Chapter 7 Nerves galore

Elise

As I arrived, parking on the street as we had discussed, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. One thought kept running through my head...Is this a date or just an ‘I’m sorry for spilling coffee on you,’ get together? If this was a date, having seen the tattoo on her wrist I had to wonder, I haven’t been on a date since high school. Even worse, I’ve never been on a date with a woman, although I’ve certainly realized a long time ago that I am not interested in males. I’ve never had any attraction other than friendship or caring toward a male, but of course I tried to play the game during high school to fit in. For whatever reason, petite, intelligent females with a sense of humor just turn me on. I have no idea why I was so attracted to Kameron, but I certainly was. What if this isn’t a date and I go into it thinking it is? Thank goodness I arrived early so I could get my nerves under control before I met Kam for our meal. I turned off the ignition on my truck, sat back with my head against the headrest, closed my eyes, and took a few deep breaths. In through my nose and slowly out through my mouth, and repeat. I opened my eyes and saw I still had about ten minutes until I would be fashionably early

and not just creepy. I decided to enter the restaurant and use the restroom quickly. After using the facilities I washed my hands and took one final look at myself in the full length mirror. Unseasonably warm temperatures had prompted me to pull most of my hair back in a chignon with just a few wispies left down and curled to frame my face. My dark brown eyes were outlined with black, waterproof eyeliner, naturally long and dark eyelashes curled to frame my eyes, and just a touch of gold eye shadow brought out the deep, rich brown of my eyes. My peach colored satin chemise with lace across the top showed just a hint of cleavage. Fitted blue jeans, fringed, leather boots the same peach color as my chemise, and a sheer navy blue button up shirt that was unbuttoned but tied at the waist. Shaking my head slightly, I saw my gold and diamond stud earrings shimmer. I couldn’t think of a time in recent history that I’ve looked better, so I smiled, and headed out the door to wait in front of the restaurant for Kam.

Kameron

What was I thinking asking her out? I’m not even sure I’m over Ashley yet, and what a nightmare that was. There is a year of my life I’ll never get back. As I step out of the shower and dry off, I continue to think of our interaction by the vending machines when I was at lunch. I was so surprised I actually asked her for her phone number, and so happy. Not sure what it is about this young lady, but I just felt drawn to her. I have to admit though that my first impression was rather comical. I think back and remember just what she had looked like when my eyes first saw her…. I felt the impact and my coffee cup with my now cold, half full cup of coffee, lurch forward. My eyes shifted down and saw white shoes, not uncommon in a hospital, but the scrubs were white, the wrong color for an employee. It was then I realized she must be a student as there was a group with her and I could hear giggles in the background. Students are so immature. I continued to look up and noticed what was likely cold coffee from her knees to her abdomen. Arms flew forward, feet jumped back, and then she straightened up and our eyes rose at the same time. The initial expression on her face had me slightly anxious I may be in trouble. Thank goodness that quickly changed to a neutral expression. She was average height but appeared strong and young but not first year. Dark chocolate eyes, long, dark eye lashes, and long brunette hair pulled back appropriately for a healthcare worker. All at once I felt awful for not paying attention, gossiping, as myself and my coworkers were walking. As a result, I spilled what was left of my coffee on this really attractive and currently ornery young woman. My left hand out in a vertical position with my fingers pointed straight up, I exclaimed, “I am so sorry!” Amazingly, she actually smiled before saying jokingly, “No worries, Kameron,” she said as she leaned in to read my employee badge. “Now when they tour the linens, I’ll check out the soiled linen closet,” she laughed, turned the corner, and was gone. I couldn’t place the smell, but whatever that scent was, it definitely appealed to me. I could not help but turn the corner and watch as she entered the elevator, turned around, and met my eyes

