Clair didn’t know why she felt this way, but there was something so easy and natural about the way she interacted with Eve. And Clair sensed this might be more than just a fling.

  “Mmmm, that was nice,” Clair remarked, blinking away the snowflakes from her lashes, as she peered deeply into Eve’s chocolate brown eyes. “I kind of forgot that we were standing in the middle of a blizzard!”

  Eve laughed and nodded as she looked up towards the sky.

  “I mean the snow is pretty heavy, and we both need to get home.” Eve reached for Clair’s hand. “Shall we?”

  Clair grinned and gripped Eve’s wooly mitten. The two of them plodded through the snow until they reached Eve’s car.

  Clair was buzzing with happiness. Gosh, I hope I am able to sleep tonight! I am totally wired o of that kiss right now.

  Eve moved towards the driver’s side and unlocked the passenger door for Clair. “Get in, and I will warm up the car for us.” Clair slipped into her seat and rubbed her hands together to keep warm.

  Eve noticed Clair's shivering, and apologetically she said,

  “Oh my god, I completely forgot!” Quickly, Eve removed the woolen mittens and handed them back to Clair. “Here you go, and thank you for letting me borrow them.”

  Clair shook her head. “No, it's okay. Why don't you keep them for tonight, to keep your hands warm on the steering wheel and bring them back to me tomorrow at work?”

  Eve tilted her head to the side, seeming to melt at Clair's words. “Aw, that is very sweet of you, Clair. Are you sure? I'll be fine, really.”

  “No, I insist. But if you want something to warm me up with, you could send over a few more kisses while the car heats up?” Clair coyly suggested. She was a bit shocked at her own bravado, but Eve made it easy for Clair to open up.

  “I think that is a fair exchange, and it would be my pleasure.” Eve leaned over towards Clair as their lips touched again. This time, they let their hands travel, gently interweaving their fingers through each other's hair and caressing the soft skin of each other's cheeks. Their mouths found a sensual rhythm as the kisses slowly and seamlessly blossomed.

  Between the heat of the vehicle and the passionate breath that was building between the two women, the car's

  windows began to fog. Clair became very warm, and while she wished they could remain at this moment, she knew it was time to get home.

  As she pulled away from Eve, Clair said, “I am so glad to hear that you feel the same way about me that I feel about you. I would really love to get to know you better, Eve. Can we do this again soon, please?”

  Eve looked slightly bashful, “You are such a brave and strong woman. And yes, I can't wait to learn more about you.”

  As Eve pulled away from the parking lot and onto the snow-covered road, an idea popped into Clair's head. “Hey!

  I’m not sure if I told you this or not, but I am getting my haircut on Thursday with Kevin. I took your suggestion and booked on the spot.”

  Eve looked over at Clair. “No way! Are you serious? I am so excited to see what you do with your hair. Are you going to bring him some pictures or any ideas for a style?”

  Clair thought for a moment. “Um, I do have some ideas, but actually, I was curious if you might want to come with me? It would be so cool to have you there, and I don't know….” Clair's voice trailed o with a twinge of uncertainty. “I guess I want to make sure that you will like it too.”

  “That is so sweet, Clair! No matter what, you are going to look gorgeous; you have such a beautiful face that would suit any style, seriously.” Eve then squinted her eyes, “Is the appointment on a Thursday evening? If it's after 7:00 pm, then I could make it for sure.”

  Clair nodded. “Yes, it is. I made the appointment for 8:00

  pm. With this job, I always request the latest possible appointment. Some days are less predictable than others, right?”

  Eve bobbed her head in agreement. “You said it, girl!

  Okay, that is awesome, and yes, I would love to join you. I am really flattered that you asked me. You are going to love Kevin!” Eve put her hand on Clair's knee and gave it an a ectionate squeeze, which sent shivers up Clair's spine.

  “This is going to be fun!”

  Clair wiggled with giddiness. As the pair drove in silence, enjoying the closeness of each other's bodies, another thought passed through Clair's mind, something of a more serious nature.

