#cause wtf is going on 🤦🏾‍♀️ | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

secretaryunpaid · 3 years ago

Text

Nooooooooooooooooooooo !!!!!!! Dayuuuuuuummmm !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As for Team Casey: Girl!!!!!! See what dragging your feet gets you ??????? WE could have had our after party beginning like….

But instead he’s ending the night like ….

Whyyyyyyy ???? Didn’t Mr. Hesitation teach you anything????

Obs I would have jumped those bones long ago… But since you are more respectable than I… Figure this out !!!!!!!!! And FUCKING FAST !!!!!

Team Ethan:

Yes 👏🏾… No no no, wait!!! Think this through… Cause you know last time you just acted … OUR damn hearts were shattered !!!! She just said all you can do for her is HEAL and bruh, that didn’t happen in a matter of minutes like ripping her world apart did ??? WTF MAN ??? Have you learned ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ???? Brilliant… Genius even… but goddamn it man … UTILIZE that abundant COMMON SENSE thing that you ignore completely!!!! Ahhhhhh !!!!! I need a drink 🤦🏾‍♀️☠️🏴‍☠️ I friggin’ dying here 🪦💀💔

Casey isn’t feeling this … yes she gave you a gift almost as precious as she is… and stayed to watch you open it… feeling the love you so blatantly denied her … man … please understand the term “emotional abuse” 🤦🏾‍♀️.

Team Tobias:

Boy… I oughta… slap the back of yo head !!!! The top and bottom!!! WTH???

You sitting and watching thinking…

Boy get out of your heads and use your mouth, hands and feet and go claim your LOVE !!!!

Delaying the Inevitable - Chapter 22A - To Make You Feel My Love

Book: Open Heart 3 (Post Series)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x MC, Tobias Carrick x MC

Rating: Chapter: Teen

Summary: Extended Series WIP – Love Triangle. In this chapter: Casey looks for the perfect gift for Tobias, and presents Ethan with his… Vivian counsels her son… The Edenbrook Holiday party is underway and Casey encounters an old love, and maybe a new?

Category: Extended Series (WIP)

Warnings: Language (I’m sure at some point… it’s me)

A/N: Hey. Chapter 22 became a monstrosity in size. So I’m breaking it up. This one leaves off… in a way… but don’t hate me. I’m releasing 22 Part 2 tonight after midnight EST. I’m not torturing you that much.

A/N 2: Ethan stans. Tobias stans were patient. See if you can do the same. 😊

A/N 3: I’m leaving these two things as a permanent note: This is a love triangle – that means Casey loves more than one person. I’ve made that clear from the start. Casey won’t make her choice until the final chapter. So no, it’s not a foregone conclusion. I’ve made that clear for a while. And while Team Ethan, and Team Tobias, and Team God I’m Torn exist out there, there is only one that matters to me and that is Team Casey.

A/N 4: I hope those who are not happy with the current arc stick around, but I can’t force you. 😊See you tomorrow, folks.

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS

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

“Hey, Mom, what’s up?”

“What’s up? What’s up are those gorgeous photos I saw on Pictagram this morning! I’m not up 20 minutes and I have already received calls from two of my friends in DC as well as your Auntie Sherrie inquiring about them. Now, what exactly am I supposed to tell them, Tobias?”

“Oh, I don’t know? My son and his friend put up a beautiful tree in their condo last night, they put on some silly Santa hats and took some pictures. Isn’t that hard?”

“Hmmm… except Casey isn’t exactly a friend now, is she? And don’t think that doesn’t come across in those pictures! Besides, last I checked I thought you lived in your condo. Now you want me to say that it is “their” condo. Not that I have any problem with that.”

“Of course, you don’t,” he laughed.

“How is Casey’s present coming along, dear? Was Hector able to help you with the restoration?”

“Yes! He is a magician! It’s almost done and the photos he sent… man, I put them next to the one Casey’s dad gave me from when she was a child and, you would hardly notice the difference.”

“Oh! I am so happy to hear that! Hector is a genius! If anyone could do it, it is him! It’s so important to have the perfect gift for Casey, son. Not only for you but for me as well.”

“It’s important to you?” he chuckled.

“Don’t play with me son. You know I will not rest until that lovely young woman is my daughter-in-law. She is a treasure. I am already losing patience with you for not sealing this deal. I thought I raised you better.”

“You raised me just fine, Ma,” he laughed, “and trust me, Casey, thinks very highly of you, too.”

“I know. We text all the time. If things don’t work out between the two of you two, I may adopt her and cut you loose.”

“Wow. I’m hurt.”

“Oh, you know I kid. But since I am keeping you around, this begs another question. What does the man who has everything, you, want for Christmas this year?”

“I honestly don’t need anything Ma…”

“Apparently your listening comprehension skills have not improved since childhood. I didn’t ask what you needed, I asked what you wanted. You are impossible to buy for! And it’s not just me asking, your beautiful girlfriend wants to know too!”

“My girlfriend, huh,” he shook his head laughing.

“Why are you laughing, son?”

“Well, because leave it to you to find the one thing that I don’t have after all.”

____________________

“I have no idea what to get him, Si. I mean, the man has everything.”

“He doesn’t have you.”

“Sienna!”

“Sorry, it just seems so obvious.”

“Can you focus on the task at hand?”

“Well, you enjoy cooking together… or rather, you enjoy watching him cook. How about something for the kitchen?”

“No, it’s so… impersonal. Plus, he already has so much. I’m at a loss. Maybe Vivian will be able to get some answers out of him for me.”

“You and Vivian have gotten close?”

“Oh, she is amazing! Witty, sharp, takes no crap, but she’s got this beautiful soul, a heart of gold. I wish she lived closer to here.”

“Hmmm. Sounds to me like the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.”

