates, as well as Raf and Bryce, have responded, but not you and, frankly, I’m insulted.”

“I assumed it was a given! Of course, I’ll be there! The best company and, according to Bryce, the best view in Boston. Also, I’m dying to see your place; I heard it is breathtaking.”

“It’s adequate.”

She rolled her eyes, “Yeah, that’s how Bryce described it. I guess I’ll see for myself.”

_______________

Bryce and Raf strung twinkling red, white, and blue lights around the perimeter of Tobias’s palatial apartment. He did not feel they were necessary, but he could no longer bear to hear Bryce going on about the importance of a festive environment, so it was just easier to let him have his way. Tobias made sure that the bar was fully stocked and was preparing food for the buffet table when Casey arrived with Aurora, Sienna, and Jackie in tow.

“Hey ladies, welcome to my new digs!”

“Holy crap! Bryce did not exaggerate; this place is amazing!” Sienna squealed.

“Jesus, T,” Jackie gushed, “I thought Ramsey’s place was next level, but this is insane.”

“It’s ade…”

“Tobias, if you call this palace adequate one more time, so help me…this is not merely adequate.” Casey scolded.

“OK, fine. It’s a fucking amazing apartment, is that better?” he laughed.

“Much!”

Raf agreed, “I have been in Boston my whole life and I've never seen a view like this.”

“Yeah, we won’t have to fight for a good seat to see the fireworks tonight!” Aurora agreed.

“Well, if you still want a friendly competition, I do have a balcony off my bedroom. Four can fit out there comfortably, so you can fight over who gets to sit there if you like."

“Goddamn, a balcony too!” Jackie said, “I want to see the rest of this place!”

“The grand tour will commence when the food is done.”

“Well, then let me give you a hand. I mean, being your favorite co-worker alone should guarantee me a balcony spot, but I’m not taking any chances. I was the first to offer T, remember that” she said pointing a celery stalk at him with a smirk. “So, am I on veggie chopping duty?”

“Sure, I’ll make the dip. Teamwork!” he said giving her a high-five.

“You know, when determining who gets the VIP section, I think you should remember who provided these stunning decorations and who tolerates your shit the most,” Bryce said with a nod.

“That’s some mutual tolerating there, Bud!”

“So, what made you decide to upgrade, T? I mean, this is a lot of space for one person, you getting to that settling down with a family age?” Elijah laughed.

“What the fuck Elijah? Personal much? Why don’t you just ask his favorite sex position while you’re at it!” Jackie chided.

Tobias burst out laughing, “Really it’s OK, no offense taken. No, Elijah, I am not currently looking to start a family, I just wanted my dream place and I figured, I’m nearing 40 what was I waiting for? And Jackie, for the record, it is the g-whiz.”

“G-whiz, I’ve never heard of that one. Bryce, hand me my phone, I need to Google this shit,” Elijah said eagerly.

“You don’t know the freaking g-whiz?” Bryce said incredulously, “That’s it, party game, we’re playing Pictionary – sex positions edition!”

“God, I hope you’re joking Bryce,” Sienna said blushing.

“Yeah, I think I’m going to leave this room now” Casey added.

“You can’t, you’re helping with the food,” Tobias stuck a carrot stick in dip and dabbed it on Casey’s nose.

“Seriously T, you do that knowing I am not going to retaliate in this gorgeous kitchen.”

“That’s why I did it,” he smirked.

After the food was prepared Tobias gave a grand tour, everyone was beyond impressed, but Jackie had a plan of action.

“You know our lease is up at the end of September, so I will just take the larger guest room T. I mean, I’ll even take the smaller one, I’m not picky.”

“The problem is, once I take one of you in, I have to take all of you in, and I just can’t put up with Lahela that much. But I have been meaning to ask, where are you all going now that your residencies are ending? I haven’t gotten the lowdown yet?”

“We’re all staying pretty close, which has me so happy!” Sienna beamed.

“Yeah, well, you know about me!” Casey said, “Jackie and Sienna are also staying on at Edenbrook, Aurora is heading to Brigham, so she’s still in Boston, and Elijah is abandoning us for Yale/New Haven, but he’s within driving distance, so yeah, we’re all pretty happy that the gang is kind of staying together.”

“So are the four of you keeping the same place with Elijah leaving?” Raf asked.

“Jackie, Aurora, and I are going to get a new place together, time for an upgrade,” Sienna said.

“Yeah, and Casey is abandoning us to go live in sin with Ramsey!” Jackie laughed.

“Oh, I didn’t realize…” Tobias said a bit ruefully.

Casey felt guilt welling inside her. Tobias is her good friend, yet he learned that she and Ethan were in a relationship when they formally announced it to the team, and, now this is how he learned that they were moving in together. “I’m sorry, I hadn’t mentioned it T. It’s only because, officially, it’s still a way off. I’m staying at my place for the most part until the lease is up.”

Noticing the dynamic between the two, Sienna and Jackie exchanged a perplexed look.

“Hey, you don’t owe me an explanation, Case.” Tobias chuckled trying to recover, “It’s great news. I have to give you credit, you’re almost making the man almost human!”

“It’s been a Herculean task but, someone’s gotta do it! But on to the important business at hand! It’s beginning to get dark, when will you announce that I am sitting on the balcony.”

“Ah, that!” Tobias stood and grabbed a bowl and off the counter. “I put each of our names in here, the first four I pick get balcony seating.”

“Four? Pick three!” Aurora stated, “You’re the host, you should be out there!”

“I agree with Aurora!” Raf said, “Just make sure I’m one of the three that you pick!”

“OK, three it is then. Now, the moment of truth! Who will the lucky winners be! And remember, you will be lucky because you’ll be watching with me, it has nothing to do with the balcony!” Tobias said with a smirk.

“The company being a winning factor will only factual if I end up on the balcony too, T!” Bryce winked.

“Now that we let Scalpel Jockey get the last word in, the first lucky winner is…. Sienna!”

“Woo-hoo!”

“The second spot goes to… Elijah!”

“Ha-ha! Suckers!”

“OK, and the final winner is…” he selected…Jackie. But he said, “Casey.”

“As well it should be!!!”

“OK, I suggest we refill our drinks because the fireworks will be starting any moment."

Everyone followed Tobias to the kitchen, except for Bryce. He was suspicious. He noticed that Tobias crumpled the three winning names together and tossed them on an end table, he surreptitiously picked them up: Sienna, Elijah, Jackie. He looked over at his friend sitting at the kitchen counter, beaming as he engaged in a lively conversation with Casey. Bud, what the hell are you doing?

“OK losers, I’m heading to the balcony to watch the fireworks!” Elijah yelled.

“Does he realize we have the same view, but we have air conditioning?” Aurora asked.

“Juveniles,” Jackie responded.

As Casey made her way to the balcony, she stumbled into a wall.

“Hey, you OK Case?” Sienna asked concerned.

“Yeah, I’m alright,” she said rubbing her head, “just a little woozy.”

“Have you had a lot to drink?” Tobias asked.

“Just one beer. My stomach has been off, so I stuck with seltzer.”

“You’re probably just exhausted. Sit over here,” Tobias said motioning to a set of plush chairs in the corner of the balcony.

“I think I will.”

“Sienna, why don’t you take the other.”

“No, T. I’ve been sitting all day, I’d rather stand at the railing anyway, I’m short.”

“Sienna,” Casey laughed, “you will see just as well from here.”

“Casey! I want a front-row seat,” she said stamping her foot.

“Well, then I guess this seat is reserved for the old man of the group!” Tobias said falling back into it.

Casey turned to him and smiled, “This is just perfect Tobias, thanks so much for inviting us.”

“Hey, you know you’re welcome anytime, kid.”

The fireworks began right on schedule. The resplendent colors exploding over the Boston skyline were truly a sight to behold and Tobias’s apartment provided an unparalleled view. Everyone stood transfixed at the dazzling display taking place above them, everyone except for Tobias. As far as he was concerned the most enchanting sight that evening could not be found in the night sky, for she was already seated beside him. Casey’s expression was as joyful as a child seeing their presents under the tree on Christmas morning, her smile was captivating, and the fireworks were casting bright colors onto her face, transforming her into a work of art, she took his breath away. He knew he should not stare but found it impossible to divert his gaze. How many nights had he sat in that very spot dreaming of her sitting at his side? How could he possibly turn away now that she was there? He found his heart both full, then shattered within the same moment; he knew he had to let go of his feelings for Casey, but he had no idea how or even if it was possible at all.

As the evening dwindled, everyone offered to help clean up, but Tobias insisted he had it covered. Bryce pointed out he was responsible for the amazing décor so he should stay and take it down and Tobias couldn’t argue with that. Once everyone made their way out, Tobias grabbed two bottles of beer from the refrigerator and tossed one Bryce’s way.

“Why don’t we take a load off for a few before we clean this mess up.”

“Sounds good to me,” Bryce said taking a seat at the counter “and while we do that, why don’t you explain this to me?” He tossed the crumpled names Tobias’s way.

He sighed, “It’s not a capital offense, Bryce,”

“I didn’t say it was, but…”

“Bryce, before start scolding me, we sat together on a balcony. I wasn’t making moves on her and, even if I was stupid enough to do so, she is madly in love with Ethan, remember? Nothing is happening here Bryce.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it. You did this to be close to her, to have more time with her, and how is that going to help you move past this? The longer this goes on, the worse it will be.”

Tobias took the pillow next to him and tossed it to the other end of the couch, clearly frustrated. “Bryce, let me ask you something. Do you know the secret to just turning your feelings off? Because, if you do, please share it with me, because I don’t how. I love her Bryce. There, I finally said the words out loud, I love her and don’t know how I just turn that off.”