  Clair began carefully, “So, we’re excited about each other, and that's so wonderful! But, I guess I should ask, how do you want to play this at work? I just want to be as respectful and professional as possible, and I don't want to do anything that would make you feel uncomfortable.” Clair admittedly added, “I've never dated a co-worker before.”

  “Does that mean that you aren't going to present me with flowers every morning from the front desk?” Eve joked and chuckled. “No, seriously. That's a good question, and I'll admit, I haven't dated anyone from the hospital before either.”

  Eve was quiet for a moment. “I guess we could act normal, just as we have been. What do you think?” Clair nodded empathically. “Sure, of course, nothing needs to change per se, but I'm sure that everyone will be curious why I'm smiling so much whenever you are around!”

  “Let them wonder! I actually like the idea of sharing a secret attraction; I mean, I had one on my own before you told me that you felt the same way, and even that was enough to get me through more hectic days.” Eve squeezed Clair’s hand. “Maybe, we could even sneak o for some private, intimate moments, like they do in the movies!”

  Clair’s eyes gleamed with arousal. “Oh, that would be so hot! Can you imagine the faces on some of the sta if they

  knew we were secretly hooking up? I swear, the security guard Nick would probably blow his load!”

  The pair shared a robust and knowing laugh. “Seriously, though, I think that’s a good idea. Let’s be cool at work, and when the day is done, we can enjoy each other outside of the hospital. Deal?” Clair stuck out her hand, and Eve firmly shook it, concurring, “Yes, deal.”

  Clair leaned in to give Eve a quick kiss on the cheek.

  “Now, its o cial,” she said playfully and then noticed her street approaching on the left. “You can make a turn here.”

  Eve made a left on Williams Avenue as Clair watched her neighbors’ homes pass by.

  Spotting her house, she directed Eve and pointed towards the right side of the street. “Here it is; the one with the red trim.”

  Eve pulled the car into the driveway and turned o the engine. The women looked tenderly at one another, and suddenly, Clair felt her world expand into an infinite amount of glorious possibilities.

  Eve smiled. “Don’t worry, I won’t forget to return these.”

  She waved her mitten hands in front of Clair’s face, wiggling her fingers. Clair replied, “I’m not worried, silly.”

  Eve then cupped Clair’s face, swooping in for a final kiss.

  Clair couldn’t get enough of Eve’s feather-soft lips and the way her tongue darted into Clair’s mouth, massaging her tongue with sensual caresses. Clair met Eve’s kiss with the same intensity.

  Finally, Clair unbuckled her seat belt and stepped out of the vehicle. She gave one final goodbye to Eve and said, “So this Thursday; House of Hair 7:45 pm? I will have my car then, so I think it’s easier if we meet there, yes?”

  Eve nodded and beamed, “Yup, sounds like a plan. I am so excited for you, Clair! And thank you for asking me to join you. I’m flattered that you would like my opinion.”

  “It’s a plan, Nurse Foster.” Clair checked her watch. “Oh, wow, I will see you in about eight hours. Get home safe.”

  Clair watched Eve’s car roll backward out of the driveway. She then unlocked her door and went inside. She was surrounded by silence, but her mind was aflutter. I think this is going to be one Christmas I’ll never forget!

  7

  Eve finally made it home, despite worsening winter conditions. After she had dropped o Clair, the roads became icier, and she drove as slowly as possible to avoid slipping on the road. After parking her car, she approached her triplex building, taking extra caution on the steps that glistened with the frozen surface.

  Peaches met Eve at the door, purring and rubbing against her owner. Eve picked up the tabby and nestled her face against the soft fur. Eve was happy to be home, but she also wished that she had more time with Clair.

  But no matter, the two of them shared some life-altering truths, and Eve was looking forward to seeing how their future would unfold.

  Eve retired to the bathroom for her evening routine. From under the pelting hot water of the shower, Eve's muscles melted as she sighed audibly. The warmth of the steam was enough to sedate Eve, ensuring a peaceful slumber amid the excitement from the night.

  As Eve lay her head on her pillow, she thought about their agreement to be discreet about dating one another. As logical as it seemed, Eve felt a little sense of conflict within her.

