Charlotte Hensen

    I've been on edge the whole day and its all because I'm having drinks tonight with my colleagues and Braxton. I know it'll be fine, its just the setting. I don't like bars or nightclubs. The noise, drinking and dancing, it's just not me. Taking a deep breath I change out of my work uniform and into my usual outfit of dark skinny jeans and simple dark red sweater.

I leave my hair up and just as I slide my boots on, Allison comes into the locker room. "Hey, girl. You ready? Braxton is here." She states, smiling widely.

"Almost. You go keep him company. I'll be right out." I reply, smiling back.

At least Allison will keep Braxton busy. Its almost like having an obligation to play the hostess to Braxton. That means introducing him and making sure he's having a pleasant time. Its hard enough trying to include myself in the group, now I have Braxton to worry about.

Sighing, I pick up my purse, steeling myself for the night that lays ahead. Stepping out into the hallway I notice Braxton right away. He's standing directly across from the door watching me intently.

    My eyes scan him briefly, he's wearing dark jeans with a white v-neck t-shirt and a black sports jacket. I see him in casual clothes all the time outside of the office, but it never fails to amaze me how he can still look so rich and powerful in such simple attire.

"Sorry, I didn't realize we were meeting here." I apologize.

"Peter told me he dropped you off at work this morning. I figured you'd need a ride." He explains.

"Thanks." I nod, truly needing the lift.

"I need a ride too. Do you mind?" Allison asks, sweetly.

Watching Braxton's eyes heat with irritation I give him a weak apologetic smile.

    Braxton stays at my side until we get to his black Porsche Cheyenne, no doubt using me as a buffer between himself and Allison. He opens the passenger side door and we both watch as Allison walks forward slipping past me. "Thank you." She purrs, oblivious to his growing frustration. He quickly opens the back door for me. I mouth, "Sorry." Knowing he wanted to avoid Allison's attention. He nods in understanding.

Braxton closes my door and Allison turns towards me as he walks around the car. "Can you get a ride home with someone else? I want him to take me home, if you know what I mean." She adds, winking.

I almost wince knowing her hopes are going to be dashed by the end of the night. "Yeah, I'll call a cab."

"You're the best." She states, sounding relieved and happy.

Braxton gets in the car and Allison immediately starts chatting about the car and asking questions about his day. He answers each question patiently until we arrive at the bar. I feel bad for not being honest with Allison yesterday, regarding Braxton. Hopefully, Allison finds someone else tonight. As it is, I don't think he's likely to forgive me.

    Walking into the bar I notice a group of nurses I work with and head towards them. Although, I rarely go out with my co-workers we're all friendly and know a lot about each other. Working such long hours you inevitably develop close relationships. Pulling out an empty chair I sit down, placing my purse under my seat. Braxton sits next to me and Allison slides into the chair beside him.
"You came!" Stella yells, obviously a few martini's in.

I smile at her slurred words. "Yep."

"Its going to be a great night! Doctor Swingslow's coming!" She yells, emphasizing Swingslow.

Knowing exactly who she's taking about because most of the nurses call Dr. Winslow by this nickname. "Really?" I respond, not actually caring.

Laura another coworker leans across the table and whispers. "Yep, and hopefully later tonight we'll both be coming."

My mouth drops open and I giggle at her forwardness.

"I invited him and he said yes!" She states, excitedly. Laura's had a crush on the doctor for awhile, as do most of the nurses and probably all of his patients.

"That's awesome." I respond, as I see her eyes land on Braxton and widen. "Oh, I'm sorry. This is Braxton Greco, a family friend. Braxton, this is Laura."

"Its nice to meet you, Laura." Braxton replies, while Laura continues to gawk.

"Dr. Swingslow? I thought it was Winslow?" Allison asks, Stella. Clearly lost on the nickname.

Snapping out of it she turns to answer Allison. "It is, but he's very well...endowed." She explains, holding her hands apart.

We all laugh until someone hushes us, we all turn to see the beloved doctor walking towards the table. The waitress stops next to Braxton's chair getting my attention. "What can I get you?" She inquires, politely.

"Two Sam Adams." He orders and turns his body towards me. "That's what you want, right?"

"Yes, thank you." I reply, as the waitress takes the rest of the tables drink order.

"Did you eat dinner?" He questions, sitting back in his chair.

"No, not yet." I answer.

"Do you want to eat something here? Or stop on the way home?"

Remembering Allison's plan I glance behind him to see her listening intently. She quickly leans into Braxton's back and asks, "Charlie, will you come with me to the bathroom?"

"Sure." I reply. "Excuse me." I say, to Braxton.

Standing up Allison smiles at me as she takes my hand. We walk to the bathrooms, stopping just outside of them.
"I'm such an idiot. He's into you! Why didn't you say something?" She questions, clearly embarrassed.

"Who? Braxton?" I question, knowing he's the person she's referring to but need time to formulate a response.

"Yes, Braxton. I feel like a complete moron now. I think its how you treat him, I didn't see it before." She states, shaking her head.

