Work Text:
The long hours at the office started to pay off; their attempts to keep focused were not cutting it. As much as calling it a day seemed tempting, right now there was a heavy conversation going on about hiring new people.
—They should have a medical degree, we can’t lose time explaining anatomy or physiology. Time we need for research. —Bill tapped his foot to express his frustration. Starting with new people again was another load of work, even though he did understand that in the long term it would be better.
—You can’t rule it out entirely, let’s say a therapist. They would bring valuable and different points to the table; that experience we lack, they have. That knowledge we have, they don’t. It’d be more useful than a bunch of doctors ignoring the psyche's part.
—Bringing different ideas is not enough reason to give someone this particular job. It takes time, money, and energy. I don't think we should direct it toward that.
—I’m not talking about a whole generation. We are good to go with one psychiatrist. There is so much we are missing, and you can’t just ignore the emotional and mental factor in our therapy, as we’ve seen.
—Aren’t you studying now? It’s just a matter of time until you have that covered. You understand the body, the work… it’s more efficient that way. Yeah, what we need is to prepare doctors so our method expands overseas. If we do a protocol training program, they can take—Virginia needed to cut him right there. Him and his tendency to return to methods, guidelines, and rules.
—We were talking about hiring people to work in the clinic, not teaching how to be a sex therapist. You are making it sound like the surrogacy program.
—Oh. Don’t bring that up, we’re way past it… —Bill’s expression hardened, going back then to a version of himself he wasn’t anymore.
—Look, all I’m saying is our team should be multidisciplinary; that diversity ensures the most realistic approach. Plus, we can’t manage everything alone. Fortunately, we’re growing every day.
—We have enough on our hands, that’s for sure. Yet, we could be risking losing sight of how things are being handled.
—No, we wouldn’t, because the other people wouldn’t be doing our work, only ensuring that the surroundings are solid for us to move forward.
—We shall make the contracts and legal arrangements soon; we have to find a lawyer.
—I have already spoken with one. —Virginia smiled widely, proud of her agency in all things regarded.
—Haven’t you indeed. You could have told me first, but sure.
—Oh no, I did. You said I should look for one so we could both meet him.
—Yes, but you didn’t mention you were thinking about hiring then.
Bill raised a brow, delighted with their talkative swing whenever they discussed work.
—I guess I didn’t. —She convinced him after all. Without losing her grin, she groomed his jacket intently. —But I’m sure he won’t mind if the session goes a little longer than expected.
They looked at each other like an astronomer looking at the stars. Bill had given all the love he could to that glow.
—You are a very persuasive woman.
—Careful, you don’t want to make it look like a compliment. —She kept on tracing his shoulders and neck. A paradise covered in cotton and linen.
—Would it be that bad? —He tried to reach for her lips, relentlessly hungry. Inches before colliding, she put her hand on his lips, pushing them away.
—Not bad, perhaps dangerous. I can get easily flustered, you know?
He was okay kissing a hand, as long as it was hers. Each finger was taken care of.
—No, I never came up with such a notion. —However, there was never enough of her skin, of her smell. Looking at her could be a hobby, one that only made him ache. —Actually, I’ve always thought you are quite coy.
He embraced her. He needed to savor her deeply. Virginia responded and sniggered, causing him to shiver just a tad. That position was held for a minute or two. Eternal rest for his blurry head. In spite of it, she broke the flow.
—Let’s go home, —he muttered, still squeezing tight. —Come on, I’m very tired.
He gave up, at last. But he was bold, and gave her a quick kiss before rushing to his desk. She couldn’t stop that one. How come this playful man was the same from years ago? Sometimes silly, other times demure and shy. For example, he’d still come across as nervous whenever he asked her out.
—Are you hungry? —Bill asked lightly.
—Starving! I could eat a whole cow.
At home, both of them cooked. Virginia didn’t need to tell Bill she wasn’t a housewife, and to be honest, he kind of liked the task. He even made special dishes every time he saw Libby and the kids. As a matter of fact, he was getting disgustingly good at it; that’s why she couldn’t praise him. It would get to his head.
—We should have a bite then. It’s Tuesday, I’m sure there won’t be a lot of people.
As they walked to the elevator, Virginia pretended to be meditating. She could sense his eyes scanning her face in search of an answer. It was awesome how he seemed just as proud and solemn at the same time. “Ugh, what a man,” she thought, and right now that man was wondering if she heard him at all. Finally, she cut his misery:
—Well, where do we go?
—It’s been a while since we went to the steakhouse, although their wine is not that good. —Bill pressed the elevator button, opening her way inside.
—You want to order wine, huh?
—It goes well with meat. —He was almost offended by such a question.
—To be honest, I’m craving some pasta; their carbonara is always on point.
—It’s a date then.
Bill got to the top of his feet and back down again, unable to hide his excitement. She rolled her eyes at him.
When they got to the parking lot, each car waited for them. Virginia stroked his hair to say goodbye and wanted to start walking to her car when her partner’s arm forced her still.
—Can I drive you there?
—I would say yes, but you’d have to take me back home and pick me up early in the morning.
Game on.
Bill tucked her in, kissing those lips for the first time since breakfast. As if he had just drunk a bottle of scotch, he suggested:
—I was thinking you could sleep at my house tonight.
—Ah, how smooth you are. At least you’re buying me dinner first.
There was little space between them; not breathing the same air was intoxicating, and not in a fun way. He whispered into her ear without any warning of the spicy sensation it would cause in her stomach:
—We don’t have to sleep if you don’t want to.
They kissed once more before heading to a very fun evening in each other’s arms. “Hopefully this never ends,” Virginia thought, but not Bill. He was too focused on not hurting her hand by grabbing it too hard.