  Regardless of their breakup, one characteristic that Eve

  really admired in Abbie was her unapologetic pride in her identity and sexual orientation.

  Naturally, Eve understood that as a registered nurse, she was expected to present herself as professional and focused at all times and that she could not allow outside influences or drama to distract her from her serious responsibilities.

  Eve was aware of other hospital romances between some of the employees at Forest Vale, namely other nurses who have dated each other and, on occasion, maybe a paramedic or a security guard or doctors.

  That said, as cliché as it was, Eve had yet to meet a nurse who had dated a doctor. But in general, work romances were not necessarily frowned upon as long as everyone concentrated on their job, and no ethical boundaries were crossed.

  A small part of her was concerned that perhaps Clair would not be comfortable being out at work, which was understandable. Eve knew that she was a late bloomer and was still navigating through her own identity. And Eve had been very impressed by Clair’s willingness to leave a marriage in order to find happiness within herself. While on shift, Eve did not want to misbehave with Clair, but she hoped that their deal was reserved only while at the hospital and not bleed into their private dating lives.

  For now, Eve just needed to be patient and to see how things would unfold. She was looking forward to learning more about Clair, and she was excited about Clair’s new look.

  Part of Eve wanted to nudge Clair in the direction of a super-queer haircut in hopes that it would instill confidence and empowerment. But the decision wasn’t up to her, and she needed Clair to move at her own pace.

  Eve decided to concede with her subconscious so that it would allow her to rest. S ee what happened when you gave the space for Clair to reveal her truths? Just trust in the process.

  THE NEXT MORNING, Eve rode the elevator to the fifth floor with Clair's mittens tucked into her purse. She also carried two co ees, one of which she was planning to give to Clair. Eve felt giddy and light, as though she was infused with a new life force. She wanted to drop o the mittens and co ee to Clair as soon as possible before changing into her scrubs.

  The elevator doors opened and Eve immediately turned her gaze to the reception desk. Ah, there she is! Eve watched as Clair typed peacefully away at her laptop. Eve paid extra attention to Clair's long, cascading curls, which flowed around her face. Clair's sky blue eyes were fixated on the screen. Her face was so lovely. The other medical receptionist, Diane, was packing up her belongings as she finished her night shift.

  “Good morning, Clair!” Eve sang out in a cheerful tone.

  As she got closer to the desk, Eve beamed with enthusiasm,

  “I brought us co ees to start the day, and oh, look,” Eve paused to pull out the mittens, “I brought these back for you.”

  Clair looked up from her desk, appearing slightly startled.

  “Oh, good morning, Nurse Foster.” Clair then reached for the Styrofoam co ee cup. She turned to address the night relief in a formal tone. “I'm so sorry, Diane. I should have seen if you wanted one as well. Here, you can take mine.” To Eve's surprise, Clair tried handing o the co ee to her coworker.

  Diane replied, “Oh, no dear. You keep it! I’m just finishing my shift, and then I’m heading home to bed.” Eve watched as Diane gave Clair a wink. “Trust me; you are going to need the ca eine more than I, my friend! Priya is doing sta evaluations this week, so be sure to stay on your toes!”

  “Okay, sure; happy to accept. And thanks for the tip, Diane. I'll be sure to keep my eyes open for her!” Clair then swiveled back to face Eve, her co ee cup still in hand. Eve had placed the mittens on the station's surface, and Clair shoved them into her purse, which was located at her feet.

  “Thanks so much for returning them, Nurse Foster.

  Hopefully, they kept your hands warm.” Clair gave Eve a warm and grateful look, but her mouth remained in a tight-lipped smile. “And thanks so much for the co ee.” Clair raised her cup to acknowledge Eve’s o er, but Eve noticed Clair’s tone was rather dismissive.

  Eve’s heart sank slightly as she inwardly reeled with confusion. Based on Clair’s reaction, Eve felt as though she had done something wrong. Maybe she is trying extra hard to remain professional and doesn’t want to give o any kind of impression? Eve felt a little speechless, although she tried to cover up her disappointment.