“Well, I don’t think she had the scoundrel phase Tobias went through,” Casey laughed, “she was none too pleased to hear of some of his exploits during those times.”

“You outed him!”

“A girl has to have some fun.”

Casey’s face fell as she took on a more serious tone. “You know, I was unpacking a box I had left in the back of my closet the other day and… I came across a gift I had purchased for Ethan late in the summer, I put it away in hopes of giving it to him for Christmas. With everything,” she waved her hand dismissively, “I had forgotten about it.”

“Oh, I’m sorry Case. That must have been difficult.”

She smiled sadly. “It was sad. It made me think about the way I thought the holidays would be this year. I thought I’d be with Ethan, we’d be sharing his apartment,” she looked to Sienna who gave her a knowing look, “I thought we’d be engaged. My life… it seemed so mapped out, so certain… yet, look how it turned out.”

“So, how does that all make you feel? Are you doing OK with it?”

“It just seems surreal. Unsettling. I’ve learned in more than one way that life can turn on a dime and, it makes me scared, Si. I know that nothing in life is certain, not even life itself. Yet, on the other hand, being aware of how fleeting life, love, everything can be… I appreciate the things I have so much more. My health, my career, my family, my amazing friends… I know I’m so blessed, even though… everything doesn’t work out as planned sometimes.”

“Well, for what it’s worth, I think you’re doing amazing. You’re doing what you’re supposed to do a few months back I would have never thought you’d be so festive and embracing the holiday spirit, and here you are! That says something about you, Casey!”

“Yeah, it says sometimes a therapist and knowing when to go on Wellbutrin is a good idea,” Casey laughed.

“Well, yeah! That is part of it! Getting the help you need, whatever that help is.”

“Well, you’ve been a big part of that help, Sienna.” She gave her friend a side-hug as they walked on. “I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”

“Well, you give as good as you get there! And as your friend, it’s my job to get you back on track. What are you going to get for Tobias? I’m assuming a boudoir photoshoot would be out of the question…”

“Sienna!!!!” Casey said hitting her arm, as the two women continued their shopping.

____________________

The morning of the Edenbrook Holiday Party was always a special day. Many departments held informal luncheons, festive music played in the halls, and it seemed that every person entering the building, visitors, and staff alike, brought a tray of cookies to share. If co-workers exchanged gifts, this was the day they did it. Because of the awkwardness within the diagnostic team right now, they decided to skip their annual grab bag. Casey was the one who implemented the tradition, so seeing it go saddened her. But she had learned that life was about adjustment, the only constant was change. She refused to concentrate on the negative when there was so much good surrounding her.

She was the late person on the team’s calendar that day, so she would not be going to the party with her friends. Sienna and Tobias both offered to stay behind so they could accompany her there, but she insisted they head off to the pre-party festivities at Donahue’s, she’d catch up with them back at the hospital later. She smiled because that also meant she would likely have the chance to watch them in an inebriated state while she was still decidedly sober, always good for blackmail material later on!

With all the activity, the day passed by quickly. Casey returned to the team’s office to gather her belongings before she left. She took out a large shopping bag she brought from home. Based on prior years, she knew she’d be heading back with a small haul of trinkets from patients and staff, and she was prepared. But her heart skipped a beat when she opened it up. Ethan’s gift lay at the bottom of the bag, and she was still unsure about what to do with it. She considered leaving it on his desk anonymously, but it seemed cowardly. He would undoubtedly know it was from her and it could send the wrong message in different ways. She picked the box up, mindlessly caressing the shiny gift wrap as she contemplated what to do. Suddenly, a deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Casey?”

“Ethan,” she jumped. “I didn’t’ think you were still here.”

“Well, I am. I’m sorry to startle you. I thought you’d be long gone to get ready for the party tonight.”

“Well, I’m on the late tonight. You know that.”

He shrugged. “I should have told you to go. I’m sorry. You can head out if you like. I’ll take care of anything you need to do. I’m not going to the party so it’s not a big deal to me.”

“Oh, you’re not going?”

He looked at her from under his glasses with a sad smile. “I’m not feeling particularly festive this year.”

Casey looked down at her hands and swallowed, “Well, I… I hope that changes for you in the future.”

She began to put the gift back into her bag but suddenly veered course.

“Ethan,” she said abruptly, “do you have a moment?”

“For you? Always.”

Though said with sincerity, he instantly knew his word choice was poor. Casey’s face, which had shown slight signs of warmth just moments before, turned bitter. For you? Always. He knew he had no right to use those words with her, not after how horribly he had treated her. He considered apologizing but that might only make things worse. To his great relief, the intensity of her gaze quickly reverted to what it had been before.

“This is a little bit awkward,” she said as she sat in front of his desk. “I bought this for you earlier this year. I planned on giving it to you on Christmas, but….”

“Casey, you don’t have to…”

“I wasn’t sure what to do when I found it, but I think you should have it. So, her.”

She abruptly handed the gift to him as she stood to leave. “I hope you like it.”

“Casey, wait. Would you please stay while I open it?”

She let out a small breath and bit the inside of her lips.

“Sure. But just for a couple of minutes. I still have to go home and get ready.”

“I promise not to keep you.”

She slumped back into her chair, immediately questioning her decision. The doors that were shut between the two of them were shut for good reason. She didn’t want to open them, at least not now. She didn’t know if it was the holidays that made her soft, or perhaps the look of sad desperation on Ethan’s face. He didn’t deserve her empathy, not after all that had transpired, but it wasn’t about who Ethan was or what he had done, it was about who she was. And she was not one to walk away from someone in need, even if it were to her own detriment. She immediately made a mental note to share with her therapist later this week. But now, she sat with a pensive look on her face as Ethan gingerly tore at the elegant wrapping.