“I know you do," Bryce said sympathetically, "you didn’t need to say the words, I can see it. I feel for you, man, and I wish I had the answers, but one thing I know is you looking for opportunities to be closer to her… you’re playing with fire, and it is only a matter of time before someone gets burned. You’re acting like you’re in control, but you’re not.”

“I’m fine Bryce. She’s one of my best friends, I am not going to stop spending time with her. We discussed that.”

Bryce shook his head.

“What?” Tobias said, clearly becoming annoyed.

“Nothing man, just don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

_______________

Two Weeks Later

Tobias sat at Ethan’s desk, he would be returning this seat to his boss and friend in just one week, and it could not come soon enough. It had nothing to do with the increased and more complex workload he inherited, he had handled that with aplomb earning praise from Naveen and gratitude from Ethan. But he needed Ethan’s presence to serve as a reminder that Casey only belonged to one person, and that was Ethan. His absence made it too easy for Tobias to deceive himself. The camaraderie and strong affection he and Casey shared had led patients and others to falsely believe that they were more than friends in the past, now Tobias realized that left unguarded, it could cause him to deceive himself as well. He needed Ethan back.

He looked at his watch: 12:35. Casey was meeting him in the office for a working lunch at 1:00, he told her he would arrange the food. Fusili carbonara and chicken piccata from Antonio’s. Why wouldn’t he get her two favorite dishes from her favorite restaurant near the hospital? Bryce was right, he was not in control.

When he returned to the office Casey was seated at the table appearing very tired and anxious. Yet another reason Tobias was eager for Ethan to get home, everyone was overworked, but it seemed to be taking a toll on Casey most of all.

“Hey Case, I got your favorites here.”

“Is this Antonio’s?” she asked.

“Yeah, I figured we may as well eat well.”

She only offered a weak smile as she placed a minuscule piece of chicken and a couple of tablespoons of fusilli on her plate. Tobias raised a brow, typically food from Antonio’s elicited a reaction similar to what the team now called the Memorial Day bagel lust incident.

“Everything OK, kid? You don’t seem like yourself.”

“I’m fine. I’m reviewing the notes for the new admit, want to go over them together.”

“Well, sure, that’s why we’re here, right?”

“Oh, yeah. Right.”

She lifted a forkful of fusilli to her mouth and, gagging, immediately spit it out. After gulping down some water she said, “Tobias, taste your fusilli, is there something wrong with it.”

He took a forkful. “No, same as always to me.”

He watched as her face grimaced, she was trying hard to conceal it, so he didn’t dare bring it up.

They began reviewing the new patient's records, but Casey was not fully present.

Without a word, Casey lowered her face into her hands and said, “Tobias, I need a friend.”

He jumped up and moved across the table to sit next to her, he looked at her with worry etched on his face, “Hey, what’s up, Casey, I’m here.”

“What happens here, stays here mode in effect right?”

“You can always trust me.”

She diverted her eyes. “I’m late.”

“For what, we don’t have to meet until…. ohhh… do you mean…”

“Yep. That late. I just realized today; I’ve been so busy I lost track of time and…” she trailed off as she tried not to cry.

“OK,” he said placing a hand on her back, “Have you tested?”

“Nope. I was hoping ignoring it would make it go away.”

“Yeah, um, you’re a doctor you know it doesn’t work that way.”

She shot him a look and he took note that this was not the time for sarcasm.

“I am late. Then there are my stomach issues, and not being able to eat my favorite fusilli, thank you for getting that by the way…”

“Don’t mention it…”

“I mean and I’m crying a lot, like now, I’m going to cry and I .. I…” she closed her eyes to prevent tears from falling.

“Come here,” he said taking her in his arms. “Casey, let’s go downstairs and get you tested. You have to know what you’re dealing with and, right now you don’t, you could be worrying yourself over nothing.”

“NO! I don’t want to go downstairs. I don’t need the entire hospital talking about this!”

He looked at his phone. “Inez is on duty. You can talk to her; you know she can be trusted.”

“OK. Will you come with me?”

“That was never even a question, let’s go.”

As expected, Inez was helpful and understanding. Unfortunately, the lab was backed up and it would take about an hour for the results to come in.

“That’s not a problem,” Tobias told Casey, “we’re going to the office and I’ll clear our schedules for the next hour.”

“T, you really don’t…”

“It’s not up for discussion, come on.”

Tobias locked the office door.

“OK, why don’t you lie down on the couch, you should rest.”

“Rest isn’t likely right now Tobias.”

“Have you told Ethan?”

She shook her head as she clenched her eyes shut. “No, if it’s positive I’ll tell him, but if not, there is no need.”

“Casey, he loves you and this involves him, I think you should…”

“He’ll be mad at me, it’s my fault.”

Tobias didn’t mean to but a small smile spread on his lips, “Casey, he knows how this works and the fault would be assigned to him too.”

“You don’t understand we were at.. uhm, I’ll spare you the details.”

“Thank you. But whatever they are, Case, I know Ethan would never be mad at you over this.”

“I know, I’m just scared. Plus, he is so busy, when I do get to talk to him he is just exhausted so, I don’t want to worry him unless I have to.”

“Well, how about this, let’s get the results back and take it from there.”

She nodded.

“What can I do to help you now?”

“Can we talk? Unrelated stuff. I need the distraction.”

“Sure,” he said taking a seat on the other end of the couch.

“OK, what should we talk about?” She asked.

“Your pick.”

After a moment she appeared excited to have thought of a topic.

“OK. Tobias, what made you decide to become a doctor?”

“Random, but OK. My grandfather was a biologist, my dad was a pediatrician, and my mom is a nurse, so you can see there is a little history there.”

“Really? I had no idea. How did I not know this?”

“Because I never told you, he laughed. “So, what inspired you? Doctors in your family?”

“Oh, no, not at all. But, in a way, my grandfather was responsible for me wanting to be a doctor.”

“How so?”

“He had this old toy doctor's kit; it was his from when he was a child. I was obsessed with it. It was a metal box containing a toy stethoscope, thermometer, and knee hammer. He even painted it purple for me, my favorite color. I’m sure it was considered totally unsafe by the time I was using it” she said with a laugh. “I examined my parents, grandparents, pets, stuffed animals, you name it. That’s when I started telling everyone I was going to be a doctor.”

He smiled, “Your story is much better than mine.”

“Yeah, I always said I would display it when I became a doctor myself.”

“So why didn’t you?”

She shrugged, “It got lost when my family moved, what are you going to do? Has it been an hour yet?”

He laughed, “You know it hasn’t.”

“OK, so what else can we talk about… oh, I know. How did your lunch with Ethan go? I asked him, but you know, I got a ‘very well’ and he moved on.”

“It was really nice. He said you were the inspiration.”

“Me? How so?”

“Because you’re important to both of us and he felt we should repair our relationship. I’m really glad because I realized I miss him and I’m glad we are friends again.”

She smiled. “That makes me so happy. You know, you’re both really special to me too, in case you didn’t notice.”

He grinned, “I did.”

“T, thanks for staying with me.”

“Hey, no place else I would be.”

She smiled, “How are you still single? You’re just amazing …” she trailed when she saw his face fall a bit, “Oh, I’m sorry, that was inappropriate…”

He interrupted her, “Case, it is fine, if you were just my co-worker it might be inappropriate, but you’re my friend. I’m sitting here with you waiting on a pregnancy test result, I think that qualifies as more intimate than asking me why I am single.”

“True. OK, then why are you?” she said with a giggle.

He sat in silence, considering his answer, “I spent most of my adult life avoiding anything serious, it just didn’t want that. But right now… I’m just not up for it yet.”

“You still care for her, the woman you told me about, don’t you? I can see it in your eyes.”

He put on a wistful smile, “Yes, I do. Very much.”

“And you’re sure she’s not interested.”

“150%. She is just… she’s very special, and it is going to take some time to get over her. It wouldn’t be fair for me to date others when I feel this way, so I’m off the market for now. I will let you know as soon as I decide to get back out there.”

“Tobias, I’m so sorry. I wish you could have been there for you when all this was happening, I feel like a shitty friend. But I’m here for you now.”

“You’re not shitty friend, it wasn’t something I wanted to share. That’s not on you or anyone else.”

“Well, for what it’s worth, I think she’s an idiot.”

He swallowed, “Well, it’s a little more complicated than that. But you don’t need to worry about me.”

“So says the man sitting here worrying about me. What did you say earlier, that’s what friends do.”

Just then she got a text. “It’s Inez,” she said running to get her laptop “she rushed my labs. She is a freaking angel.”

Casey tapped ferociously at the keyboard to pull up her chart… “YES!” she said spinning around in the chair, “Two tests, both negative. Oh, thank God.”

“See, I told you to stay positive. Well, in this case, you didn’t want positive, but… you know what I mean.”

“Oh, thank God! I would have freaking died. I wouldn’t have been able to handle that right now.”

“That’s not true, you handle whatever is thrown at you with grace. Besides, having a little Casey out there would have made the world a better place in my opinion. Now, another little Ethan, hmm.. that’s up for debate.”

She pushed his shoulder and laughed.

“But I get it’s not the right time. I’m happy for you, and I want you to take the rest of the day off.”

“Normally I would disagree, but I think I will take you up on that today."

She stopped before heading out the door.

"Hey, T, if you get out at a decent time, want to come over and watch a movie together or something. Sienna and Jackie are working the late shift tonight, Aurora has a date and Elijah hasn’t been home a lot lately…”

“Do you not want to be alone?”

“No, I really don’t.”

“I just … I have a lot to get done here. But our friendly neighborhood Scalpel Jockey text me a while ago to see if I wanted to hang out tonight. I’m sure he’d be down for some friend time with you, why don’t you give him a buzz.”

“I’ll do that. Thank you for today, Tobias. Seriously, you have no idea how much it means to me.”

“It’s nothing, go rest. Text Bryce!”

He stared out the window after she left the room. Phone in hand, it took all his willpower to stop himself from texting her saying he was free after all. His heart and his head were competing for control, and his head finally won.

