L.A. Metro

CHAPTER 6

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF a lull in the action in the ER, Kim made her way to the cafeteria. It was hard to believe that tomorrow was the last day of her rotation. The two weeks had passed quickly. While she enjoyed working with psych patients in group sessions, in the past she found that she frequently missed the fast pace of the ER once she returned to psych.

Kim picked up a tray and began to make her selections. When the serving line started to bunch up, she noticed Cindy, one of the ER nurses just ahead of her. She was talking to another woman Kim didn't recognize.

The women were engrossed in their conversation and appeared unaware of her approach. As she moved closer she couldn't help but overhear their conversation.

"You should have seen Dr. Archer when his girlfriend showed up and bitched him out. Right in the middle of the waiting room too. Oh, man!"

Cindy laughed. "We haven't had that kind of fireworks in the ER since Dr. McKenna's ex stormed right up to her at the nurses' station and gave us all an earful."

Kim winced. Poor Jess. She must have been humiliated. Maybe that's why her interactions with her staff are so guarded. Sure can't blame her.

The nurse shook her head. "No way. McKenna's got an ex?"

"Shocked me too. But it's true," Cindy said. "Now this was awhile back, almost two years ago. Haven't seen or heard about her dating anyone since. Though after what I heard that day, I couldn't blame her. Phew, talk about more than you wanted to know about someone. I always thought she was stuck-up, but if even half of what her ex said about her is true it's —"

Anger surged through Kim. She pushed her tray forward and bumped it into Cindy's with enough force to jolt the other woman's tray. "Excuse me."

She had been feeling a bit guilty about eavesdropping, but it wasn't as if the women were trying to keep their conversation private. Despite her desire to learn more about Jess, this wasn't right. These women were professionals. They should not be gossiping in the cafeteria as if they were in high school.

Cindy turned. "Hey! Oh... Dr. Donovan. " A light blush spread across her face. Cindy's eyes darted over to her friend and then quickly back to Kim.

Kim resisted the urge to glare at the women. "I hope this isn't how you usually spend your lunch break, ladies." That's right. I heard every word.

Cindy's face flushed, this time with anger. "It was a private conversation."

"No. It's wasn't." Kim struggled to keep her own temper. "There are people everywhere. And you weren't being quiet about it. I'm sure Dr. McKenna would not appreciate you gossiping about her — period. Much less doing so in the cafeteria where anyone, possibly even a patient, could hear you."

Cindy's expression changed swiftly from anger to panic. She jerked her tray off the counter and hurried away. Her friend quickly followed.

That's when Kim became aware of the presence behind her. She had been so focused on the two women that she had not realized that someone had walked up. She turned and came face to face with a stern-faced Jess.

A vivid blush burned across Kim's face. Great. How much did she hear? Kim knew she had not done anything wrong, but she was embarrassed by the situation, nonetheless.

Deciding to take the bull by the horns so to speak, Kim met Jess's gaze directly. She moved a bit closer to Jess and lowered her voice. "I hope I didn't overstep myself with your nurse? I just didn't think you'd appreciate her gossiping like that in such a public place."

"No, you didn't. Cindy is one of the worst offenders in ER when it comes to spreading rumors." Jess shrugged. "As far as gossip in general goes, I think it's unavoidable. As I'm sure you know, working in a hospital can be like living in a fishbowl. I try to ignore it. Doing anything else just seems to encourage it."

Kim could sense Jess's frustration despite her words. "I know what you mean, but in this case they were being so blatant about it I just couldn't keep quiet."

A resigned smile crossed Jess's face. "While I appreciate the sentiment, it's not necessary. I'm well aware of the things said about me."

Doesn't make it right or any less hurtful. Kim sighed in frustration. Although this wasn't the time or place to do so, she wanted so badly to reach out to Jess and comfort her. At the same time, she knew the gesture was not something Jess would ever acknowledge or accept. In fact, it would most likely drive her away.

A group of people came up behind Jess effectively ending their conversation.

Kim finished choosing her food and headed for the cashier. She waited for Jess to finish paying for her selections.

"Want to share a table?" Kim asked when Jess was done. This was a good chance to get to talk to Jess away from the hub-bub of the ER.

Jess hesitated and just for a moment Kim thought she was going to agree.

"Sorry, I can't. I have to get back to the residents," Jess said.

Kim wondered if it was just an excuse not to have lunch with her. What do you expect? You know how she is about keeping people at arm's length. After hearing just the little bit Cindy said, she most likely has a damn good reason for that attitude.

"Okay. I'll see you later in the ER," Kim said.

With a quick wave, Jess made for the exit.

Knowing what she did now, Kim wondered if she would ever get more than just a glimpse of the real woman beneath Jess's formidable ER chief persona.