"You have it all wro-" I start to say, but stop. This is the only way I can get Braxton off the hook. I shrug bashfully instead.

"You're so lucky! I guess I have to try my luck with Doctor Swings-low." She jokes, shaking her head.

As we make our way back to the table I say, "Only if you want your hair pulled out by Laura. she's quite fond of the doctor." I feel Braxton's eyes on me like I always do and make sure to keep my eyes averted. I know he isn't interested in me, he respects my grandfather too much for that. I'm sure my grandfather tasked him with the job of taking care of me tonight, but his appraisal still makes me anxious.

    He stands up when we get to the table and pulls out my chair. Sitting back down I pick up my beer taking a hearty gulp. My grandfather may like his expensive 100 year old scotch, but I'll take a pint of lager any day.

"I ordered appetizers. Those cheese sticks you like and fries."

"Oh, that sounds great. Thanks." I reply, appreciative of his thoughtfulness. My mouth is already watering. My biggest food addiction is mozzarella sticks with ranch dressing.

    Looking around the table I notice Doctor Winslow sitting across from Braxton. Stella is basically trying to get in his lap, while Laura glares at them and Allison is talking his ear off. Our eyes meet and I give him a amused but sympathetic smile. I'm sure no man wants a drunk woman trying to get in his lap while another begs for his attention. He definitely looks uncomfortable.

"I was surprised when Stella told me you were coming." He mentions, leaning forward to stop Stella's advancements.

"I usually don't, but it's Allison's first week here. I wanted to come." I explain.

"Yes, I see that you're becoming friends." He responds, glancing quickly at Allison and then back at me.

"Yep, she great." I reply, as Braxton's arm goes around my back resting on my chair.

"I don't believe we've been introduced, I'm Doctor Ryan Winslow." He introduces himself to Braxton as I sit further up in my chair. "Are you a friend of Charlie's?"

"Yes." Braxton replies simply.

    Lifting my glass I bring it to my mouth I drink greedily feeling uncomfortable with how Dr. Winslow is glaring at Braxton's arm. When the mozzarella sticks and fries are set in front of me I forget about the awkwardness and reach for the deep fried goodness, dipping it in the ranch cup. After the first bite I realize I didn't offer any to Braxton and slide the basket towards him. "Want some?"

He picks up a fry and we finish the rest of the food quickly. When the waitress comes around to take orders for more drinks I feel Braxton lean towards me. "Do you want to leave?"

Looking up I see Dr. Winslow still watching us. "Yes, please." Braxton stands up pulling out my chair for me. "Bye, guys. See you at work." I tell the table, as I hug Allison goodbye and wave to a dejected looking Stella.

    Walking towards the exit I have to stop suddenly when someone walks in front of me, which causes the front of Braxton's body to bump against the back of mine. His hand comes to my hip to steady me and his fingers brush against a sliver of exposed skin.

    My heart feel like its going to jump out of my throat. When the man finally passes us I start walking again and his hand drops. We walk to his car in silence, goosebumps still tingling on my skin.

    At the car Braxton holds the door open and I climb in. Taking a few deep breaths I try to calm my racing heart. It was nothing, Charlie. It was an innocent touch, nothing more.

Braxton gets behind the wheel and starts the engine. "Are you still hungry."

"No, I'm fine. Thanks." I tell him honestly.

He starts the car and pulls into traffic. We're about a mile from home when he breaks the silence. "That Doctor is interested in you." He states, his tone thick with accusation.

"Yeah, that was strange. He's never even spoken to me except to inquire about a patient." I reply, truthfully. Thinking over my past interactions with the Doctor. He's never hinted at anything, or maybe I just didn't pick it up.

"You noticed though?" He asks, confused. His head quickly turning to scan my face.

"Yeah, he was kind of obvious." I reply, not understanding his confusion.

"Yeah, he was." He chuckles, I can almost feel the vibration of his laugh.

    Pulling up to my grandfathers house I thank him, while opening the door. He cuts off the engine and gets out as well. I wait for him, thinking he might be sleeping here. He does that occasionally, since it's fifty minutes to get back to the city.

We walk to the house and I use my keys to unlock the door.

"Are you staying the night?" I ask, opening the door. When he doesn't follow me I turn to look at him.

"Are you asking me to stay?" He questions, his voice low and intense.

I tilt my head to the side, looking at him. "Only if you want to. I know its a long drive back to the city and its late. You can stay in the room you usually use." I respond.

His ridged stance changes and he shakes his head. "It's not too far. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay, thanks again." I wave and shut the door. Walking tiredly into the house, I peek in grandpa's study smelling the sweet fragrance of a cigar. "You smoked a cigar." I accuse.

"No, only half a cigar." He corrects me, smiling mischievously.

I groan, crossing my arms. "What am I going to do with you?"

"Tell me you love me and go to bed. You look tired, Charlie."

"Alright, but you're getting off light. Love you. No more smoking." I demand, pointing my finger at him.

His hand raises in salute, "Scouts honor."

I roll my eyes. "You were never a scout." I blow him a kiss and walk up the stairs.