A look of genuine shock passed over him as his jaw fell slack. For a split second, she saw something she hadn’t seen in his face in a long time, not since before Louise began showing signs of regression, he appeared… joyful.

“Casey!” he gasped, “Casey, is this….”

“It’s the performance of La Traviata you attended at Teatro La Fenice. I know you had always been looking for it, so I….”

“How… how did you find this? I had searched for a copy for years before I finally gave up.”

“Well, you know me. I don’t give up when I want something badly enough.”

Ethan’s eyes fixed on her; she was right. When she wanted something, she fought relentlessly to get it. The only reason they had a past worth remembering was because of her. She was the one who was brave, he was the one who pushed away and ran. He was the one who hurt her, but in the end, he hurt himself most of all. Now, she was moving on, and he was lost in the reality of the destruction caused by his own hand. He was finally aware, yet still afraid to take the next step to bring him to a better future. How the tides had turned, she came to Edenbrook hoping to be like him, and now, he wished more than anything that he had been like her.

“You are right. You don’t. Thank you, Casey… this means so much to me. I think I’ll listen to it tonight and, I’ll always treasure this.”

He stared down at the box, shutting his eyes tight to prevent tears from falling. A sadness gripped his chest and claimed his voice as his mind went to Casey’s ring, locked away in a box in his closet. It was almost as beautiful as Casey. He had imagined this year’s holiday party. The two of them, finally open, out together with the ring on her hand for the whole world to see. She was his, he was hers and they were meant to be. But now, it sat in a box of memories that were never to be realized, it would never see the light of day and there was only one person to blame.

Breathing felt like too great of a task and Casey noticed his distress. Part of her wanted to escape. After all, he had put her through, he had no right to expect her to be supportive. You don’t get to break someone and then have them comfort you for what you have done. Yet, she could not pull herself away. So, she remained in her chair, even as it caused a tempest of emotions to stir inside her.

He decided to speak through his quivering voice.

“I had bought something for you too. I have it back at home, but… it’s no longer appropriate. But, I feel like I should have something to give you…”

Casey lowered her eyes. She knew exactly what gift he was referring to. The memory of the day she and Sienna accidentally came across the ring flooded her mind.

“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!”

Sure, she thought bitterly, he was going to propose. How does one go from wanting to marry her to putting her out with no place to go, when she had done nothing wrong? When all she did was love him. The excuse of “he’s damaged” was no more than enabling, she could see that now. He had damaged her, more than once, and it had lasting effects, but she knew she had no right to take it out on others. Why did she stay? This was too painful. She needed to leave, but she wanted to do it gracefully.

“Ethan, it’s not necessary. Please, don’t get me anything. But….” She trailed off.

“But?”

“Do you understand that all I ever really wanted was for you to be happy?” she asked, her emotion evident in her voice. “Even if it was to my own detriment. Before we were together, while we were together… even now… after everything. You deserve to be free of ghosts that haunt you. You deserve to put the pain in the past and to truly live. And you could if you weren’t so goddamned stubborn. You may not see it yourself right now, but you’re a good person Ethan; but, by not fixing things, you’re doing things that, they’re wrong. You know the path to make things right for you, you know what to do. If you want to give me a gift, fix yourself, Ethan. One day, allow me to look at you and see something other than pain.”

His lack of response spoke more than any answer ever could and the discomfort in the room became to be more than Casey could bear. She wanted out. She wanted to go back to her new life, where this sort of worry didn’t shroud every day. She was allowed to feel for him, she realized, but that did not mean she needed to be absorbed by it. She fought too hard to be where she was today. It was time to leave.

“Well. I really should be going. I’m already going to be arriving late tonight, and….”

“Yes, of course. Thank you again, Casey. For getting this for me, for not just throwing in the trash after all that has happened…. I will treasure it always.”

“I’m glad you like it,” she smiled sadly. “Goodbye, Ethan.”

She turned and she was gone. Once again, he watched as she walked out a door, needing to get away from him. He sat back in his chair staring in wonderment at her gift; he truly had no idea how she found this…but she was right… that’s who she was. She didn’t give up. He closed his eyes desperately wanting the release that tears would bring, but no matter how he tried, they would not come.

____________________

She stalled and took a final look at her reflection in the glass doors before she entered the hospital lobby. Her long blonde hair was pulled to the side, creating a cascade of loose blonde curls that skimmed down past her shoulders. Her make-up was perfectly applied, her matte lips just a shade lighter than the deep burgundy gown that hugged her every curve. She took a deep breath, suddenly nervous. Was the plunging sweetheart neckline too much for a work event? Jackie and Sienna assured her it was fine and if they said so, well, if Sienna said so, it had to be true, right? She considered paging a friend so she wouldn’t have to walk in alone, and she wasn’t sure why she felt that way. Or perhaps she did, after all, she had turned denial into an art form. A few moments passed and the frigid December temperatures helped push her to finally step inside.

_____

“So, my friend, you think we can set up a little boy’s night out soon?” Bryce asked Tobias seated at the bar. “I’ve barely seen you since you got married.”

Tobias gave him the side-eye.

“You know damn well I’m not coupled, much less married. You also know our schedules have not meshed. You’re always welcome at my place, you never need an invite. In fact, given how much pleasure it gives me taking you down a peg or two, you’d actually be doing me a favor.”

“Well, Casey did the idea of a weekly game night…. That may be just what the doctor ordered. Speaking of doctors, here come my favorite former residents.”

“Yeah, unlike you, meathead,” Jackie grinned.

“Hey, I’m quickly catching up!”

Sienna was spinning around in wonderment. Her mouth was agape as she took in the atrium twinkling lights and dangling icicles everywhere, it was a virtual winter wonderland.