His phone rang: INCOMING: Ethan

“Hey, buddy, how are things going at Mayo?”

“They’re going well, lots of good things accomplished here. But I can’t wait to get home.”

“Yeah, I can’t wait for you to be back too.”

_______________

Sienna was sitting at the nurse’s station yawning. She was one of the few people who didn’t hate the night shift because she enjoyed the relative quiet, but she was just too tired today. She started walking down the hall to get a cup of coffee when Jackie came running up behind her.

“Hey Si, wait up! Do you know if Casey is at home, or is she staying over Ethan’s tonight?”

“I think she’s home, not much sense in staying at Ethan’s until he is back from Mayo. Plus, if she wants to spend more time with us before moving in with him, her time is running out,” she laughed.

“Oh, good! I left my phone home by mistake; I was hoping she could run it over to me. Could you call her and ask for me?”

"Sure thing! I’ll do it now.”

Floria had been laying in bed, wide awake and overheard the conversation in the quiet hallway. She sat up, took out her phone and Googled Ethan Ramsey. A smirk spread across her face. So, Ethan is here at Edenbrook. “My boyfriend is the opera aficionado …” “or is Casey staying at Ethan’s tonight?” Interesting. Very interesting. She began typing a text:

Dr. Reynolds, I have changed my mind, I think I would like to discuss that offer with you after all.

Placing the phone down on the nightstand, she rolled over and made herself comfortable. A smile spread across her face.

@adiehardfan @barbean @binny1985 @bluerosesbloom @brokenmemoriesblog @charisworld @chemist-ana @coffeeheartaddict @custaroonie @darkswagamerpiratecowboyclown @dottie-minerva-mikas

@everybodyscreamsposts @ianna47 @katrinegrey @kat-tia801 @kiwiloss @lady-calypso @liaromancewriter @mjlbwork @moonplaychoices @mysticaurathings @panda9584 @parisa-kh @personthatlovesshippings @rosilyjj @scapsbru99 @schnitzelbutterfingers @secretaryunpaid @shanzay44 @shewillreadyou @shygirl4295 @vika-rafa @youlookappropriate @alina-yol-ramsey @jc-ckie-blog @codykosuckmytoe @dorisz

@chaoticchopshopheart @swiminthegarden @imma-too-many-fandoms @queencarb @choicesaddict5 @teenagecaliforniadreamers @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @kachris

[dottie-minerva-mikas]

T has got it BAD 😵‍💫

Six(ish) Sentence Sunday

Delaying the Inevitable: Chapter 8 Sneak Peek

Tobias’s apartment provided an unrivaled view of the Fourth of July fireworks. Everyone stood transfixed at the dazzling display taking place above them, everyone except Tobias. As far as he was concerned the most enchanting sight that evening could not be found in the night sky, for she was already seated beside him. Casey’s expression was joyful, like that of a child seeing their packages under the tree on Christmas morning, her smile was captivating, and the rainbow of colors the fireworks cast on her face transformed her into a work of art, she took his breath away. He knew he shouldn’t stare but found it impossible to divert his gaze. How many nights had he sat in that very spot dreaming of her sitting at his side? How could he turn away? His heart was both full and shattered within the same moment; he knew he had to let go of his feelings for her, but he had no idea how or if it was possible at all.

@choicesficwriterscreations @binny1985 @barbean @schnitzelbutterfingers @secretaryunpaid @coffeeheartaddict

@dottie-minerva-mikas @adiehardfan @custaroonie @darkswagamerpiratecowboyclown @liaromancewriter @panda9584 @shewillreadyou @kachris @wanderingamongthewildflowers @chaoticchopshopheart

[dottie-minerva-mikas]

I am soo excited for their next few weeks! Aaand to find out who floria is!

Delaying the Inevitable

Chapter 7: Friends and Family

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Ethan x F!MC Tobias x F!MC

Rating: Chapter- PG / Series – Mature 18+

Summary: Extended Series WIP – Love Triangle. In this chapter: Ethan extends an invitation to Tobias; Casey visits Ethan’s family; Ethan leaves for a business trip; and Tobias is not pleased with a new patient.

Category: Extended Series

Warnings: Chapter: Language, Alcohol usage, mention of addiction

A/N: Hello! This one is long, but it is a transition chapter and I didn't want to break it into two - who wants two transition chapters? I hope you enjoy reading!

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS

If you wish to be added or removed from tags, please let me know. Comments and reblogs always appreciated. 😊

Tobias had been searching for an excuse to avoid driving to Sorellina’s with Ethan. He knew he could not get out of the lunch itself, after all, it is not every day that your former best friend and current boss decides to bury a 12-year-old hatchet, but he could at least do something to spare them both the awkwardness of being stuck in Boston traffic together. He had to laugh at the irony, if Ethan had extended this invitation just one week earlier, Tobias would have been pleased. Since they began working together, he realized how much he missed the friendship they once shared, and he had been working to regain Ethan’s trust. Falling in love with Casey was certainly not part of his plan; but it didn’t matter, he already decided he would never act on his feelings, no matter how deep they ran. He cared too much about both of and he wanted to see their relationship work, well, at least most of the time he did. But a lot can change in a week, and it was just four days ago when Tobias drunkenly declared his affection for Casey in the middle of a packed Donahue’s. So far, it did not seem like anyone of consequence had overheard the outburst, but the timing of Ethan’s détente was suspicious enough to make Tobias wonder if the hatchet he was looking to bury was going to be plunged directly into his back.

“I think you should just fake your death.” That was Bryce’s advice.

“Wait, you’re saying he asked you to lunch, alone? Today?” Harper asked.

“Yeah, that’s kind of what I just said, Harper… Wha, what… why are you shaking your head?”

“It’s been nice working with you. Please let me know when the Witness Protection Program has you placed.”

“Oh, come on, I’m trying to be serious here.”

Harper laughed robustly, “And you think I’m not? But seriously, I would relax if I were you. This is Ethan we are talking about. The man is not exactly known for his restraint.”

“Yeah, not unless he is pushing the ideal fucking woman away for 3-years of his life, because that doesn’t take any restraint.”

“Different. Ethan is not comfortable with love, but he is quite comfortable with anger. It wasn’t restraint holding him back with Casey, it was fear and a certain amount of stupidity. Trust me, if he knew how you felt about her, you would be recovering from your injuries right now.”

“I’m surrounded by fucking comedians!” he grumbled as he walked off.

Finally, an old buddy at Kenmore gave him the perfect out, “Just come pick up the files on the case we’re consulting on. If you do that, it wouldn’t make sense for you to go back to Edenbrook. But, if I give these to you two days early, you have to cover my research for those two days.”

“DEAL! I owe you one!”

“Bro, you’re willing to do two days of my work to avoid a 30-min car ride, what the fuck did you do?”

“I didn’t DO anything. I mean, maybe I could go to confession for impure thoughts, I guess.”

“About Ramsey? You need more than confession.”

“It’s not, not about RAMSEY! Ugh, you know what, I’m hanging up now.”

With Operation Avoid Riding with Ethan a success, Tobias arrived at the restaurant well ahead of schedule.

He called Ethan to let him know he was the first there and, per old med school rules, that meant Tobias got to pick the first round of drinks, but Ethan had to pay.

“Just so you’re aware, you’re about to spring for a nice bottle of Rhys Pinot Noir,” he laughed.

“I suppose that will suffice,” Ethan answered, “there is a bit of traffic on Commonwealth Avenue, but I should be there shortly.”

He smirked, pleased with himself, I knew there would be traffic.

When Ethan arrived, Tobias stood up to greet him. “Hey, Bud, good to see you outside of work,” with all the anxiety he had leading up to this meeting, he was surprised by how natural it felt for them to be in each other’s company.

“Well, it’s sure has been a while since we have done this.”

“Yeah, you could say that. It feels like old times! Of course, the last time we did this we were eating lobster rolls at Frank’s Clam Shack and I guess the hairlines hadn’t receded yet.”

Ethan chuckled, “Yeah, as good as the food is here, I really wouldn’t mind being at Frank’s right now. As to the hairline, speak for yourself!”

“Ah, we’ve both got it going on for geriatric millennials.”

“Geriatric millennials?”

“It’s a thing, you should Google it. I think we putter around in this category for a bit before we advance directly to the AARP years.”

“Is that how it works?” Ethan laughed.

“That’s what I hear. So, how do you feel about going to Mayo? I know you usually avoid these things like the plague.”

“Well, this is a research project, so it is substantive, not an insipid conference. So, while I dislike being away so long, I am enthusiastic about the work I will be doing. I’m also comforted knowing you will be at the helm when I leave, you’re very capable and that takes a lot off my mind.”

“I appreciate that. We have a great team, we won’t miss a beat. Of course, we will still look forward to having you back.”

“Will you now?” he said with a chuckle, “We are really in a better place. There was a time when I would expect you to be gunning for my job in my absence.”

“Well, there was a time I would have been,” Tobias laughed, “but I’ve grown, we’ve grown. Plus, like I told Casey, I used to feel that I had to prove I was the best. But I’ve accepted that you are a better doctor than me and, that’s OK. I’m still one of the best and you challenge me to be better. Now, you never expected to say that did you?”

“No, I… I can’t say that I did. I.. thank you, Tobias.”

“Don’t mention it!”

“This wine is delightful, by the way. Your taste has also improved since med school. I always knew a good drink, you on the other hand…”

“Ha. Well, while I have become more of a connoisseur, I owe this discovery to Bryce. He introduced it to me last time I was here. Casey actually joined us that night as well. She was a fan, you should surprise her with a bottle one day.”

“I just might do that. Since you mentioned Casey, she’s the reason I invited you today, it wasn’t her idea, but she is the motivator, I guess.”

Tobias’s blood ran a little cold, “Casey?”

