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“You’re still not ready?” Mark asked, coming into his and Elizabeth’s room. “We have to get going in, like, 15 minutes you know.”
“You’re the one who told me this is one of the most important occasions County has all year, you know,” Elizabeth replied with a touch of sarcasm. “I needed extra time to get ready and look the part.” She stood up and smoothed out her black dress, and Mark immediately took notice of how beautiful she looked. She also had on a gold necklace and had opted to wear her hair down, telling him that if she wasn’t at work, she wanted to feel more attractive and like she could party the night away.
“It’s only the second time we’ve had one,” he said with a laugh. “The first time was kind of a disaster, and afterward, everyone made me vow that I would never plan one again. But people have short memories, so that’s how this came back to life. Plus, we’ve had some staff changes since then anyway, particularly with Susan back in town. It’s going to be her first ER banquet, and she keeps telling me she can’t wait to see what she missed four years ago. I tried to tell her it was nothing much, but she was pretty amused once I went into full detail.”
“I must admit, I appreciate you making it almost an ER and OR banquet since Romano is coming with us too, and I invited Shirley. So much for her being the type to enjoy a quiet night at home with her husband and dog, but it’s nice to see that she’s ready to loosen up.”
“She offered to help put a playlist together. I guess she was able to make a good dinner playlist by going through all those 45s she collects, although I’m not sure what she came up with for the dancing. Anything is better than hiring a one-man band again, though. This time, I got a DJ to fill in some of the blanks; he said he was OK with taking suggestions from Shirley’s list. I don’t know how you work without her every day.”
“Oh, believe me, I don’t think I’d ever be able to.” Elizabeth turned and smiled at Mark. “And you’re looking handsome. Remember, you’re in a competition with Robert for my best dressed date.”
Elizabeth almost couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have two men disagreeing over who was going to be her date to the banquet. Mark’s argument was that it should be him because after all, Elizabeth had never kissed Robert or even been on one date with him. Not to mention Mark was her husband. But Robert pushed back, saying he had been unable to find a date after another woman declined his romantic overtures and couldn’t be bothered to come to a work party. This back-and-forth had gone on for nearly a week before she stepped in and said they could both be her date, and she would be happy to have dinner with Robert and talk with him if Mark was called away to handle any issues with the venue or seating arrangements, like whether it was really a good idea for Carter, Abby, and Luka to all be at the same table.
Of course, upon agreeing to this arrangement, she quickly found herself worried how far Robert might go to win her over. Hopefully he would have enough respect for her marriage. That said, how could any woman resist the idea of having two men be in love with her at the same time? She never thought a polyamorous relationship was her thing, but for one night, she decided to enjoy it. It’s not as if anything was going to happen afterward anyway.
“I’m ready,” she finally said once she got downstairs. “I just hope my new shoes don’t give me blisters tonight. I’m taking flats with me just in case.”
“Yeah, I have that problem too.” Mark joked, and she rolled her eyes in response.
“Sorry to make fun of your plight,” he said. “And by the way, I was keeping this a surprise, but you will be happy to know I am not driving the van to the banquet hall. Romano rented a car for us.”
“Yes, I am very relieved the van is staying home. And also, I checked in with Rachel and Ella and gave Rachel directions and left all the emergency phone numbers on the counter so she should be OK if she has to reach us. But now that all the practicalities are out of the way, I can’t wait to have a date tonight.”
“Me either. Just don’t forget about me when it’s time for karaoke. I don’t think Romano can top me on that front.”
“No, he doesn’t strike me as much of a singing type.” Elizabeth picked up her purse, and once they heard a car horn, they headed outside, where a long black limousine was waiting. They gave each other surprised looks and went to meet the car, just as Robert stepped out and immediately fixated on her. Fortunately, Mark didn’t seem to notice.
“A limo…really?” she asked Robert. “You didn’t have to go this far.”
“Well, I promised Mark we would all arrive at the banquet in style, so I wanted to mean what I said,” Robert told her. “Not to mention, I thought it was the most appropriate vehicle for my night out with a very special woman and the men she loves the most.”
“Let’s not go too far,” she reminded him. “But I’ll say that if this is the best thing that happens tonight, it was already well worth getting dressed up for.” She smiled and stepped into the limo first at Mark and Robert’s insistence, but decided to sit in the middle so they could sit on either side of her.