as the elevator began to close. I didn’t realize until after the elevator was closed that I had actually smiled and waved as the doors closed. I then thought I’d have to hope I saw her again during her clinical rotation, but instead saw her at the vending machine just as I entered the cafeteria for my lunch break. It was almost like I was drawn to her without thought. I saw her and just headed in her direction. I was captivated by her chocolate brown eyes and actually managed to form enough words to ask her for her cell phone number. I was floored when she noticed my tattoo and commented that she liked it; I sure hope that means she realizes I’m asking her on a date and not just to be friends. Maybe I should have clarified? It could be awkward if not. Of course, would she have written directly on my arm and held my hand a little longer than necessary if she wasn’t interested? At 450pm Kam parked just down the street from the restaurant, checked her makeup and hair in the driver's side mirror. Exiting her Subaru Outback she used the key fob to engage the locks and security system, “chirp, chirp,” just before walking around the back of her light green AWD and stepping up on the curb. Being an unseasonably warm fall day, Kameron had opted for gladiator sandals, khaki capris, and a black short sleeved blouse with bare shoulders, a plunging V neckline, and criss crosses down the back. A simple but classy gold and solitaire diamond necklace and earring set complimented her outfit. Elise was just coming out the front door of the restaurant as Kam arrived. The two young ladies made eye contact and both smiled. Elise held out her right hand and Kamron grabbed Elise’s fingers with hers with their linked arms out straight to look at each other. Elise spoke first, “You look beautiful.” Kameron blushed but moved into Elise’s body and wrapped her right arm around her back as she responded, “Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.” As they moved in to hug each other, they let their hands drop to hug with both arms. Elise noticed how good Kam’s hair smelled as her head came down when they embraced. A strong compulsion came over Elise and she kissed the top of Kam’s head before resting her cheek there. Kam had again braided her hair and had on minimal makeup, but truly looked stunning when Elise saw her. Kam’s short stature made Elise feel protective of her. “It’s almost 5pm, should we go eat?” Elise reluctantly released her and simply nodded in response. Kam walked to the door and held it open for Elise to go in first. As Elise walked past her, she swore she could feel Kam’s eyes on her, checking her out, but Elise didn’t mind a bit. Both ladies walked side by side up to the hostess station to request a booth. Since the music didn’t start for two more hours, there were still tables available. In another hour that may not have been the case. The hostess seated them at a booth in the back corner, gave them menus, and said, “Your waitress will be with you momentarily.” Both Kam and Elise said, “Thank you,” and then laughed at saying it together. Kam started, “So do you prefer Eli or Elise?” Elise looked up from her menu and smiled before responding, “I prefer Eli or El, but for clinicals they’ll be calling me Elise I’m sure since that’s what’s on my college name tag. By the way, I start my clinicals in ICU on Monday. Should be a great experience.” “Oh wow, I work Monday morning. I’m off today and tomorrow yet. I like that you called me Kam. No one has ever called me that, but I like it.”

Elise again smiled. “So tell me about yourself. Obviously I know you are an ICU nurse who drinks coffee, but that’s about it.” Taking a deep breath, Kam began to explain a little about herself, “I’m originally from Wisconsin, my parents and 3 siblings, all brothers, still live in Green Bay. I’m 27 years old, single, I live alone in a one bedroom apartment but hope to buy a house someday. I’ve worked at Mayo Clinic ICU for a little over 4 years. I got my Bachelor’s degree and then took a paid internship at Mayo after passing my NCLEX exam. I enjoyed my internship and was hired full time at the end of it. So, I’ve been in Rochester a little over 5 years.” Kam took a quick drink of the ice water the waitress had dropped off before returning to come back shortly to take their orders. “What about you Eli?” Elise smiled, rubbed the condensation on the side of her glass, took a deep breath and tried to give the short version of a very long story. “Okay, I’m 21, single as well, from Minnesota but not originally Rochester. My mom and two younger siblings still live in the house I grew up in. My dad passed away years ago, and that was what sparked my interest in nursing. I live in a huge house with four roommates that I’ve had for 3-4 years depending on which roommate. I work in the evenings as a CNA and have a pretty set schedule due to my college schedule. I’m a senior, and cannot wait to be done with college and move onto my career.” Kam reaches across the booth and squeezes Eli’s hand with her fingers until she looks up, “I’m sorry to hear about your dad. I was close to a classmate that had cancer and although she fought it hard, the cancer won. I vowed I would do my best to help save as many people as possible in my lifetime. That was why I became a nurse. Of course, I now know death is not the worst thing that can happen to someone. Sometimes they are able to find peace in death not found in life.” Eli nodded, “I’m sorry about your classmate.” The waitress returned and took their food orders just as Eli finished giving her condolences. Both ladies ordered a sandwich and side salad. Twenty minutes later, their food had arrived and both ladies began to eat while still making pleasant small talk. Neither lady wanted dessert so asked for the bills. When the waitress returned, Kam handed over her debit card to pay the bill. When Elise opened her mouth to complain, Kam reminded her, “I brought you here to make up for spilling coffee on you, remember?” Elise laughed, “Well thank you, but it wasn’t necessary. You were forgiven right after it happened. At least let me leave the tip.” “Already done with the bill, but thanks for offering. Should we head out to find seats for the concert?” Both ladies grabbed a few things from their vehicles and then began the walk to the stage in the park, by the river, where the music would start at 7pm.