Spur-of-the-moment OC.

[parapraxis]

I think it's sweet that you want to spend some time in my world, but did you have to do this just before a weekend? All you're going to have to write about is a broken hospital elevator, wine and this marathon of The Simpsons.

You should've gone with Donna. The men in her life are much better looking.

Comments

[harbert]

Hopefully all it will be is a broken hospital elevator.

[parapraxis]

I just take the stairs. It's good exercise.

[harbert]

I do both, depends on how soon I want to return to my office.

[parapraxis]

You don't seem like the kind of guy who runs away. [A playful smile.]

[harbert]

Not running if you are taking your time towards it.

[parapraxis]

Whatever you say, handsome. [Chuckles.] Can I get you anything? Cream soda? Copy of my billables?

[harbert]

[Oh, okay. A flirt. He smiled at that.]

What are your billables?

[parapraxis]

Actually I'm on salary, but I document all my hours anyway. It helps to know where the money's going. [So she hands him the binder that details every claim she's evaluated over the entire month. She's efficient.]

[harbert]

I have to say I am impressed.

[parapraxis]

[A shrug.] It's just good business. The hospital's resources should be going to patients, not to court cases.


...My ex-husband is a doctor.

[harbert]

So you know how hard doctors work.

[parapraxis]

I was married to one for 14 years.

[harbert]

That's a good amount of time. You said ex? So things didn't work out?

[parapraxis]

[Shakes her head.] We just grew apart. We're still friends.


What about you? Anyone in your life?

[harbert]

Not anymore no.

[parapraxis]

I'm sorry to hear that. As much as it opens the door for me to flirt with you.

[harbert]

[That does make him laugh because he can appreciate bluntness.]

Thank you.

[parapraxis]

You're welcome. [She smiles and extends a perfectly manicured hand.] Avery Rowell, resident counsel for a hospital my mun hasn't bothered to name yet.

[harbert]

Ed Harbert CEO of Angels Memorial hospital. [He smiles and takes her hand gently.]

[parapraxis]

It's a pleasure to meet you. Can I get you a drink, or would you consider that trying to butter up the boss?

[harbert]

I think a drink is doable. We'll see if there's any buttering up.

[parapraxis]

Well then pull up a chair, Ed. [Avery has a mini fridge in her office with a half-dozen kinds of soda inside.] What's your choice of caffeinated beverage?

[harbert]

Cream soda sounds good.

[parapraxis]

Consider it done. [She hands him the can before opening one of her own and moving to the couch in her office. Leaning up to playfully loosen his tie for him.] And relax, we're off the clock.

[harbert]

You'll find I rarely relax. [He chuckles softly however and made room for her.]