Friday night the gang meets up just outside the front doors of the hospital. There are a few doctors and nurses I recognize and several I don't. We divide up in to three cars of five each and head out. No one really knows where we are going except for Paul and he is driving the lead vehicle. We leave the base in a caravan and eventually end up at The Shire.
"Do you guys come here often?" I ask in surprise.
First I have never even heard of this place and now I am brought here the only two times I haves gone out with folks from base.
"No. This place has been here for awhile, but it's hard to get into. Paul made reservations." smiles a blond nurse from the front seat.
I have not worked with her before, and even without trying I sense that this young woman is interested in Doctor Paul. Good. Maybe she can keep him busy so he won't try and hit on me.
The place is almost as packed as the last time I was there. The group struggles to stay together as we force our way inside. It was definitely harder that walking in with the Colonel. We push and bump and finally make it to the bar.
There are three empty stools and fifteen people in the group. The blond nurse jumps up on one of the stools and waves Paul over. He moves toward the bar to order a round of drinks. The nurse tries to wrap her legs around Paul's backside but is blocked when he pulls a few of the group in toward them.
'Sweet Home Alabama' is piping through the place and I decide it might be best to head for the dance floor and get some breathing space. I can get a drink later although it is doubtful that there will be any more space then either. I hit the dance floor and start to sway and move to the beat. This is one of my favorite songs.
There are quite a few people dancing but not enough where it is uncomfortable. The night is still young. Paul wanted to make sure we got here early so that none of us would be turned away due to crowd control. I focus on the music and relaxing my body. I close my mind to everyone and everything else and just enjoy the here and now alone with no thoughts.
Dancing around, something catches my eye. It's the table where I sat just a few weeks ago. It is currently occupied by the Colonel and he is not alone. The Colonel is leaning back with both his arms stretched out resting on the top of the booth. A trampy looking brunette is snuggling up to him, nearly sitting on his lap. The Colonel's face is expressionless. I curse to myself. I didn't intend to look that way and I shouldn't care that he is not alone. Why does it bother me? I silently curse again and turn quickly to rejoin my group before being spotted.
Most of the hospital group is now scattered throughout the place. I near the bar to order a drink just as the bartender turns and places a beer, a shot, and a napkin directly in front of me. Before I can question him, the bartender has moved down the line to another customer. I pick up the shot and notice that the napkin has something written on it. Upon closer inspection, I see that it is not just the bar logo, it's a note.
"Restrooms five minutes"
This has to be another one of the Colonel's little messages. Urg. He saw me. I down the shot and most of the beer, and wipe my mouth off with the back of my hand. I adjust myself and head back to meet the Colonel.
There are four doors located down the hallway, two on the right, one on the left, and one straight ahead. The first door is the men's restroom, then the ladies. At the end is the kitchen. The forth door is not labeled. I lean against the wall between the two restroom doors and notice the Colonel walking straight toward me in a brisk manner. I open my mouth to speak but stop when he grabs my hand and pulls me behind him toward the mystery door. He opens the door, swings me in, and closes the door. I am feeling like a rag doll being tossed about.
We are standing in a very large room that looks almost like an office but more like a hunting lodge. There are wood paneled walls. A fireplace is set across from a couch and some other chairs. There is a large wood desk and several tall wood file cabinets way in the back. One wall is completely shelved and filled with books. This room is probably the size of my whole house.
I lean against the door and turn to look at the Colonel trying to get some idea of what we are doing here. His places his hands on each side of my face and he kisses me. It is a brief kiss but passionate. I just stand there with my hands at my sides. I am not sure what just happened. The Colonel smiles which gives me the gift of one of his rare smiles. It seems genuine.
"Mmm. I've been waiting to do that." He says casually walking toward the couch and sitting down.
I stood there motionless and speechless. He turns and looks at me.
"Aren't you going to join me?" He pats the couch next to him.
Like a dog, I follow his command walking over and sitting on the couch. I am careful not to sit too close to him. I am still not sure what game it is we are playing this time.
"Um, what am I doing here?"
"You're enjoying my company." Did he just make a joke? The Colonel is acting very weird I start thinking, but his words interrupt my thoughts.
"Actually, I am surprised to see you here tonight."
