Shaky Ground Teaser

“Isabella Marie Swan, sit your ass down!” barked Alice. “I haven’t seen you since your fucking birthday celebration and that was a month ago!”

“I have to go to work!” Bella wailed, sitting down on the stool. “Alice, I’d love to talk, but I’m floating up to the PICU floor again.”

“Are you avoiding Dr. Masen?” Alice asked. “After he brought you home after your birthday, you’ve been …”

“I’m not avoiding, Dr. Masen,” Bella said. “Working opposite schedules and pulling these shifts up in the PICU? My schedule is fucking insane, Alice. I swear to god, I need a vacation.”

“Are you getting one?”

“Yes. For Thanksgiving, I have the weekend off and I’m going to see my dad. It’s a part of the reason why I’ve been working like a mad woman,” Bella said, tugging on her coat. “Now, can I go?”

“Only if you promise to be home for dinner tonight. We need another girl’s night,” Alice said, wagging her finger at Bella.

“If my schedule allows it, your majesty,” Bella deadpanned, darting out the door. Alice shook her head, chuckling at her roommate. Let’s just say, Alice had heard some rumors about Bella and the elusive Dr. Masen. Nothing bad. In fact, they were things that Alice wanted to encourage. Dr. Masen was so sad and so grumpy for the longest time. But, from what Alice heard from her friends down in the emergency department, he’d relaxed and was smiling. He was interacting with the staff, not treating the women like the scum of the earth. He even bought the staff, including the first responders who were in the emergency room with drop-offs, a massive meal as a thank you.

Dr. Edward Masen never did shit like that.

He’d usually bitch about it being unsanitary and unnecessary.

But, when men and women work for insanely long hours, usually without any sort of schedule, meals are usually rushed and frequently interrupted. The night that Edward purchased the thirty pizzas, twelve dozen breadsticks and slew of cookies, no one had a break until the shift change. In the locker room, everyone got their share of the meal and Edward leaned against the lockers, smiling and encouraging everyone to enjoy their meal. What Shelly Cope told Alice was that Bella walked over to Edward during that shift change. He took her hand and held her close, almost cuddling her like a boyfriend would hold a girlfriend.

Later that evening, Bella did come home and they went up to Rose’s loft apartment, sharing some sushi that Rose had picked up from a nearby sushi restaurant. Alice was sipping her sake when she looked at her roommate, arching a brow. “So, are you and Edward Masen a thing?” Alice asked.

Bella spit out her drink, her eyes wide as she looked at Alice. “What? No. We’re friends, but we’re not a thing. What the hell do you mean anyway?”

“I can’t believe you managed to melt his cold, dead heart,” Alice snickered.

“You’re crazy. We’re friends. That’s it,” Bella said, getting up to get a paper towel.

Rose's Apartment