“Hey, Si, you OK, you look like you’re in another world?”

“Yes, it’s just… wow, Edenbrook really outdid themselves this year! I don’t think I could even make it look this good!”

“Well, that’s highly doubtful, Sienna. You would likely have all this plus life-sized gingerbread castles scattered throughout,” Tobias chuckled.

“Delicious gingerbread castles… that she would prohibit us from eating until the event was over,” Raf laughed.

“Of course!” she smirked. “They’d be part of the décor! But it’s hard to imagine this place looking more magical.”

Bryce turned his head toward the entrance just as Casey walked through the doors. He could tell that she was attempting to be inconspicuous, but that was an impossibility.

“Holy shit,” he said slapping Tobias’s shoulder.

“Personally, I thought it was impossible for the room to be any more beautiful, and, just like that, it is.” He turned to his friend with a shit-eating grin on his face, “Don’t you agree, Tobias?”

Tobias hoped Bryce wasn’t really expecting an answer. How could he possibly speak when his breath was taken away.

“Hmmm, and there is so much mistletoe around here,” Bryce winked. “I think it is downright impossible to avoid it all night, don’t you?”

Jackie giggled, “Oh, it’s definitely impossible to miss it! I am meandering around it right now to avoid being forced to kiss you, Lahela.”

Bryce flashed his bright smile, and placed a kiss on Jackie’s cheek, “There! Now all of your dreams have come true. A holiday miracle!”

“ICK!” Jackie exclaimed wiping her cheek, “More like The Nightmare Before Christmas!”

“Hey, T. You can look in another direction you know,” Bryce laughed.

“Tobias, what gives, you have a thing for Casey?” Raf asked.

“Always quick on the uptake, aren’t you,” Jackie said rolling her eyes. “Hey, Casey! Over here.”

Tobias quickly averted his gaze. He did not want her to catch him looking like a lovesick teenager. After all this time, Bryce still had to shake his head. T. His good friend T, who normally had the worst pick-up lines, but when delivered with such confidence and his seductive smile, they worked every time. Yet when it came to Casey, he was rendered to being a speechless seventh-grade boy with a crush on the prettiest girl in the class. His friend had it bad, and it wasn’t showing any signs of changing.

“Hey, guys!” Casey said hugging each of her friends. “This place looks incredible tonight!”

“It sure does,” Bryce said jovially grinning at Tobias. “Would you like a drink? We’re all a few steps ahead of you?”

“Sure, come on, I’ll walk you to the bar.”

Bryce, Sienna, and Jackie all turned and stared at Tobias in unison, each with smirks on their faces. Jackie & Sienna’s arms folded blatantly in front of their chests.

“What?!?” He said, startled.

“If you don’t do something tonight, I will lose any and all respect for you. Now, granted, that’s not much, but you’re in danger of going into the negatives,” Bryce announced.

“I mean, maybe not in front of the whole place,” Sienna advised, “we are still at a work event, but there are plenty of little alcoves you can veer off into and you have us willing to cover for you.”

“Mmmm,” Bryce quickly swallowed his drink, “or, you can always remember something you need to discuss with her back in the office.”

“And we all know what happens in offices during holiday parties,” Jackie said as Bryce gave her a high five.

“I’m always surrounded by freaking comedians,” Tobias said gulping his drink.

“Except, no one is laughing,” Jackie sneered.

“Well, as fun as this is, I’m going to go talk to that cute nurse from cardiology. T, watch and learn!”

“I’m going to see some of my co-workers in peds too, I will be back shortly. And there will be dancing!”

“That leaves you and me, T!”

“Jackie, you have no idea how much that frightens me.”

“You and Lahela are both so scared of me! Well, I guess someone has to keep the two of you in line.”

“Hey, well I don’t mind helping with that!” Casey said as she slid into a barstool next to them.

“Well, this is just my lucky night! Flanked by the two most beautiful women here. I don’t know what you did to deserve this.”

“Apparently not a damn thing, because that’s Harper motioning for us to come over,” Jackie said.

“Us? How do you know that doesn’t include me?”

“Because she told me she wants to introduce me and Casey to the woman she’s speaking to. She is the director for the American Women’s Medical Association. Unless you’re interested in joining?”

“Nah, I’m good here with my beer,” he laughed.

The party was still filling up, and the DJ’s assistant was making her way around asking attendees if they’d like to make a request.

“Hey,” she said smiling flirtatiously as she eyed Tobias up and down, “anyone special you’d like to make a dedication to tonight?”

“No, but thank you.”

“Hmm… I’m honestly pleased to hear that. But, if you should change your mind, you know where to find me,” she winked.

Tobias shook his head and returned to his beer, intently watching Casey across the room. She was smiling, flipping her head back as she laughed. God! She was just magnificent. He was never going to get over her but was he ever going to try to make it more. He tapped his fingers loudly on the bar then jumped out of his seat. He hadn’t realized that Jackie and Casey had moved across the room, not far from the DJ booth where he was heading with intent.

“Hey,” he said tapping the DJ’s assistant on the shoulder.

“Hey!” She smiled enticingly.

“I uhm. I changed my mind; I do want to dedicate a song to someone.”

“Oh,” she said, her face dropping a bit. “What’ll it be.”

He stood in contemplation as if the fate of the world depended on his selection.

“To Make You Feel My Love, Adele’s version,” he smiled confident with his decision.

“Oh, that’s far too deep for it to be for me, damn it,” she grinned.

“Yeah, no sorry about that,” he chuckled.

“Well, who is the lucky person we should send this out to?”

He hesitated.

“Or do you merely want to say who it is from, and let him or her guess?”

“You know what, just say this is going out to someone special, from someone who is still not able to admit it.”