“Yes. She is quite fond of you, I would have never predicted it, but I see what good friends you have become.”

“Well, it’s hard to not be friends with Casey.”

“I can’t say I disagree. But I figured if my girlfriend considers you one of her “besties”, as she would put it, and we were once “besties” too, I thought it would be wise for us to try to improve our relationship.”

“Well, I don’t disagree; but are you sure it’s not a keep friends close and your enemies closer thing?” Tobias spoke the words in a joking manner, but he selected them quite purposefully, as he kept a close eye on Ethan for his reaction.

“I hadn’t thought of that, Tobias,” Ethan said without emotion, “is there any reason for me to assume you would be my enemy?”

“No. No chance, Ethan. I was just being my usual wise-ass self.”

Ethan gave a wry smile. “Then I’m glad we cleared that up.”

Tobias immediately realized he made an error in judgment. The convivial atmosphere was suddenly replaced by the terser one he had become accustomed to whenever the two men were alone. He needed to try and make it right.

“Ethan,” he said sheepishly, “I want to apologize for that, it was a stupid thing to say. I guess… I was just thinking of what our relationship was. Frankly, if this were even six months ago, that sentiment probably would have been true, but now, I do consider you a friend. I mean, I just confessed that you are a better doctor than me for God’s sake.”

Ethan smiled and poured the last two glasses of wine from the bottle.

“I agree Tobias, and it’s a pleasant surprise. May I propose a toast? To growth, and friendship.”

Raising his glass Tobias said, “Two things definitely worth toasting.”

“Waitress, can we have the check, please. Tobias, this is on me, it was my invite.”

“Well, thanks, boss. I’ll get the next one, of course, I will be taking you someplace cheaper.”

“Well, I need to get back to the hospital. Are you going back there? I can give you a lift.”

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

Two weeks later

Casey took off her dark sunglasses, rubbed her eyes, and replaced them. It was a bright Saturday morning, too bright. Ethan slipped into the driver’s seat and held up two large cups of coffee. “Caffeinated or Decaf. I wasn’t sure if you wanted to stay awake or have something that would allow you to nap on the way down.”

She smiled softly, “You are too thoughtful. Decaf for the win! I know I won’t fall asleep right away, but I would love to catch at least 30 minutes.”

“You’ll catch more than that. If you doze off, I’m switching to the scenic route, you need some rest. I appreciate that you are willing to come with me after getting off a long shift.”

“Oh, don’t be silly. This is just the glamorous life of a doctor! Besides, I want to see your parents, it’s been too long.”

“Yeah, it has. They’re looking forward to seeing you as well. Do you remember the first time we drove to my father’s together?”

“I sure do. You know that your dad totally got you to take me on purpose, right? He was winking at me from behind your back.”

“I always figured; my father loved you from the day he met you. He could never stop talking about you.”

“So, he is the decisive Ramsey, then, huh?” she chuckled. “Did you know, I was already in love with you on that day, Ethan. What took us so long to get here?”

“That’s on me, not you.” He was quiet for a moment and then continued, “I was already in love with you on that day too. The difference is you accepted it and I didn’t. When did you realize, when did you know that you loved me?”

“Well, I believe we are one of those couples that were destined to be together like there is some invisible string that linked us, and we didn’t know it existed until we met.”

Ethan rolled his eyes.

“Shut up! You asked! I told you long ago, we’re inevitable. I didn’t know it at the time, but I started falling for you the night we watched over baby Ethan together. I didn’t entertain anything happening, I mean, you were the Ethan Ramsey, and I was just a pain in the ass intern. But the night you took me to the opera, sitting in the booth with you, there was no question in my mind. I knew I was in love with you.” She looked out the window wistfully, “But you were so determined to stay away from me, I had to protect my heart. Of course, I did a lousy job of that, but I tried. What about you, when did you know?”

“It’s difficult to pinpoint. You took my breath away from day one, remember talking at the vending machine? By the time you walked away to say that I was intrigued would be an understatement. I knew you were brilliant before we even met. Then I saw how beautiful you were and that you had guts. Most people were…are… so intimidated by me, but you never were. You called me out on my shit from the start, and that got my attention.”

“Are you kidding me? I was totally intimidated by you!”

“Well, then you didn’t show it. But, I agree, it probably started the night Dolores died. Once I realized who you were inside… I was a goner. I knew for sure the day I had Naveen hospitalized against his will, when you held me while I cried in his room after,” his voice cracked, “I felt so loved, and I loved you so much, I knew. I should have told you right there. But, instead, I walked downstairs, quit, walked right past you as you begged me to stay, and then neglected to call you even though you were going through one of the most difficult times of your life. Have I ever thanked you for not giving up on me?”

“Probably not enough,” she smiled, “We are where we were meant to be now and that’s all that matters.”

He lifted her hand and kissed it, “I love you.”

“I love you, too” she yawned.

“Close your eyes, I’m switching to the longer route, ok? Casey?”

He looked to his right, and she was already sound asleep.

Alan was waiting on the porch when Ethan and Casey arrived.

“Casey! Ethan! I am so happy to see you!”

“It’s official,” Ethan said, “He is now greeting you before me.”

“Oh, come here son,” Alan laughed, “I meant nothing by it, but I am merely excited to see my unofficial daughter-in-law too. Louise will be here any moment now, she got stuck late at work.”

“Alan, it’s so nice to see you have become such good friends. It shows who you are, and it makes me adore you even more.”

“Oh,” he said giving her another hug, “see Ethan, this is why she needs to be my real daughter-in-law.”

“Yes Dad, duly noted,” Ethan glanced over at Casey noticing just how much she was blushing.

Just then, Louise arrived. She happily greeted everyone, especially Ethan. There was a special glow in her eyes when she hugged him, and Casey smiled when she saw that same glow in Ethan’s.

“Well, I need to get back to the kitchen, dinner is going to be ready very soon, Ethan why don’t you help me. Ladies, sit on the porch, you’re both coming straight from work and you should rest.” .

“I fully agree,” Ethan added, “I’ll even bring you some lemonade.”

“Well, I’ll never argue with that!” Casey said.

“So, Louise, how are things going for you?”

“Very well. I’m happy here in Providence. I have a lovely apartment, a job I enjoy, friends and I have a family again. Some days, I still find it hard to believe.”

“If you don’t mind my asking, are you still attending NA (narcotics anonymous)?”

“I am, thank you for asking about it. It’s a big part of who I am, but most people are afraid to bring it up. It’s not an easy battle, but it’s worth it.”

“Well, I hope you know that Ethan and I are always here to support you in any way.”

“I do, and I appreciate it, but this is something I have to do on my own. Anyway, seeing my son so happy helps because it eases my mind. You’re so good to him, Casey, I know he can always count on you.”

“Ethan is the love of my life, and I am happy to finally be a ‘real couple. I mean, it took him long enough!” she teased.

“Well, you can blame me for that. It’s no wonder he had trouble with trust and commitment. I will always regret all the damage I left behind.”

“We can’t change the past, Louise. Also, Ethan’s a grown man now, sure, our pasts impact us, but we are responsible for the choices we make. Let’s just concentrate on today, I’m happy I’m here and we’re happy you’re here, things are good.”

“You’re right, that’s what I’ll do.”

“Ladies,” Alan yelled from the window, “come on in, dinner is served.”

“Alan, dinner is delicious, I see where Ethan got his culinary skills!”

“Well, it’s not just me, have you had Louise’s sweet corn casserole yet? You’ll see it comes from both sides.”

Ethan smiled, that was his favorite dish when he was young, he wondered if his mother remembered.

“You know, I just want to say how happy I am. Three years ago, I couldn’t have imagined Louise being here, or Ethan having such a wonderful woman in his life, it does my heart good to see you so happy.” Alan grabbed a napkin and dabbed his eyes. “I’m sorry, Ethan’s going to get mad at me again.”

“Dad stop,” he laughed, “I am not mad at you. Granted, I’m still not great with emotional displays, but, I’m not mad. Also, you’re right, I couldn’t have foreseen this, but I'm glad we are all here. On that note, I guess we should share?” he said looking to Casey who nodded, “Casey has opened up a life for me that I never even knew I wanted, and in working toward that life, I asked her to move in with me, and thank God she said yes.”

“Oh! That’s wonderful! That means she is my honorary daughter-in-law!”

The room filled with even more happiness at the news, but oddly, Casey suddenly felt a chill. Though Alan had addressed her that way countless times before, heck, she created the moniker, but as he said it now, it almost felt like testing fate, a bad omen. She chalked the feeling up to anxiety. Her anxiety had gotten much worse since surviving the attack last year, particularly when she didn’t sleep well. That’s all it is, Casey, be reasonable, she thought.

“Are you alright?” Ethan asked, noticing a shift in her mood.

“Oh, yeah, I think the lack of sleep is just finally catching up with me.”

“Well, maybe we should head out then.”

Louise stood up, “Oh before you do, I wanted to give you something.”

“I have kept it with me all these years, it is the most precious thing I own.” She handed Ethan a soft white blanket with beautiful blue embroidery around the edges. “This was your baby blanket. We brought you home from the hospital in it. I bought it two days after I found out I was pregnant, and your grandmother did all the embroidery by hand. I don’t know if you plan on having children, but if you do, I’d like them to have this and, even if you don’t, I want you to have it.”

“Mom, I don’t know what to say. Thank you. But are you sure you want to give this to me? You can hold on to it and if the time should come...”

“Oh, no, I can be pretty careless. I’m lucky I haven’t lost it all this time! I think it’s better being with you for safekeeping.”

Casey laid her hand on his knee under the table. “Thanks, Mom,” he said, “I really appreciate this.”

“And he teases me for making others emotional,” Alan joked, “well, you win that award today, Louise.”

