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Jack hated paperwork. One of the downsides of being an attending was he had a lot of it.
He still had over half a shift left, and he swore his eyes were starting to cross as he tabbed between charts and insurance forms. It didn’t help the stool at the computer terminal was only marginally more comfortable than standing all day.
“I found something interesting earlier.”
Jack glanced up to see Ellis casually leaning against the nurses’ station next to him.
“Hmm, and what’s that?” He squinted at the next form. What was the font size on this? Maybe it was time to get his own readers instead of stealing Robby’s in a pinch.
“Dr. Virginia Williams: Robby & Jack — next appointment Tuesday, 6:00 p.m.”
Jack’s head snapped up to see the offending appointment card twirling in Ellis’ hands.
“Didn’t know there was trouble in paradise, boss,” she continued innocently.
“Give me that.” Jack snatched the card out of her hands, reddening. He did not blush. Maybe it was getting hot in here.
“Don’t be like that. I’m proud of you working on your relationship.”
“You’re fired.”
“Sure,” She nodded agreeably. Too agreeably.
Jack groaned, dragging a hand through his hair.
“What do you want to keep this between us?”
“I’m offended you don’t think I can keep my mouth shut without bribery. Although," Ellis paused, looking contemplative, "I could win a good amount of money. I think the pot’s up to four figures now.”
“The pot on what?” Jack’s eye was going to start twitching.
“When you and Robinavitch stop making eyes and finally do something about it.”
“We’re not — it’s not like that,” Jack hissed.
“You’ve got to be kidding. So you’re going to couples counseling and you’re not even getting laid.” Ellis shook her head. “You really are a masochist.”
“It’s a long story.” Jack muttered, glancing around. Luckily it seemed like everyone else was actually focusing on doing their jobs. What a novel concept.
“Seriously though, what do you even do in therapy if you’re still this repressed?”
“This is going to be less funny when I fire you for real.” Jack shot her what he thought was a very serious look. Ellis still looked unimpressed.
Back when he was a resident, he’d had a healthy respect for his attendings. What was this world coming to?
“You’d never fire me. I’m your favorite.”
“You’re really testing that theory. And what do you mean ‘finally do something about it’? I’m setting the record straight, there’s nothing to do anything about.” Was she really trying to imply to whole ED was betting on him and Robby getting together? Absurd.
“You’re lucky you’re so pretty, boss.” She gave him a condescending pat on the cheek.
“And you’re lucky I’m not on speaking terms with HR.”
“Have fun Tuesday. Word of advice — maybe start making more of an effort. You could try flowers. All my girlfriends liked when I got them flowers.”
"I'm sure Robby would love being called the girlfriend in this situation."
"Oh I'm sure he would," Ellis smirked.
Jack flipped her off.
“Ok, some of us have to work around here,” Ellis sighed, like he was the one bothering her, “I got a dislocation calling my name.”
Ellis was really lucky she was his favorite resident.