“Oh! Don’t let that go on forever,” she advised. “Life’s too short to miss out on a good thing, no matter where it takes you. But, I’ll do my part to nudge you in that direction. I’ve got this.”

“Thanks.”

As he turned and walked away, Casey stood next to Jackie, panicked by what she just heard.

“Holy fucking shit, Casey!!! You know that was for you!! Oh my God! Where is Sienna? We have to tell her.”

“No, Jackie, you will do no such thing! We… we don’t even know if that was for me.”

Jackie looked at Casey with disgust. “Do I need to call the reality police for you? It was for you. Your ass totally better go snag him for a dance when that comes on… or I swear, I will kick your…”

“Hi, Naveen! I’ve been looking for you!” Casey beamed, as she raised her eyebrow at Jackie. She had her out.

_____

Jackie marched off to find her friends. She found Bryce, Sienna, and Raf sitting at a table next to the dance floor.

“Bryce, what are you doing here?” she asks, “Did you crash and burn that quickly?”

“She got back with her ex,” he shrugged.

“Likely story! Anyway, we have a mission if we choose to accept it, and I’m telling you now, you all choose to accept it if you know what’s good for you.”

“Jackie! Slow down, you’re frantic! What’s going on?” Raf asked.

“Tobias just dedicated a song to Casey! Not only song, a freaking sickeningly romantic song!”

Sienna covered her mouth and gasped. Bryce’s head fell into his hands. Raf’s jaw dropped.

“Oh, I guess we should get you up to speed Raf. Tobias is madly in love with Casey. And Casey has it bad for Tobias, but they’re never going to get together because they’re both idiots. So, this is pretty big news,” Bryce explained.

“Yes and no,” Jackie inserted.

“It can never be easy, can it?” He said throwing his hands in the air.

“Nope, Bryce, it can’t. So, he dedicated a song to her, but not by name, it will go out to “someone special” from “someone who isn’t ready to say yet” or some shit like that.”

Bryce shook his head in disgust.

“When all this is all out, I am so kicking his ass just for coming up with that shit.”

“I’ll help you!” Jackie agreed. “But for now, let’s get the morons to dance to the song together.”

“How do we do that?” Raf asked.

“Well, Casey knows.”

“WHAT?!” Sienna gasped, “How does she know.”

“Because we accidentally overheard him talking to the DJ! But of course our brilliant but dense friend isn’t sure it’s for her.”

Bryce jumped to his feet. “Who the F does she think it is for?!?!”

“Shhhhh!,” Sienna chided, “What song, Jackie?”

“To Make You Feel My Love.”

“Oh my God, I’m going to cry!”

“Sienna, so help me God if you do….”

“Well, Jackie, it is a little emotional.”

“Thank you, Raf.”

“CAN WE SKIP TO THE SUBJECT!!!!” Jackie yelled drawing attention from other partygoers.

Bryce was still shaking his head. “How does she not see this is her?”

“I don’t know if it’s that she doesn’t, or it’s that she is afraid to,” Sienna answered.

“None of that matters!!! We have to get them to dance! What’s our game plan.”

“I can shame Tobias when the time comes,” Bryce offered.

“And I can coax Casey,” Sienna chimed.

“I can watch them to make sure neither tries to leave the room when the song comes on,” Raf added.

“I can do that too… I am also happy to threaten one or both…”

“That may be too direct. OK set up a group text among the four of us so we are on it. Operation Let’s End This Shit Already is underway!” Bryce grinned.

____________________

Upstairs Ethan had yet to leave his office. After Casey left, he sat thinking for a good, long time. Her parting words hit hard. The best gift would be healing himself. For three years he denied her everything: confirmation, legitimacy, truth. He didn’t give her what she so fully deserved, his time, his attention, his undying love. It took her near death for him to even begin to make those strides and, when he finally surrendered, he wanted to give her the world. But looking back, the only thing he should have given her is what she asked for tonight, healing himself. By not doing that, everything they had was built like a house of cards it was only a matter of time before the wind came and knocked it all down.

He couldn’t leave the building because he knew she’d be coming back. The desire just to be near was insatiable. He knew she didn’t want it and he knew if he wanted so much as friendship from her it would be best for him to lay back right now. That bit of interaction today was a step in the right direction, it was more than he deserved. He shouldn’t overstep.

Yet, he walked to the closet and slipped on the suit jacket and fresh tie he kept there, just in case there was an emergent board meeting or unexpected VIP visitor. I just want to be near her. I won’t talk to her. He changed his shoes. I won’t engage at all. Slipped on the fresh jacket. I’ll linger on the sides. I just want to see her. He promised himself, yet even as he did, he knew it was a lie.

He stood in a corridor, watching from a distance. The party was now filled with revelers, so it was next to impossible to spot her. He moved inside and lingered around the perimeter, honestly, not too far from where he would normally be found during an event like this. Well, at least until there was Casey. He found a dark, quiet spot near the staff entrance. It offered him a good vantage point where he could watch unobstructed. But he still never caught sight of her.

This is ridiculous. I need to go home.

Then, there she was. Across the room speaking with Naveen and Dr. Tanaka. She was a vision. Talking to Naveen and Dr. Tanaka, afforded him the easiest possible way for him to walk over and segue into the conversation. But he knew he shouldn’t. He knew she’d probably scurry away. He found his left leg glued to the floor, and the right wanting to run to her. He didn’t know which one would when the tap came to his shoulder.

“Hi,” Harper said handing him a glass of scotch. “I never see you at one of these things without one in your hand. I figured you haven’t made your way to the bar because you’re over here acting like a creepy stalker. So, I thought I’d lend a friend a hand.”

He was caught. “Thank you,” he smiled.

“Now,” she said tugging his arm, “let’s go find a table. Because you need a talking to, and as a friend who loves you, I am not taking no for an answer.”