After saying their goodbyes, Ethan and Casey made their way to his car. Before he opened her door, Casey grabbed his arm and embraced him. “Ethan, today was just, it was lovely. Thank you for including me, it feels so wonderful, almost like I’m part of the family.”

He kissed the top of her head, “There is no ‘almost’ Casey, you are part of our family, and every single one of us is thrilled about that.”

Two weeks later

Ethan was leaving for the Mayo Clinic tomorrow, and it was looking like he would be gone the full four weeks. Neither he nor Casey was happy about it, but they planned on making this last night as special as they could. Casey arranged to have dinner delivered from his favorite Thai restaurant, bought a bottle of his favorite scotch (well, his favorite within her price range) and, the pièce de resistance, new black lace lingerie that she knew would blow his mind. Ethan picked up a bottle of Rhys Pinot Noir, her favorite bubble bath, rose petals, and more candles legally allowed in a Boston apartment. Since Ethan wanted to get home as early as possible, he abbreviated the team meeting to one quick statement:

“Dr. Reynolds has advised me that the team will need to pick up some additional non-diagnostic cases. They are short-staffed due to vacations, so their lack of planning has somehow become our problem even with our team down one person. Tobias, if it becomes too much, speak with Naveen.”

“You’re really anxious to get out of here today, aren’t you dear?” Casey said after the speed meeting.

“Goddamned right, now you go do your thing, I want every second I can get with you tonight.”

Toward the end of the afternoon Casey received a text:

“Maureen, do you have the cases Dr. Reynolds would like me to work on?”

“Just one for tonight Casey, but don’t worry, you’ll have a stack tomorrow morning.”

“I simply cannot wait,” she said sarcastically.

Floria Dawson, Room 432.

35-year-old female - stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal swelling, and intermittent low-grade fever for 2 weeks. Not responsive to medications, and fluids being administered for dehydration. Let’s do this.

“Hello, Floria Dawson?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Dr. MacTavish, I’m going to do my best to see what is wrong with you and get you on your way.”

“That would be great,” she said in a weak voice.

Casey was struck by how beautiful the patient was despite being dehydrated and battling an illness for two weeks. Her exquisite light green eyes, full lips, and long sun-kissed, chestnut hair distracted from any pallor that existed.

“OK, I’m going to examine you quickly, but I am going to need some tests done overnight. May I examine your stomach?”

“Of course.”

“So, were your parents opera fans? Your name is so unique. Floria Tosca is the only time I have heard it before.”

“No, it’s just an old family name. Are you an opera fan?”

“I do listen, but my boyfriend is the aficionado, so I’ve learned quite a bit from him. Nothing personal, but Tosca is his least favorite opera, even though I liked it. Do you like opera?”

“Not really, but in another lifetime, I dated an opera buff as well. But, unlike you, I never bothered to learn much.”

“Well, if you didn’t stay together, I guess it doesn’t matter.” Casey smiled.

“OK, the nurse will be in to set your tests up and I will see you early tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Dr., I’m sorry I forgot your name.”

“McTavish, but just call me Casey.”

“Thank you, Casey.”

I’m done! Casey could not wait for her night with Ethan, but a pitstop with her friends wasn’t the worst thing either. She walked over with Sienna and joined Bryce, Jackie, and Tobias at a table in the back, their regular booth was taken.

“OK, what is this travesty! Why are there other people in our booth?” Casey admonished.

“Out of towners,” Bryce answered with a look of disgust, “as much as I would like to forcefully evict, it would be a bad look for the hospital, so we’re displaced for the evening.”

“I think we’ll live guys,” Sienna laughed.

“What will it be ladies, your first is on me,” Bryce asked.

“Just a water for me,” Casey answered.

“Case. What the hell? Are you with child?” Bryce smirked.

“What? NO! You idiot. Ethan leaves tomorrow morning and I have a big night planned, I’d like to be sober.”

“Big night planned… translate… maybe she’ll be with child tomorrow,” Jackie chuckled.

“You’re all assholes,” Casey laughed.

Just 15-minutes later Casey saw Ethan walking in the door. “Hey! Well, this is awesome! I thought you would be at least another hour!”

But when she saw the look on his face, she realized this wasn’t good news. Her posture crumbled, "What? What is it?”

“Major storms are expected in Minnesota starting around midnight. The airline called, if I don’t get on the 7:15 flight, it could be several days before I could fly out.”

“Wait, that means you have to leave for Logan, like, now.”

“Yes. I just called a car. I’m sorry, Casey.”

“Well, you can’t control the weather but… damn, I had such a special night planned for you.”

He let out a small breath, “And I had a special one planned for you,” he said rubbing her cheek, “Let’s just postpone until I get back.”

“This sucks!” she said as one tear fell down her cheek, “I’m sorry, I don’t want to be such a baby.”

“It’s OK, hun, I’ll be back before you know it.” Ethan was truly touched, he was not used to having someone who missed his presence as much as Casey did.

She looked at her friends, “Bryce, make my first a whiskey after all. Come on, babe, I’ll wait outside with you.”

“Of course. But Tobias, can I have a quick word with you first?”

“Sure thing.”

“Hey, can I ask a personal favor?”

“Sure, name it.”

“Casey is still staying at my place tonight, and I’m sure this news will equate to a few more beverages. Would you just make sure she gets home safely? I know she can take care of herself, but…”

“Ethan, you don’t even have to ask; you know I’ll always look after Casey.”

“I know I’m being ridiculous; I’ve never worried until she came into my life. Now she insists on spending several nights at my place while I"m gone so the ‘apartment won’t be alone’. I keep telling her the apartment does not care. But... anyway... would you just check in on her every now and again?"

“Absolutely.”

“Thanks, it makes me feel better. Well, let me get outside if I miss the car, I miss the plane and you don't get to play boss.”

"Then get the hell out of here already, Ramsey! Safe flight!"

Three hours and five drinks later, a glum Casey was getting ready to leave.

“Case, I’m just going to use the restroom, then I’ll give you a lift home.”

Bryce raised his eyebrow. “Yeah, I’ll join you.”

“Isn't going to the restroom together usually the women's thing, Lahela?"

“Not when a guy wants to talk to his friend privately. T, why don’t you let us get her home?”

Tobias looked at Bryce incredulously, “What do you think, I’m going to take advantage of her or something? I promised Ethan I would get her home safely, and I intend to keep that promise.”

“Ethan asked you to watch out for her. Oh, this is amazing.”

“Bryce, she’s my friend, like she’s your friend. What’s the big deal?”

“The big deal is I am not in love with her, you are.”

“Well, I don’t plan on sharing that information with her, or anyone else. So what is the difference between me driving her home now or 2 weeks ago? Just because you know now, doesn't mean anything has changed for me. So do you think I can drive her home without supervision now?”

“Yes, but… please just be careful.”

Ah, no good can come of this, a month is a long time Bryce thought as he walked away.

Casey was very down on the ride home; Tobias hated seeing her this way.

“Hey, you doing OK? I know you had quite a few tonight.”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said in a soft voice, “I paced myself and used Jackie’s glass of water in between method. If I’m up all night, it will only be because I have to pee.”

Tobias grinned, “Well, that’s not good either, you need to sleep. We’re going to be busy, especially with Reynold’s overflow.”

“Yeah, I tried to get a jump on that tonight, but they only had one case assigned so far.”

“Anything interesting?”

“Not really, a woman in her 30’s, stomach issues, fever, it doesn’t look like anything remarkable, I’m sure I’ll have answers when her test results come in tomorrow morning. I wanted to tell Ethan about her. Her name is Floria, like Floria Tosca, and her parents didn’t even like opera.”

Tobias’s head spun to Casey, “What’s her name?”

“Floria.”

“Floria what?”

“Dawson. Floria Dawson”

Tobias’s face clenched and his grip tightened on the wheel.

“Well, this is you. Do you want me to walk you up to the apartment?”

“No, I’m good. But thanks for looking out for me T.” She leaned over and gave him a hug.

“You go get some sleep. Don’t come in early, just be there for our meeting at 8:00, OK?”

“You are such a better boss than Ethan.”

Tobias laughed, “Yeah, let’s not tell him that OK. Good-night, kid.”

As soon as Casey was safely inside, Tobias picked up his phone.

“Hey, it’s Dr. Carrick. Dr. MacTavish has a patient, Floria Dawson, what time are her test results expected? By 5:30, OK, I will be there. I want you to transfer the patient to me immediately. Take Casey off backup, you can put Harper instead, OK?”

He hung up and shook his head. “Floria Fucking Dawson, just great!" To catch up on previous chapters: https://jerzwriter.tumblr.com/post/652912335580692480/masterlist

@adiehardfan @barbean @binny1985 @bluerosesbloom @brokenmemoriesblog @charisworld @coffeeheartaddict @custaroonie @darkswagamerpiratecowboyclown @dottie-minerva-mikas @everybodyscreamsposts @helloayz @ianna47 @katrinegrey @kat-tia801 @kiwiloss @lady-calypso @liaromancewriter @mjlbwork @moonplaychoices @mysticaurathings @panda9584 @parisa-kh @personthatlovesshippings @rosilyjj @scapsbru99 @schnitzelbutterfingers @secretaryunpaid @shanzay44 @shewillreadyou @shygirl4295 @txemrn @vika-rafa @youlookappropriate @alina-yol-ramsey @jc-ckie-blog @codykosuckmytoe @dorisz @chaoticchopshopheart @swiminthegarden @imma-too-many-fandoms @queencarb @choicesaddict5 @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[dottie-minerva-mikas]

some of y’all have never been proposed to by the man who ruined, perhaps forever, the happiness of a most beloved sister, and it really shows.

[dottie-minerva-mikas]

Do you know when you're posting that LOA work? I don't mean to give you pressure because I know writing stories can take a lot of time. Just curious.

Hi anon.

First off, I want to say I appreciate you saying that. A lot of people think we churn stuff out pretty quickly, but a lot of our stories can take weeks or months to even finish.

