Linda informed me that she had already called the coroner for body pickup, and I couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over me, knowing that it was one less task to handle. All I wanted was to escape the chaotic ER and leave that horrible shift behind as quickly as possible. My hands trembled with anxiety, and I struggled to breathe enough air to properly fill my lungs. I hoped nobody noticed as I tried to focus on making a swift getaway. I needed to immerse myself in an abundance of alcohol or drugs or both, really anything to numb my fear.
Jake and I made our way to the nearest bar just a few blocks from the hospital, where it had a couple of early morning stragglers. Just what I needed: some daytime debauchery to help me forget the last twelve hours, even if only for a little while.
My eyes were instantly captivated by a striking man around my age, dressed in an elegant suit, seated at the bar. His rugged five o'clock shadow only added to his allure, while his engrossment in his phone presented a thrilling opportunity to steal his attention. Effortlessly sliding onto a bar stool with a couple of seats between us, I casually ordered a Grey Goose on the rocks from the attentive bartender. Meanwhile, my best friend, Jake, had strategically positioned himself at the video poker machines, gripping a frosty beer as he navigated through the game with remarkable speed.
As I took the initial refreshing sip, I instinctively grabbed my phone, scanning emails while aware of the suited man's stare. Eager not to miss any crucial messages from the agency regarding additional documents for California, our next assignment, I had ensured that I looked presentable before sitting down - applying lipstick and giving my hair an extra fluff to enhance my appearance despite wearing scrubs. After enduring a taxing shift, all I desired was a thrilling escape to lose myself in entirely.
"Hey there, beautiful," he initiated. "Oh God, I sincerely hope he's not a complete douchebag," I thought. Lifting my eyes, I was pleasantly surprised to find him strikingly attractive - dark hair, light eyes, and a powerful jawline that exuded masculinity. Clad in an evidently costly steel-gray suit that appeared to be made of cashmere, he was absolutely my kind of guy.
"Hey there," I casually replied. He looked to be quite the health-conscious type, likely eating well, and working out, and didn't seem to be under the influence of any mood-altering substances at the moment. He slid onto the barstool beside me, leaning in to inquire about my name. "Shell," I answered, feigning disinterest as I glanced away, though I doubt I was very convincing. Oddly enough, I was drawn to share my given name with the charming stranger, a rarity when I do the dirty things I wanted to do with him. "Shell. I like it. I'm Trey. So nice to meet you." Extending his hand to me, I reciprocated, and he held onto it longer than any other handshake I've ever encountered to this day.
Eventually releasing his grip, Trey questioned what brought me to a bar so early in the morning. In return, I quipped that I could ask him the same thing. Then, to avoid coming across as bitchy, I laughed and responded to his query. Unexpectedly, I found myself wanting this mysterious man's approval. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, I chose not to hold back. Really, what would have been the point?
"I'm a travel nurse, just wrapped up my shift in the ER at the hospital." I must confess that I was immediately incredibly fascinated by this stranger. He radiated undeniable confidence and, much to my delight, no wedding ring adorned Mr. Cashmere's finger-point for him.
"Just stepped off a flight from Denver myself, been chatting with Al," he gestured toward the bartender, casually sipping what seemed to be a dark, hard liquor straight up. "You really are an enchanting beauty," he whispered gently, gazing deep into my eyes as if peering into my very soul. A sudden warmth enveloped me, causing my nipples to stand erect and heat to pool between my thighs.
Attempting to hide my blush, I prayed he remained oblivious while he began inching even closer till he was nearly seated in my lap. His melodious voice was a captivating lullaby that ensnared me indefinitely. "I know you probably get this all the time but believe me when I say I'm not just another asshole hanging out in a bar. I genuinely want to get to know you, Shell. You are truly everything," he passionately whispered, his eyes appreciating every detail of my body.
"Can I share a secret?" I inquired, taking a lengthy swig of my amnesia elixir. "Think of me as your private confidant. I swear I won't tell a soul," he confidently declared, placing his hand on his chest. "Alright," I grinned at his endearing action and leaned close to whisper into his ear. "I'm not interested in being just friends," I disclosed, then reclined back onto the stool, indulging in another sip while focusing my eyes straight ahead as if I'd merely complimented his tie.
His excitement was palpable, but he played it cool. "If you're not busy, maybe we can find something fun to do together. How does that sound?". Washing down a few painkillers with Grey Goose vodka, I braced myself to let go of all restraint. My goal? To erase the past twelve hours and any chance of being a murderer from my mind. I wanted to pretend I was not a wife and mother with responsibilities five hundred miles away and vows to another man. I wanted to forget that I might have accidentally killed a patient. My only desire was to become someone else for a little while.
I thought the captivating stranger and the concoction of vodka and painkillers might just be the answer. Spotting my empty glass, he signaled Al to refill it, gesturing toward the premium vodka perched on the shimmering shelf. Drawing attention to my vacant glass, his left index finger playfully traced its rim. As he placed his right hand high upon my left thigh, he exerted a gentle squeeze yet never broke eye contact with Al, engrossed in their conversation.