She commandeered a small cocktail table in a secluded corner.

“What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m attending the hospital’s holiday party, why are you acting like it’s such an anomaly.”

“Because you’re not attending it, you’re lurking. You were quite clear that you weren’t coming this evening. Yet, here you are, standing at the staff entrance hell bend on… on… on…”

Ethan had completely tuned her out. She turned and followed his gaze. Of course, there she was.

“Ethan,” Harper said snapping her fingers in front of his face.

“What?”

“You didn’t hear a word I said, did you?”

“Of course, I did! You said… you said… you… OK, I never heard a word you said.”

“What are you doing, Ethan? You know damn well this is not healthy.”

“It’s not…” he stopped, snorting, he shook his head.

Harper turned around once again. Tobias had joined Casey & Naveen, and even Harper could see the change in Casey’s demeanor after he arrived. She softened, her eyes were aglow, and her smile was brighter, it was impossible to miss. Harper had seen it before, it was the way Casey used to be when she was around Ethan.

“Ethan, I hate to say this to you, but you have to let go. I can’t tell you to fight for her because, I can’t lie, what you did to her was too cruel. I know she is being very admirable and trying to establish a good working relationship with you, but you honestly have no right to push for more. That is something that only she can decide to do if she ever wants to.”

“You think I don’t know that? Why do you think I’m lurking in corners, or even sitting here with you? I just to get a glimpse of her,” he sighed deeply. “Then, what do I see, her beaming next to Tobias. You’re one hundred percent right, Harper. This isn’t healthy and if I saw anyone else doing this, I’d be the first to tell them.”

“Well,” she said smiling, “there you go. In some places they would say that you just took the first step, Ethan, I’m proud of you.”

“Tobias told me he’s in love with her.”

Harpers eyes widened and she put down her drink.

“Really? I’m shocked he was so candid!”

“You knew?”

“I have eyes.”

“Then your eyes must also tell you that it appears she returns his feelings.”

Harper turned again. Though they stood at least a foot away from one another, there was no denying the aura that surrounded them.

Harper reached across the table and tenderly touched Ethan’s hand.

“Do you still love her?”

“No,” he lied.

She saw right through him but knew better than to challenge him right now.

“Then move on. She appears to be doing that. You told me that’s what you wanted. And, for what it’s worth, try to take solace that it is with Tobias. You know he’s a good man; he’d treat her well, I don’t think he’d hurt her, and I know you don’t want to see her hurt anymore.”

“I’m sure some people would have said the same things about me,” he smirked.

“Valid point.”

“Thank you.”

“Hey, I told you, I will always be honest. I know we’ve all told you that you should talk to a therapist, I’m not going to foolishly waste my breath on it anymore, but you know it’s true. I just hope you come around to see it.”

He looked down into his drink, not saying a word.

“Why don’t you go home, Ethan. If you want, I’ll even get out of here with you, grab a cup of coffee, if it will help.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I think I should get going, alone. This wasn’t a good idea.”

She smiled warmly, “I’m always a phone call away.”

Ethan stood up and began to make his way across the crowded room. His plan was to head directly to the exit, until he saw Casey standing at the bar waiting for a drink, alone. His head told his feet not to change their trajectory, to head to the door as planned; but his foolish heart was in control.

She would have been here on my arm tonight. There is no question of that. She would have my ring on her hand. She was my Casey. What the hell did I do!

He was no more than three feet away from her when she turned with a drink in hand and a bright smile on her face. That smile fell the moment she saw him approaching her. He knew he should walk away. He didn’t.

“Ethan? Oh. I thought you said you weren’t coming tonight?”

“I had a change of heart.”

“That’s good,” she said taking a gulp of her drink. “I, uhm… you should get out, you know… it’s good for you.”

“Well,” he chuckled ruefully, “the jury is out on that. But I’m giving it a shot.”

She smiled politely, as her eyes darted around the room. Someone had to be around, there was someone she could say she had to talk to.

“Casey, you look absolutely beautiful tonight. Honestly, you’re just radiant.”

He could see the discomfort on her face grow into vexation.

“Ethan… you… I…” she stopped herself after stumbling on her words. She started again, she didn’t want to be harsh, but she needed to be clear. “Thank you, but I really don’t think that is appropriate for you to tell me that right now. You have to understand….”

“I know. I’m sorry. I am out of line. But there was no way I could leave here tonight without telling you and, now that I have, I’ll take my leave. Please, go. I hope you enjoy the rest of your night.”

She eyed him uncomfortably, then walked off without a word. He stood and watched as she walked away, and he realized, that was now his role to play. He felt a hand tug on his jacket.

“Hey, you look like you could use a friend,” Floria smiled gently up at him.

“What I could use is a stiff drink… or ten.”

“Well, there is a bar right there,” she pointed.

“Yeah, well, I think if I stay here, that ten could easily become twenty, so I’m going to check out.”

“We could walk over to Donahue’s. I’m sure it will be empty with everyone here and, honestly, I think you may be better drinking with a friend tonight. What do you say?”

“With a friend?”

“Yes, with a friend. So, would you like some company.”

“Sure. Why not,” he smiled, and they walked together toward the door just as Casey shot a look back over her shoulder.

“HEY!”

“Ahhh,” Casey jumped. “Jackie! What the hell are you doing, trying to give me a heart attack.”

“Well, if you’re going to have one, this is the place to do it. But you’re looking too damn fine for that, so come on, why don’t you get out on the dance floor with me girl, I haven’t seen you all night.”

“You know what,” she said placing her empty drink on a table, that sounds delightful! Let’s go!”

“That’s what I’m talking about!”

Sienna and Bryce watched them from the bar.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Sienna grinned.

“Hell yeah! RAF! Get your ass over here, it’s time for this crew to get the party started.”