Second, the whole work is actually complete. When I finished the story, it ended up around 12-13K words, and when I have works that usually span that long in one sitting, I will split them up so people don't get bored or get overwhelmed, which is what I did here. I'm currently finishing up the second draft of the first part, and once I finish up my post editing stages, it will be ready. I anticipate it being dropped sometime next week.

Until then, I can offer you another little sneak peak?

______________________________

"As much as I would love for us to be together," he runs his thumb soothingly over her knuckles, already feeling guilty for what he was about to say to her, "I don't think it would be wise to pursue it."

"O...oh..." The smile on her face falters at the sting of rejection.

"It's not that I don't want you," Gabe quickly assures her at seeing her expression.

"Sure feels that way" she blurts out, her face growing hot in embarrassment.

Gabe sighs and scrubs a hand down his face. "You're stunning Tessa. And whatever would happen between us would be so goddamn mind-blowing, because I know exactly what I'd do with a girl like you."

As much as his rejection stung, she still feels the dark tendrils twist and twirl together inside at the sound of that highly promising and exciting invitation, a little rush of desire going straight through her that makes her shift in her seat at the sensation. However, his tone tells her that he was about to say one little three-letter word that was only going to take the invitation back and make the rejection feel even worse.

"But...?"

[dottie-minerva-mikas]

Omg I’m CRYING 😭💀🤣

Can't believe I spent two hours making this but oh well.

[dottie-minerva-mikas]

I needed a Bryce Lahela wedding and by gods I made one.

[dottie-minerva-mikas]

Tobias constantly inserting foot into mouth.

Delaying the Inevitable: Chapter 7 (yet unnamed)

Delaying the Inevitable - Chapter 7 Sneak Peek

“Speaking of Casey, she is the reason I invited you to lunch today, it wasn’t her idea, but she is the motivating factor.”

Tobias held his breath, “Casey?”

“Yes, my girlfriend considers you one of her “besties", as she would put it, and we were once “besties” too, so I think it would be wise for us to try to improve our relationship.”

“Well, I don’t disagree; but are you sure this isn’t a keep friends close and your enemies closer thing?” Tobias chose his words carefully in order to gauge Ethan’s response.

“I hadn’t thought of that,” Ethan said emotionlessly, “is there any reason for me to assume you would be my enemy… Tobias?”

“No. Not a chance. I’m just being my usual wise-ass self.”

Ethan gave him a wry smile.

“Then I'm glad we cleared that up.”

@choicesficwriterscreations @binny1985 @barbean @schnitzelbutterfingers @secretaryunpaid @brokenmemoriesblog

@dottie-minerva-mikas @coffeeheartaddict @chemist-ana

@adiehardfan @custaroonie @darkswagamerpiratecowboyclown

@helloayz @liaromancewriter @panda9584 @secretaryunpaid @shewillreadyou @txemrn

[dottie-minerva-mikas]

What. Is. Happening!?!? 😩😩😩 And for the record I am FIRMLY Team Bryce, but I romanced Ethan first. And now I just really need a Tobias come out on top story. 🤣🥰 he is precious and deserves the world.

Delaying the Inevitable: Chapter 6: Confessions & Promises

Pairing: Ethan x F!MC Tobias x F!MC

Rating: Chapter-18+ / Series – Mature 18+

Summary: Extended Series WIP – Love Triangle. In this chapter, Last week, Tobias let his feelings for Casey slip and Bryce is not letting him off the hook. Ethan tries to better understand Casey’s world and he has at least one big question for her.

Category: Extended Series

Warnings: Chapter: Language, Sexual Situations

A/N: Hello! According to comments and DM’s, I am starting to see team Ethan and team Tobias camps developing and I love it! But seatbelts on folks, there is a long road ahead. I am having so much fun writing this, and I love that others are enjoying it too! Quick note: I am several chapters ahead so, if I can edit faster, I may put up more than one chapter a week and the day of the week may vary. If you wish to be tagged, let me know, I’ll make sure you don’t miss anything. THANK YOU and enjoy Chapter 6! 😊

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS

If you wish to be added or removed from tags, please let me know. Comments and reblogs always appreciated. 😊

Tobias expected more of a reaction from Bryce, but he remained uncharacteristically quiet, especially when you consider the bombshell that was just dropped on him. He looked over his shoulder, “Lahela, as pleasant as it is to have you rendered speechless, I suggest you pick your jaw up off the floor, it’s really not a good look for you.”

“Uhm, yeah,” Bryce said shaking his head vigorously, “Well, now that we’re both insta-sober, I’m going to go help the ladies get a cab, then I’m coming back and we’re talking.”

“I really don’t want to talk.”

“It really wasn’t a request.”

Tobias let out a groan, What. The. Fuck. Carrick! How did you just do that! He gulped down the rest of his drink and surveyed the room. OK, on an up-note, it does not seem like anyone else heard, hopefully. To test his theory, he walked to the other end of the bar to settle his tab with Reggie. Reggie and Ethan were tight so, if he had overheard Tobias’s outburst, there is no way he wouldn’t have a tell. OK, Reggie is his usual pleasant self, and Ramsey isn’t already outside waiting for me, so I think I’m good. Speaking of outside… “They’re gone?” he asked as he exited Donahue’s.

“Yeah, I told Megan I’ll meet up with her on Sunday, but, Bud,” Bryce said shrugging, “I would not sit around waiting to hear from Nicole if I were you.”

Tobias snorted, “Well, I think we both know that really won’t be a problem.” He walked toward Bryce, “If you want to talk, we talk, but I have two conditions: one, we make it brief, and two, we don’t do it here. I like this place, but it’s becoming synonymous with conversations I would rather not have, I don’t want to sully it.”

“Fair enough. Name the place, name the duration.”

“Now you sound like most of my dates in med school,” Tobias mumbled as he slid into the cab.

“Where to?” the driver asked.

“One Franklin Street, please.” Tobias turned his attention back to Bryce. “Not a word about this until we are in my apartment, OK? Not a fucking word.”

“Fine, we can just talk about how you will never be my wingman again.”

“At least you’re admitting you need a wingman Lahela, that’s a step in the right direction.”

The men entered the luxurious lobby and made their way to the elevator, “55, please.”

“I guess this is one way to see your new place.” Bryce said sarcastically, “55th floor in the Millennium Tower! Damn, this has to give you at least 1000 points in your competition with Etha… shit... sorry… just a reflex.”

Tobias shook his head. “You’re cocky as hell and your timing sucks, you truly are a younger version of me?”

“Younger and better looking.”

“Well, I only closed three weeks ago,” Tobias announced pushing the door open, “I wasn’t expecting guests yet, so don’t mind the condition.”

Bryce shook his head, a small foyer led to a spectacular great room, anchored on one end by an opulent white marble kitchen and the other by a breathtaking, two-story wall of windows that provided unparalleled views of the city. Apologizing for a few scattered boxes and some furniture with plastic covers still in place seemed unnecessary.

“Yeah, the place is a dump,” Bryce grinned, “Seriously though, wow! What made you upgrade to this beauty.”

“I liked the view,” he replied nonchalantly while pouring two club sodas. He handed one to Bryce, “I figured we’d keep the sober thing going. So, you’ve got 15 min… what do you want to know. The timer is on, take your shot.”

“OK, well…uhm, Casey… Admittedly, I’m a little shocked. I mean, not because she isn’t incredible, she is. I know that firsthand, I was once bitten by the Casey-bug too…”

“Yeah, that’s right.” Tobias interrupted, “How the hell were you stupid enough to let her go?”

Bryce chuckled as he placed his drink on the counter. “I didn’t. Casey and I were more of a friends with benefits arrangement. Then one day the benefits stopped, but the friendship didn’t, and it never will. Back then, I would have been cool with the two of us growing into something more but, once she fell for Ethan, it was game over for anyone else.”

“So that was like two years ago when she rescinded your benefits contract, correct?”

Bryce nodded.

Tobias looked perplexed, “I just don’t get it. So, two years ago she ended … things … with you and wrote off all other mortals because of Ramsey, yet they’re only together a couple of months now?”

“No. They have been together ever since their eyes locked over a gurney 15 minutes into her first day as an intern. It took them a while to realize it, a little longer to accept it and they, well, he took a good two years to finally surrender to it. But, let me be clear, she was never mine to let go. She has never been anyone’s other than Ethan’s.”

“He always was a lucky SOB.”

Bryce shrugged and half nodded. “Perhaps, but the timer is on, and I don’t want to talk about Ramsey, I want to hear about you. I knew you and Casey had become close friends, but how… when did it turn into something else for you?”

“How? I would tell you if I could, but I can’t. She’s magic. You meet her and you think, Jesus, no one can possibly be this beautiful, but she is. So, you wait for the other shoe to drop because there is no way the inside can be as magnificent as the out, right? I mean, God doesn’t play favorites that much, does he? So, you get to know her and it’s like, holy shit, apparently, he does. Now, I had no illusions. I knew what she has with Ramsey. I knew nothing would ever come of it, but I didn’t care. I didn’t care because it felt like an honor just to be in her orbit. I was overjoyed knowing that she knew my goddamn name and that maybe, every so often, I might get to hear my name on her lips.”

He stopped and took a sip of his club soda, suddenly wishing he had chosen something stronger.

“When? The best answer I can give you is that one day, and I couldn’t tell you the day because it happens so frequently, but we were at work or maybe the bar, and she started laughing the way she does, you know, when her nose crinkles and her face lights up, she gets that little glimmer in her eye and no matter how bad of a day you may have had, there is no way that laugh isn’t going to pull you in. So, she is…God, she’s just beautiful… and she’s laughing and then she flipped her head around and smiled, and I realized that smile was for me… now, absolutely nothing was implied by it, she was just smiling at a friend, but I was that friend, that smile was for me… I couldn’t freaking breathe, and… I have not been able to let go since.”

