A quick glance at her watch confirmed what Jess already knew: Kim was in the department for noon conference. She was lecturing the first-years. She should be done by now. Just go out and say hello. That's what a friend would do. Jess still resisted.
Her emotional insecurities plagued her. As much as she wanted to see Kim, past experience reared its ugly head and made her leery. Jess did not trust her own judgment. Myra had made her extremely gun-shy. Right from the start, Myra had not understood the need to keep their professional and personal lives separate.
You're not dating Kim. Besides, she has already proven she's not like that. She hasn't been down here trying to be your best buddy at work. You haven't seen her all week, Jess's more logical side reminded.
A knock on the door interrupted her musings. "Come in," Jess said.
The door swung open and the focus of all her thoughts stood in the doorway. Surprised pleasure showered Jess at the sight. It was like unexpectedly coming around a corner and finding a beautiful rainbow painting the sky in vivid hues.
"Hi, Dr. McKenna. Got a minute?" Kim asked.
Jess was surprised by the use of her title until she spotted the two residents conversing in the hall just outside her door. See, she's not even using your first name, because there's a chance of someone overhearing her. She knows no one calls you Jess at work.
Jess stood and came around her desk. With a friendly smile, she said, "Sure. Come on in."
Kim smiled and stepped inside, then pushed the door shut behind her.
"What's up?" Jess asked. "Is there a problem with the residents?"
"No." Kim glanced over at the pile of charts on Jess's desk. "I don't want to interrupt if you're busy." She hesitated. "This is more personal than professional."
Springing to alert, Jess's defenses slammed up before she even had a chance to think about it. Her cool and distant ER chief persona came to the fore.
"I am bothering you," Kim said. "I'll go." Resignation dripped from her voice.
You're overreacting. Give her a chance. Jess's gaze darted to Kim's face. Worry and disappointment were easy to read. Now look what you did!
Three quick steps brought her over to Kim. Without conscious thought, she reached out and gently put her hand on Kim's shoulder. "Wait. Don't go." Jess motioned toward the couch. "Have a seat. As long as I don't get paged, I've got time."
Kim still looked uncertain but at Jess's reassuring smile finally moved toward the couch and sat down.
Jess joined her. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
"I was just wondering if you and Thor were going jogging tomorrow morning? I thought if you wouldn't mind, I'd join you."
"Oh." Jess's expression fell. Damn. It would have been fun to go jogging with her again. "I'm sorry. I already have plans for tomorrow."
The words had barely left Jess's mouth and Kim was on her feet.
"Maybe some other time," Kim said. Her tone said something totally different. She headed for the door.
An unaccustomed feeling of anxiety gripped Jess. You're screwing this up! She stood. "What about tonight?" Jess asked before Kim could open the office door.
Kim turned to look at Jess. "You want to go jogging tonight?"
Jess shook her head. "Not really." Swallowing nervously, Jess forged ahead before she could lose her nerve. She offered the first thing that popped into her head. "Could I interest you in going to see Colleen Bryce's new movie?"
The brilliant smile that lit up Kim's face made Jess's heart pound. Ah, that's more like it.
"Oh! I love her Deven Masters movies. Who can resist a take-charge kind of woman? Much less a gorgeous one who wears leather," Kim said, her expression going dreamy.
Jess's libido stood up and took notice. She didn't know what happy place Kim had just disappeared to, but she would sure as hell love to join her there. Down girl! None of that.
It was time to steer the conversation back to safer waters. "We could stop and get some dinner first. I know a good Mexican restaurant not far from the theater." Now that sounds like we're making a date. A sliver of apprehension touched Jess. She forced away the almost automatic response.
"That sounds great. I love Mexican." Kim gave Jess a knowing look. "Dutch treat, of course."
How does she do that? Jess was not used to anyone being able to read her quite so easily. Pushing that thought aside to contemplate at a later time, Jess turned her attention to the here and now. She was already looking forward to an enjoyable evening spent in Kim's company.
* * *
Twinkling white lights and colorful decorations were hung around the restaurant's large patio. The area resounded with the sounds of conversation and laughter. Muted strains of mariachi music from inside the restaurant added to the festive air.
Kim sat at the outside bar, sipping a glass of wine while waiting for a table. Since the restaurant didn't accept reservations, she had offered to head for the eatery and secure a table while Jess made a quick trip home to take care of Thor.
While making the plans on where to meet, it had been a pleasant surprise to learn that the condo she was renting was only twenty minutes away from Jess's home. It made the logistics of doing things together that much easier, especially taking Thor into consideration.
Jess's initial reaction to her overture this afternoon had, at the time, filled Kim with doubt that she would be spending any more time with Jess outside of work. Happy that she hadn't scared Jess off with her emotional breakdown on their last outing, she silently vowed this time would be different. No matter what, no tears this time.
Feeling a presence behind her back, Kim smiled. She knew who it was before she even turned around.
"Hey, Jess," Kim said as she turned to face her. Kim took a moment to admire the dark blue sweater Jess had added over her shirt. It deepened the color of her already striking blue eyes.
"Hi." Jess reached past Kim and snagged a tortilla chip from the basket on the bar. "Sorry. I'm starving. I didn't get any lunch."
"Help yourself." Kim pushed a bowl of salsa closer to Jess. "I think I've already had half a basket." Moving over on the bar stool, Kim made room for Jess to squeeze in next to her at the crowded bar. "Get Thor all settled?"
Jess nodded, her mouth full.
Kim grinned, pleased by Jess's relaxed attitude. The pager Kim had been given when she arrived at the restaurant began to flash. "Table's ready. Let's eat."
* * *
Kim pushed her plate away with a satisfied sigh.
"Was it okay?" Jess asked.
"It was wonderful. I spent the year I was in Detroit looking for a good Mexican restaurant. I tried quite a few of them, but nothing even came close to comparing to this meal."
Jess smiled. "Well, that sure won't be a problem around here."
Conversation had been sporadic during dinner, confined to the weather and neutral topics. The interspersed silences had been comfortable ones as they each concentrated on the meal.
Now that they had relaxed and eaten, Kim allowed her curiosity to come to the fore. She was still feeling a little emotionally exposed after their previous outing. Not only had she shared with Jess her less than stellar experiences at Memorial Medical, but her family's lack of support as well.
Kim hoped to not only learn more about Jess but share more positive aspects of her own life with Jess. Although she would rather talk about something besides work, it was a major part of both their lives. It's a good place to start.