  “Sure, sure. No problem at all. I just figured with the late night and all…” Eve trailed o . Fuck! No, Eve. That was not the right thing to say. Backtrack! Letting out an awkward chuckle, Eve started again. “I mean, it’s going to be a long day ahead, right? Better start the day with a cup of java!” Eve wanted to die on the spot. I don’t even use the word java. Where the heck did that come from?

  “Co ee is always appreciated,” Clair said and without missing a beat, she continued, “So, I wanted to show you the charts I pulled for Mrs. MacNamara; she’s coming in this morning.” Clair reached behind her and grabbed a folder, which she handed over to Eve. Clair looked up at Eve, maintaining a reserved grin.

  Eve took the beige-colored folder from Clair and tucked it under her right arm. “Cool, thanks, Clair.” Feeling uncomfortable, Eve sighed and looked towards the corridor.

  “Um, I should get going. I need to change into my scrubs.”

  Clair nodded as Diane smiled at Eve. “Have a great morning, Nurse!”

  Eve nodded and pursed her lips. She couldn’t believe how awkward that moment had felt, and yet, she did not understand Clair’s sudden icy demeanor.

  Eve padded down the hallway and muttered under her breath. God, I am so confused. What the heck just happened back there? However, she tried not to let it distract her from her day. If anything, she could always talk more with Clair outside of work to find out if anything was wrong, and regardless, they still had Thursday.

  Maybe you are just overthinking this, Eve. You both agreed to maintain cordial but professional communication, and Clair is just holding up her end of the bargain. Remember, you can’t let your feelings come in between your role as a nurse at Forest Vale.

  Eve quickly slipped into her scrubs and moved over to the sink to splash some water on her face. She stared at her reflection in the mirror and threw her shoulders back. Eve was determined to remain headstrong. She clipped her hospital ID to her top and grabbed the folder, attaching it to her clipboard. Eve opened the sta room door and went out to face the day ahead.

  “MRS. MCNAMARA, based on your medical history, the doctor wants to take a few blood tests. As soon as the results come in, your doctor will go over them with you, okay?”

  The middle-aged woman seemed fussy and irritated.

  “Well, what do you mean by my medical history? I am only fifty-one years old, and I feel perfectly fine. Is there a problem?”

  Eve was no stranger to uptight and paranoid patients. In fact, most of the time, she enjoyed the challenge of trying to

  calm them down. Calmly, she addressed the frightened woman. “For the most part, everything is just fine. Mostly, we noticed your iron deficiency, and the doctor would also like to check your CMP, which stands for your Complete Metabolic Panel. The tests will determine your current kidney and liver functions.” Eve gave the patient a gentle look. “It’s a very standard test; nothing to worry about. But like I said, the doctor will discuss the results with you.”

  Mrs. McNamara furrowed her brown and let out a deep breath. “Okay, that’s fine. But I want to know the results as soon as possible. Could you put in a rush request or something?”

  Eve laughed softly. “If I could, I would. I’m sorry; you will just need to wait, but it shouldn’t be longer than a week, okay?” She watched as the lady sagged in her chair and nodded her head. “Yes, Nurse. I understand. It’s just that my husband passed away last year from cancer, and I have a grandbaby on the way. I just want to be healthy for my family.”

  “I understand.” Eve cooed. “Please wait here for a few minutes while I gather the test tubes. You can go ahead and roll up your sleeves.” Mrs. McNamara did as she was told and Eve left the examining room to head over to the core lab, which was located across the hall.

  While she was alone in the small room, she heard the door creak open. Quickly, she turned and was surprised to see Clair standing there.

  “Oh, my goodness. What are you doing here?” Eve asked, confused. Clair was the last person she expected to see right now.

  “Sorry to startle you. I just wanted to say how sorry I was for being, I guess, a bit cold back at the reception desk,” Clair said tentatively. “It wasn’t personal. I just wanted to stick to our agreement, but maybe I swerved too much to one side.”

  Eve melted. “Oh, it’s okay, Clair! I mean, for a second, I thought maybe I had done something to upset you, but I understand that you were only doing what we had agreed to do.” Eve then smiled mischievously. “Did you just leave your station to come and find me alone?”

  Clair bit her lip to suppress a grin and bobbed her head.