Tobias returned from the men’s room and saw the five of them cutting up the dance floor. He smiled seeing them all so happy, but, of course, his eyes stayed on Casey. She was beaming, she threw her head back laughing, the exact same way she did the very first time that he realized that he loved her. She was living with him, he worked with her and, still, on some days, it was hard to believe she was real. He decided to head to the bar, where he sat and watched them, careful not to make eye contact. Yeah, he was part of the crew, but they were all the OG’s, and he felt they deserved some time alone. Eventually, Bryce took a seat next to him, while Raf and the women continued laughing on the floor.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the DJ’s voice came blaring through the speakers, “we have our final dedication of the night and, oooh, it’s a heartfelt one for sure!”

Casey looked like a dear in the headlights as she locked eyes with Jackie.

“It appears someone has a secret admirer… this is being sent out to someone very special, from a guy who is just not ready to tell you yet… oh, come on man! It’s the holidays! This place is full of mistletoe! Take it from me, never give up a day you can be missing out on love. And I am not just saying that because I’m available for weddings by the way!”

The crowd rumbled with soft laughter as Jackie took Casey’s hand.

“Please, Casey. Go dance with him.”

She looked over to Tobias at the bar, he and Bryce had their backs to her.

Bryce tilted his head, “You can’t tell me that wasn’t you.”

“I don’t have to tell you anything.”

“Go ask her to dance. You went this far, take that step.”

Tobias turned around and saw her as Jackie pleaded with her on the dance floor.

“Nah, man. I don’t think…”

“Wow, and this guy picked a beauty,” the DJ finished, “someone has some real feelings going on, to that special person, here is Adele’s ‘To Make You Feel My Love’.”

The first chords of the began to play and the remaining couples began to flock to the floor, all except the one the song was intended for.

“When the rain is blowing in your face And the whole world is on your case I could offer you a warm embrace To make you feel my love”

“Casey, please,” Jackie begged, still holding her hand, “please, you know it’s for you! I know what you feel for him! Go ask him.”

“When the evening shadows and the stars appear And there is no one there to dry your tears I could hold you for a million years To make you feel my love”

Bryce shook Tobias’s shoulder.

“Bro, you’ve been in love with her forever. This is not going to go away. Don’t miss this moment, T… go!”

“I know you haven't made your mind up yet But I would never do you wrong”

“OK, if you don’t ask him, then I am. And do you really want to watch me dancing with your man…”

“He’s not my man…”

“He could be!”

“I've known it from the moment that we met No doubt in my mind where you belong”

“If you don’t ask her, I am….”

“Bryce, I just….”

“Tobias,” Jackie interrupted, as she shot Bryce a look, “would you dance with me?”

”I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue I'd go crawling down the avenue”

Bryce saw Casey pushing her way through the crowd.

“Excuse me,” he said running off in her direction.

Jackie turned to Tobias, “You know I won’t take no for an answer. Better to just give in.”

“Fine, he sighed,”

“No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do To make you feel my love”

“You’re dancing with me!” Bryce said grabbing Casey’s hand at the edge of the dance floor.

“What, I…”

“I said you’re dancing with me, come on!”

Jackie’s eyes met Bryce’s and implored him to move closer. He spun Casey around to face him just feet away.

“The storms are raging on the rolling sea And on the highway of regret”

Jackie and Bryce maneuvered so Casey and Tobias would be forced to see each other. After a couple failed attempts, their eyes locked. Bryce felt Casey’s breath hitch. Jackie noticed the split second when Tobias stopped moving. Case smiled, softly, nervously in his direction and Tobias’s eyes said all he could not bring himself to say.

“Though winds of change are throwing wild and free You ain't seen nothing like me yet”

“Go cut in. Please, Tobias,” Jackie whispered.

“Casey, you’re too smart not to see it. Go to him.”

“Jackie, I…”

“Bryce, I…”

“I could make you happy, make your dreams come true Nothing that I wouldn't do Go to the ends of the Earth for you To make you feel my love To make you feel my love”

“… I can’t.”

Tobias lowered his head and quickly made his way off the floor. Jackie’s shoulders dropped in defeat.

Casey turned to walk away, but Bryce grabbed her arm.

“No. You’re coming with me,” he said leading her to a side door.

“Bryce, what are you doing!” Casey demanded as the cold December air assaulted them.

“Casey, what are you doing? I can’t keep quiet anymore. I’ve been watching him for seven months now….”

“Seven months? What… what are you talking about?”

“Tobias! Casey, you’re brilliant! You’re a freaking diagnostician, you have to see it. He is crazy about you, don’t you see?”

“I… I…”

“Do you feel the same way about him? Because it’s time. It’s time to make it clear that you do, or it’s time to make it clear that you don’t. You can’t leave him on pause like this forever Casey.”

“What... what… Bryce, you said seven months. What are you talking about? Seven months ago I was with Ethan, and Tobias, he was all hung up on some woman that didn’t… that she….she didn’t….”

She covered her mouth and gasped.

“Yes, he was madly in love with someone.”

“Bryce? Bryce, no! She…she… wasn’t me? Was she?”

He let out a deep sigh, taking her hand in his.

“Casey, I feel like I’m betraying him right now. But you’re both my friends, and this has gone on too long. You share a home; I don’t want to see this implode… so… yes. Yes, Casey. It’s you. He is so in love with you, I have never seen anything like it.”

She stood in stunned silence as tears began to fill her eyes.

“Casey. Say something.”

“Why, why didn’t he ever tell me?”

“Well, for one thing, you were happily involved with someone else. Someone he’s friends with. He would have never interfered….”

“But we were so close, and we’d go places and… we talked about her….”