“You’re sure you’re comfortable?” Mark asked.
“Of course,” she replied. “This is perfect already. But I’m still not sure how I’m going to be a good date to the two of you. We need to make a plan. Like if I’m going to sit between you two at dinner—”
“Works for me.” Mark said. “It’s just dinner. Always good to have a conversation with more than one person. And we can all toast together as well.”
“Yes. But slow dancing…now I do believe I should only do that with you, but at the same time, I don’t think it would hurt if I shared one dance with Robert.” Robert smiled, and Elizabeth and Mark could tell he had been dreaming of this event since the wedding, where she had promised him a slow dance, but ended up needing some time to rest since she was so far along in her pregnancy.
“You and Mark can have the first few slow songs, and then you let me know when you’d like me to step in.” Robert quickly agreed. “After all, I imagine I might be popular with some of the other ladies anyway.” Elizabeth and Mark gave each other another look and tried to hold in their laughter.
“Just one rule,” she added. “Kisses on the lips are only for Mark.
“Also, as far as the conga line—which I understand is another cherished ER banquet tradition—only one of you can touch me from behind, so sort that out among yourselves. Robert, if you stand behind me, please try not to get too kinky or overly hands-on.”
“Listen, all that matters to me is that you’re getting up close and personal with one of us,” Mark said. “That, and the conga line is always hilariously awkward after everyone’s been drinking anyway. Even Kerry joined in a few years ago.”
“Oh, you know me. I love letting loose after a little alcohol.” Elizabeth grinned, already excited to hit the dance floor.
She reached over and took both of their hands. “Thank you both for agreeing to share the love and not being jealous of each other or starting any major fights over tonight. I’m already excited to spend a fun night out with both of you and rediscover my sexy, party girl side.”
“You’re definitely dressed for it.” Mark complimented her. “And we don’t see the point in arguing. Not when we both get to spend time with you, especially since we’re each getting a slow dance and a kiss.”
“I won’t take it that far,” Robert said. “But Elizabeth, you look beautiful as always. Mark is a very lucky man, but tonight, I’m feeling pretty lucky too.”
When they arrived at the venue, Mark got out of the limo first and took Elizabeth’s hand. Robert, not wanting to take away from Mark being first place in her life, followed closely behind, but was still admiring her evening wear. If he was put on the spot, he’d have no problem admitting that she looked sexy when not wearing her scrubs and surgical cap. Although, he couldn’t deny that she was attractive in a lab coat and professional attire as well.
“Elizabeth, two dates?” Susan asked when she saw them. “How did you pull this off? I barely managed to get one date. And that’s only because Carter said he’d go with me after Chen quit. I think he has eyes for Abby anyway, though, so I’m kind of bored already.”
“Dr. Corday knows all the tricks,” Shirley said as she walked by. “By the way, Mark, thanks for making me feel like a part of the ER. Don’t think I could ever look as good as Elizabeth in a dress, though, which is why I’m not wearing one.” Shirley was wearing a sleek black pantsuit with a white blouse and a pair of flats, her “formal wear” as she had joked earlier in the week.
“Oh, stop, Shirley,” Elizabeth said with a laugh. “Not many women can pull that outfit off like you can. I told you that you looked fine. Did your husband change his mind and come after all?”
“He did. He went to go get us a couple of drinks. No offense to you, but the idea of him deciding to come on a whim is why I’m grateful we don’t have any children. We can just head out without having to arrange for babysitters and go through a nighttime routine.”
“None taken. And Susan, I’m afraid I don’t have any special secrets. I’m just lucky, I guess. Bald men just seem to compliment me well, too.” She picked up their place cards and started to look around for their table.
“Don’t worry,” Mark assured Susan. “You’ll be a lot less bored once everyone’s had a few drinks and the toasts and dancing start.” Then, he followed Elizabeth to their assigned table while Robert went to check out the cocktail hour appetizers.
“This night means a lot to me too,” he said. “I suppose for one night, it won’t hurt to share with somebody else. Romano is the least of my worries, and I know it means a lot to you to have some fun and that you won’t cross any lines.”
“Of course not. You’re still my husband. I just think a third party could make things interesting tonight, even if we’re just having dinner and dancing. Now, let’s start getting loose. If I’m going to slow dance with Romano and join the conga line, I am going to need that liquor.”