He stood up and sauntered across the room, placing his hands on the expansive windows he stared vacantly down at the city below.

“But I knew…I knew any feelings I had for her were futile. So, I pushed that shit down, I pushed it down so deep that I didn’t even have to acknowledge it myself. Sure, it was a lie, but I was comfortable living in it. Then the night of the boards, I ended up talking with Harper and she totally called me out. She said that she could see it plain as day and she was worried about me, and I’m sure worried about the team by extension. So, she asked me to be honest with her about my feelings for Casey, I wanted to deny it, I tried to deny it, and that is when I knew I was so screwed because, as much as I wanted to, I could not deny what I felt for her any more than I could will myself to stop breathing.”

He turned and made his way back across the expansive room and sat next to Bryce at the counter.

“So, now I get to work with her every day, I get to hear that laugh, see that smile, smell her perfume as she sits down next to me each morning, and I then I get to watch those gorgeous eyes gaze, with all the love in her heart, right past me and onto Ethan. It’s a fucking hoot, you should try it sometime.”

“Damn, T. I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry. I’m going to be honest with you, I came here armed with the standard 10-minute speech that I give to friends going through shit like this. It starts with, ‘yeah, she’s great, but she’s not that great’, then I veer into the ‘there are other fish in the sea’ portion. Of course, I modified your version because Casey is that great, but now, I have to toss the whole damned script because…this isn’t just some little crush, is it?”

“Nope. I wish it were. If not for Ethan, I would do anything to make sure she was mine.”

“So, now that you mention him, I have to ask; T, I have never seen you fall like this for anyone…you were the confirmed bachelor, is there any chance, even subconsciously, that this is part of your weird-ass competition with Ethan?”

Tobias shook his head emphatically, “No. Absolutely not. I understand where you’re coming from... but no. What I feel for her has nothing to do with Ethan, or anyone else, it is only about Casey!”

Bryce raised an eyebrow, shocked at just how protective Tobias was about his feelings, and by just how deep those feelings appeared to run.

“But you’re right, I have never felt this way about anyone else before. I did not look for this, I did not want this, Bryce. It’s like a fever I woke up with one day and there it was… and I know I can’t fight it… but I am doing my best to control it.”

“Does anyone else know?”

“Only Harper, and now you. God willing no one overheard me at the bar tonight because I do not want this spreading any further.”

“Do you think Casey suspects anything? Or, God forbid, Ethan?”

“No, Casey has no idea, and I can pretty much guarantee you Ethan doesn’t either.”

“Yeah, you’d probably be in the ICU if he did.”

“Thanks, pal.”

“Just keeping it real, T.”

Tobias chuckled half-heartedly. “I’ve been trying to avoid her, at least outside of work where I have some control over that. But, honestly, I think it has been counterproductive. She notices it, and now I get 20 questions about why I haven’t been around, and I’m running out of answers. Also, not having her around… I miss my friend, it just makes me miss her and want her more. It’s not working.”

“You know, if circumstances were different, I might say cold turkey would be the way to go, but you can’t do that. You need to have a working relationship and you have too many friends in common, you’re going to have to find a middle path on this. Maybe see her less, or only in groups, but you’re right, cutting her out completely, won’t be a solution. It’s going to be hard too because, I know she cares about you deeply, just… not in that way.”

“Stop making sense Lahela.”

“I always make sense, you just don’t want to hear it! Some more sense, going forward USE ME.”

“Oh, now you need to just stop,” Tobias laughed.

“No, seriously. You need to keep yourself busy, do things, sometimes you may need to talk. I’m not only here for the good times, man, I’m here for you now.”

“You know you’re a better friend than Ramsey ever was!” Tobias said with a laugh.

“Of course, and I’m better looking! Come on, come over here, bro hug, bro hug.”

“Oh, Jesus, your 15 minutes have GOT to be over by now…right? But seriously, thanks, pal. It may not seem like it, but this has helped. But yeah, I’m done talking about it for now.”

“No problem. So, let’s change the subject, starting with this freaking amazing place. When are we throwing our housewarming party because this place is INSANE.”

“We? Our?” Tobias laughed, “I didn’t realize my mortgage would be going down by half now. But, yeah, let’s plan something this place needs to be christened.”

“Oh, I don’t want this weekend to be over!” Casey said as Ethan pulled up to her apartment. “It has been too perfect.”

Smiling, he leaned over and gave her a tender kiss. “It’s only the first of many. I will see to that. But for now, how about I look for a spot? If I find one, would you like me to come in for a bit? I don’t spend a lot of time here and I think it would be fun to see more of you and your friends in your natural habitat. Besides, I really don’t want to leave you yet.”

“I would love that! Want me to drive around with you?”

“No, you go in and get settled. If I can’t find a spot, I will call you so you can come to give me a proper goodbye kiss, but hopefully, I’ll be inside soon.”

“I love you, Ethan Ramsey.”

“Not as much as I love you, Casey MacTavish”

Casey made her way into the apartment and dropped her bag in the hallway.

“Hey, welcome home!” Elijah yelled.

“Casey! How was your weekend? I want to hear all about it!”

“You will, Si, but Ethan is trying to find a spot, he wants to come in and join us.”

“OMG, really?”

“Wow, Case, he wants to hang out with you here. Is this like coming to meet the family?” Elijah laughed.

“Well, he already met us here once before…” Sienna said winking.

“Yes, but this time, he’s not doing the walk of shame!” Casey laughed, “You guys don’t mind, do you?”

“Case, we all live here, our significant others are welcome any time. It’s just…the rest of us need to get significant others.” Sienna laughed.

Casey smiled. “Well, I am going to put on my yoga pants and a baggy t-shirt, if he wants to see me in my natural environment, I am going all out!”

“Ooh! I’ll go bake some cookies! I have refrigerated dough! That’s my natural environment!”

“Should I put on video games, Case?”

“You guys do whatever you feel you need to do!”

Fifteen minutes later Ethan knocked on the door, Casey greeted him with a gigantic hug. “You are such a good boyfriend; I didn’t think you’d be willing to drive around that long!”

“Fifteen minutes to find parking, in Boston, that’s a nanosecond, dear, and you are well worth it.”

Casey leaned forward into Ethan, “Oh, God, do I hear Sienna sniffling behind me?”

“Just a little! Hi Dr. Ramsey!”

“Hello, Sienna. You really do have to start calling me Ethan outside of work.”

“Sorry, it's a force of habit! I hope you like chocolate chip cookies, I’m baking some for us!”

“And I am suddenly wondering why I have not come here more often.”

“I suppose you don’t play Fortnite, do you, Dr. R… uh, Ethan?”

“I really don’t know what Fortnite is, Elijah,” he teased.

“It’s all good, Dr. R.. Ethan, we can watch a movie instead. Case, do we let our guest pick?”

“Oh, hell no!”

“Excuse me?” Ethan asked amused.

“Sorry, dear, film noir doesn’t exist in our natural habitat. Come, you’re being introduced to the highly underrated artform of … the chick flick.”

“Oh, man!” Elijah said, “Sorry, Ethan, we are 2/2 here, if Jackie or Aurora were home, they’d probably vote them down, but if I side with you, I have to put up with them when you go home.”

“So, what do you say, Si? Legally Blonde, The Devil Wears Prada…”

“Ooh, what about the Princess Diaries?” Sienna yelled from the kitchen.

“NO!” Elijah shouted, “NO! I draw the line at the Princess Diaries…”

“Thank you, Elijah,” Ethan said appreciatively.

“Then, The Devil Wears Prada it is!” Casey decided, “It’s about a mean boss, Ethan, at least you will be able to find something relatable.”

“Hey!”

“Now, one final touch for Ethan’s anthropological study here today,” Casey said pulling out her phone, “I’m ordering pizza, what toppings do we all want?”

With pizza ordered and cookies baking, Casey and Ethan snuggled up on the couch. She was probably happier than she had been in most of her adult life, and she was fairly sure that Ethan was too.

A few hours later, Sienna and Elijah retired to their rooms. Stuffed to the gills with pizza and cookies, Casey and Ethan were relaxing on her bed with him scrolling through his phone while she laid on her stomach, perched over her laptop.

“You know, today has been amazing, I almost feel like a teenager again.”

“Hmm. Did your parents allow your boyfriends to lie in bed with you wearing no more than a t-shirt when you were a teenager?” Ethan asked before playfully slapping her bare bottom.

Giggling, she responded, “Ethan, my dad wouldn’t let you do that in his house now. What are you doing anyway, looking up chick flicks for our next movie night?”

“That is a firm no. I’m catching up on work e-mails before heading in tomorrow. You?”

She rolled her eyes, “Of course you are! I’m looking at apartments.”

“Apartments, why?”

“Well, as much as I don’t like to think about it, the five of us had a discussion last week. Our residencies are ending, and our lease is coming up soon. It is unlikely we will all remain in Boston and, even if we do, it might be time to upgrade. We are getting raises, after all.”

Ethan placed his phone on Casey’s nightstand and moved down next to her. He peered over her shoulder to get a better look at the listings on her laptop. “So, have you already been looking at places?”

“Well, just online. We still have several months left on our lease, but I want to see what the market is like.”

“Case,” he said a bit nervously, “if you’re going to be looking for a new place, would you want to move in with me?”

Her head snapped in his direction, unable to hide her enthusiasm, “What?!”

“I said, would you want to move in with me? I mean, I don’t feel obligated to say yes if you’re not ready, but I do love the idea of waking up to you every morning. It feels like the right next step for us… what do you say?”

“I say… are you sure? Are you really sure that’s what you want?”

He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “One-hundred percent sure.”

“Then, yes. Oh my God, yes!” She pulled him into a kiss and squealed.