“He never wanted to lose your friendship, Casey. Even after you and Ethan were apart. He never wanted to take advantage of you, and he’s petrified of losing you. He didn’t want to fall for you, but he did. We can’t help these things. But he has the right to be happy to Casey, and pining after you forever isn’t going to let him achieve that. The two of you, you need to get some resolution here. Do you have feelings for him?”

“Yes,” she whispered, “I do.”

“Then tell him!” Bryce said frustrated, “I know you keep thinking it’s impossible that he feels that way about you, well, that barrier is gone. I’m telling you what he feels for you. So, for heaven’s sake Casey, what’s so hard! Why can’t you tell him?”

“Because I love him, Bryce!” She cried, “I love him. If I had to count on one hand the people in this world who mean the absolute most to me, he’d be on it. I never want to hurt him, and I never want to be hurt by him,” she began to sob. “Bryce, he means too much to me.”

Casey was shivering as she attempted to wipe away her tears. Bryce pulled her into a hug, rubbing her arms to warm them.

“Casey, come here. Come here. Come on, no tears.”

He took his jacket off and placed it around her shoulders.

“Casey,” he said as she stared at her feet.

He lifted her chin. “Casey, look at me.”

“Casey, no day is promised to any of us. And, in the end, the only thing we will regret is the chances we didn’t take. Sure, there are no guarantees, it could not work out. We didn’t work out but look at us here now. Have some faith that if it doesn’t work, you’d still be OK. But… Casey…. you’re so busy focusing on what will happen if it doesn’t work… but just imagine, what happens if it does?”

Casey looked at Bryce and nodded, emotion overwhelming her.

“So, what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to go ask him to dance,” she said handing him back his jacket. “I’m going to ask him to dance.”

“Atta girl! Now go quick, the party is almost over!”

“I am,” she said jogging off in her high heels.

Bryce sighed as he leaned back against the brick wall.

“If these two make it and I am not the best man, I’ll freaking kill them both,” he laughed out loud.

Casey entered the atrium and scanned the crowd for Tobias. People were leaving, but it was still very full. She didn’t see him, and her frustration was mounting. The DJ would be leaving soon, and she knew herself well enough to know that if she didn’t take this chance now, she would lose her nerve. She had to find him. After several more minutes passed, she saw him. He was by himself, leaning back on two legs of a chair in a back corner. He looked defeated. She nervously brushed off the front of her gown before approaching him. He leaned upright and smiled timidly as she neared.

“Hey, I’ve been looking for you. Where have you been?”

“I just stepped outside for some fresh air. Then I decided I needed some quiet, so I crashed here. No biggie.”

“I saw you dancing with Jackie before.”

“Yeah. I saw you dancing with Bryce,” he grinned. “I mean, she asked me, and she’s pretty persistent. You don’t… you don’t mind, do you?”

“Oh, God, no! Of course not, it’s just….”

“Just?”

“I had kind of hoped that I’d get a chance to dance with you tonight as well. Do I need to be equally as persistent?”

“No, not you, Casey. All you have to do is ask, and I believe you just did.”

“I did,” she said, biting her bottom lip.

He rose to his feet and extended his hand, “Then, may I have this dance?”

“Yes, you can.”

She took his hand and followed him to the now much smaller crowd on the dance floor, a slow ballad was winding down. They turned to each other with almost petrified grins on their faces. She threw her arms around his neck and momentarily stared down at his chest. His hands found their way to her lower back, oh, how he wanted to brush that soft velvet, but there was no way that was happening. Casey looked back up and smiled at him as they began to softly sway to the music. No words were spoken and then, the song reached its end.

“And that’s it for this evening Edenbrook family. I hope you all had a wonderful night! Now, there are taxis outside for those who need them, and you be safe getting home. Happy Holidays!”

“Are you freaking kidding me!” Casey exclaimed jumping back from Tobias. “UGH. That’s what I get,” she said shaking her head.

“Hey, Case, it’s ok, we can,” he stopped as a loud noise came from his pocket. “Ah, shit!” He pulled out his phone, “Jesus!”

“What is it?”

“Mr. Cortez he’s out of surgery but there were complications. They want me to come up right away.”

“No! Not now!! Do you want me to come?”

His face grimaced in frustration as he shook his head.

“No. No, hon, this one could be an all-nighter. Why don’t you get a car home?”

Casey lowered her eyes almost crying.

“I guess. Are you sure? I don’t mind waiting up for you, if…”

He brushed her cheek. “Just go home and get some sleep, Casey. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, T,” she smiled as she let out a soft breath.

“Good night, Casey. I really better go.”

“I know, I know… go ahead.”

Casey watched Tobias as he jogged down the hall. What, she wondered, do we do now?

Permatags: @adiehardfan @barbean @binny1985 @bluebelle08

@bluerosesbloom @brokenmemoriesblog @charisworld @custaroonie @everybodyscreamsposts @izzyourresidentlawyer @jamespotterthefirst @jennieausten @kachrisberry @kalinahonore @lady-calypso @liaromancewriter @mia143 @mjlbwork @mm2305 @phoenixrising308 @pixelberrygirl @schnitzelbutterfingers @secretaryunpaid @shewillreadyou @shygirl4295 @thegreentwin @txfledglingscribe @wanderingamongthewildflowers

OH Tags: @aishwarya26 @alina-yol-ramsey @chaoticchopshopheart @choicesaddict5 @coffeeheartaddict2 @dorisz @imma-too-many-fandoms @lucy-268 @panda9584 @parisa-kh @queencarb @swiminthegarden @toadfrog26 @youlookappropriate

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

DTI Tags: @animesuck3r @books-biscuits-and-bitches @delicialola16-blog @dottie-minerva-mikas @gardeningourmet @katrinegrey @larsterz More tags in comments

95 notes · View notes