Ethan’s eyes lit up as he kissed her once more. “There goes that squeal again! But I get it, this makes me so happy .”

Gazing into his eyes, she leaned over and gave him a long, lingering kiss. “It makes me so happy too!! You know, we should celebrate properly, but, while I’m merely wearing a t-shirt, you are woefully overdressed for the occasion.”

“I can fix that,” he grinned and quickly removed his clothes. He crawled back into bed, lying on top of Casey. “I love you so much,” she gushed as he took her in his arms.

“I love you, Casey,” he whispered while pulling her t-shirt over her head and tossing it to the floor.

“Thank you for keeping the weekend going,” she breathed into his ear.

“Anytime,” he purred while effortlessly sliding inside her.

Casey let out a small gasp. “You better make this fast,” she said, “you only have 30-minutes left on the parking meter.”

Ethan looked at her with a wide grin, “You’re worth the ticket.”

Ethan was the first to arrive at work the next day. As much as he enjoyed his weekend with Casey, and as eager as he was about them sharing a home together, he was also pleased to be back behind his desk. He promised Casey that he would avoid work as much as possible over the weekend, and he kept that promise, but the habits of a workaholic do not die easily, and being back in this chair gave him more comfort than he cared to admit. His peaceful reverie was broken when he heard a loud crash at the door. Tobias stood there with several bags, in his hands and the contents of others scattered on the floor around him.

“Hey, Boss! Sorry about that.”

“What on Earth do you have going on there?” Ethan asked as he walked over to help.

“Mostly canned goods that I foolishly tried to carry in one trip.”

“And you’re bringing them here because?”

“Mr. Palmer, the patient Casey and I sent home on Friday, his wife volunteers at a local women’s shelter and told her we would get donations for them. Anyway, Casey text me this morning to let me know the organization would be sending someone to pick them up today, and that is why I am now standing her in a sea of Del Monte green beans.”

“Oh, that’s odd, she didn’t mention that to me.”

“Well, this only came up when we were discharging him on Friday, and she was so excited about her weekend with you, I told her I’d handle it. Not a big deal. Speaking of, how was your weekend?”

“It was… incredible actually. How about yours?”

“I can’t complain.”

“Wait, are those donuts? From Kane’s no less? Tell me they are not part of your donation.”

“They sure are! I am donating them to our mouths! Dig in! It’s a welcome back to work treat for the four of us.”

“OK, but after I devour one of these, I am instituting a 30-day ban on all junk food in this office!”

Ethan appeared to be deep in thought as he selected which donut he would claim as his; he was obviously thinking about something deeper than glazed or plain.

“Tobias?” he said abruptly.

“Yes?”

“Let’s have lunch tomorrow, just us. I’m too busy or I’d say today.”

Tobias visibly stiffened in his seat, “Uhh, lunch? Us?”

“I don’t see any reason for you to be nervous, Tobias.”

“Uhm, not nervous (much), boss, but it has been over 14-years since you have asked to have lunch with me. Is there a special occasion?”

“Does there need to be? I’d prefer someplace other than the cafeteria, that place is a fishbowl, and we don’t need all of Edenbrook listening to our conversation.”

“OK, sure. Tell me the time and place.”

“Sorellina’s in Back Bay. Tomorrow at 2:00, it should be less crowded by then.”

“That sounds good.”

“Excellent, I’ll make the reservation.”

“Hey, Tobias,” Casey said buoyantly as she entered the office. “Good morning, Ethan!”

And there it is, Tobias thought, the adoring gaze, times two. It must have been quite a weekend.

“Oh, doughnuts! What is going on here, bagels on Friday, doughnuts on Tuesday, are we part of an experiment?”

“Nah, I just figured, carbs and saturated fats, you know?” Tobias said sheepishly.

“Oh, God! They’re from Kane’s! Tobias, did you bring these?”

“Guilty.”

“How did you know they are my absolute favorite?”

“Casey, they are everyone in Boston’s favorite,” Ethan joked.

Casey walked over and sat in the seat beside Tobias. “Mmmm,” she said as she bit into the delicious confectionary. When she looked up, she caught Tobias’s crystal blue eyes gazing directly at her. She smiled, “Well, as much as I love doughnuts, they do not have the same impact on me as bagels,” she said with a wink.

Tobias grinned, “Duly noted.”

“Harper just text, she is running late so let’s begin. I only have one item today. Naveen reached out to me earlier, the Mayo Clinic is undertaking a major research project and they have requested for someone on our team to participate. Naveen would like me to go. The dates aren’t set in stone yet, but it will likely begin next month, and I will be gone…for approximately 2-4 weeks.”

Though she tried to hide it, both Ethan and Tobias saw Casey’s face visibly fall.

Looking at her, Ethan said “I will do all I can to make it two weeks, unfortunately, it won’t be completely in my control. Tobias, Naveen would like you to oversee cases in my absence. We will need to work together on that before I leave, I guess we can start touching base over lunch tomorrow.”

Casey pulled out her phone to check her schedule, “We have a lunch tomorrow? I don’t think I have that on my calendar?”

“You don’t. It is not a team event. Tobias and I are going to lunch at Sorellina’s.”

Casey raised an eyebrow, “Sorellina’s… you are taking… just the two of you?”

“That was kind of my reaction too,” Tobias chuckled.

Looking unamused Ethan said, “If this is what happens when I make nice gestures, I will stop doing so. I should point out that Casey forced me to watch The Devil Wears Prada yesterday and I picked up quite a few pointers. I suggest the two of you just accept it when I do something nice and move on.”

“Sorry, Ethan, it’s just, this morning is full of surprises,” Casey said.

“Yeah, like Ethan watched The Devil Wears Prada.”

Casey locked eyes with Tobias and they both giggled.

Ethan rolled his eyes, “Class dismissed.”

Tobias immediately bolted out of the office, but Casey remained behind. Ethan stood up and walked over to her, “I know what’s coming,” he said tenderly.

“2-4 weeks?” she mumbled as he pulled her into his arms.

“I know, I’m not happy about it either, but we’ll make it work, we always do. Maybe I can fly you out for a bit and I will try to come back for a weekend at least once if it goes over two weeks.”

“You know as well as I do that the chances of that happening are slim. With you gone, I’ll be needed here. I guess the upside is I will be so busy the time should go quickly. Just, please, try to make it closer to two weeks, OK?” she said looking at him with sadness in her eyes.

“I will make it as quick as I can, promise. Hey, maybe you will be all moved in by then, I can’t think of a better reason for me to rush back home.”

Casey smiled warmly and hugged him tighter. “I can get behind those plans, Dr. Ramsey.”

“Well, I can get behind you, in front of you, on top of you,” he joked as he peppered her with kisses.

“Ethan, stop,” Casey laughed, “we are both failing terribly at being professional at work!”

“The door is closed!” he said.

“The door has a window, Ethan!”

“Hmm… remind me to do something about that…”

After Tobias left the office, he pulled out his phone to message Bryce while he rushed to his first appointment:

k@Back in the office, Ethan was making significant progress on the large pile of paperwork that greeted that morning. Eager to finish he was initially irritated when his phone rang, but he smiled when he saw the caller’s name.

“Dr. Williams! Bob! How are you?”

“Ethan! So, I walked into my office and found a fine bottle of Macallan 25 on my desk. Let’s just say I have yet to open the card, but I immediately knew who I had to call and thank.”

Ethan laughed, “Am I that predictable? I just wanted to give you a small token of appreciation for letting us use your beach home this past weekend. Casey and I had a lovely time, we’re both incredibly grateful.”

“While I love the token, it is completely unnecessary. I am just delighted that you finally took me up on the offer! It only took a decade!”

“Well, it is amazing what having someone you want to share sunsets with can do to a man,” Ethan said with a wistful smile.

Bob chuckled, “Well, that’s what I like to hear! Please, feel free to use it anytime, for as long as you can anyway. The Mrs. is after me to sell it and upgrade. We have four grandkids now and she insists two bedrooms are no longer enough. Personally, I think air mattresses on the living room floor would create great memories for them, but we will have to see who wins this battle.”

“No offense,” Ethan said, “but I have my money on Diana.”

“That’s probably a wise bet! Hey, why don’t you and Casey come and spend a weekend with us this summer? Diana and I are both anxious to meet this mythical woman who inspired the new and improved Ethan Ramsey!”

“I would love to, and I’m sure she would as well.”

“Good, send me some dates, let’s make it happen.”

“Oh, Bob, before you go, I had a question. I remember you spoke highly of the jeweler that created Diana’s anniversary band a few years back. Could you please send me their information? I am thinking of making a purchase of my own.”

Catch up on previous chapters: https://jerzwriter.tumblr.com/post/652912335580692480/masterlist

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[dottie-minerva-mikas]

Six Sentence Sunday

So the lovely @chemist-ana tagged me for a Six Sentence Sunday. I honestly don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve done one.

I don’t have much planned in terms of new stuff since it was never my intention to produce new stuff, but much like life, things can change, and with new books coming soon, it could still change. And after Laws of Attraction decided to frustrate me, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I really hope you all look forward to it!

Edit: it’s a little more than six sentences, but meh.

All or Nothing-Laws of Attraction 🍋

Tessa gave his hand a soft pat before downing the rest of her drink and sliding off the barstool. Before she could go farther, Gabe’s hand reached out, and his fingers wrapped around her wrist.

“Tessa…”

“Don’t worry about it, Gabe,” she said, gently prying his fingers off her wrist. “I’m a little hurt and disappointed, but I’m not mad at you. But I also respect myself too much to go after someone who isn’t as crazy about me as I am about them.” She dug into her clutch and pulled out a platinum-looking card and placed it on the bar top. “You know where to find me when you have answer for me, but  don’t expect me to be waiting around forever for it.”

What else are you guys up to producing these days? @lucy-268 @lady-calypso @choiceskatie @kinda-iconic