Fateful Encounters

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Eve Lambert hugged the cool sheet tightly against her warm body as the bedroom was filled with the thunderous sounds of Ian’s snoring. She gazed to him for a brief moment finding herself uneasy as she shifted beneath the blanket and she found herself wrapped up in the disappointment that lingered on as it had from the first moment they’d made love. Her eyes listlessly traveled over his strong powerful chest as she watched it rise and fall with each breath he took in his slumber and while it had been wildly erotic to take her time in watching him in this fashion before, once they’d made love all her fantasies about his strong, powerful body had ceased to become a reality. Granted Ian was her soulmate, that much she’d endured time and time again over the past few months, but as she observed him lost in his dreams, she wondered if this was all there was to life. Somehow she’d expected so much more for them and yet things seemed rather, well, boring.

Feeling the tension run throughout her aching body, Eve slid her feet to the floor and carefully sat upright to avoid waking Ian, though she was fairly certain he’d be out for the rest of the night as making love tended to exhaust him more often than not. With Ian, the evenings seemed to come to a close after about two minutes or huffing and puffing followed by Ian drifting off in complete satisfaction with his performance while Eve was left to finding a way to extinguish the lingering flames inside of her. Reaching for her robe, she slipped it around her as she walked towards the bathroom ready to immerse herself in another icy blast of reality as the harsh realization dawned in upon her that she was never going to receive what she truly needed with Ian, at least not in the bedroom.

Eve gently eased the bathroom door shut behind her as she crossed the room reaching over to turn on the shower. She checked the temperature for a moment finding it soothingly warm as she chilled it a bit more before dropping her robe to the floor. Stepping inside the stall, she sucked in a tight breath as the sub-zero water pulsated over her skin chilling her to the bone as she sank her head against the shower wall. There had to be more to life than this. There had to be something more than what she was feeling. She loved Ian, that much she was sure of, but as time lingered on, she wondered if love was truly enough.

“Good morning,” Karen called out cheerfully as she entered the on call room finding Eve standing over by the coffee machine, “it’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”

“Why are you so cheerful?” Eve couldn’t help but grumble as she looked to her dear friend.

“Life is wonderful,” Karen answered with a bright smile, “but should there be any further reason beyond that,” Karen noted the look of cynicism in Eve’s face, “ok I’ll admit, my weekend away with Frank went VERY well.”

“Very?” Eve raised a brow with obvious interest as she stirred some cream into her steaming mug of coffee.

“Extremely,” Karen continued looking as though she was about to burst at the seams as she raised her hand to touch her sun kissed skin.

“You’re blushing,” Eve teased slightly as she noted the sparkle behind Karen’s eyes. Shaking her head for a moment as Karen let out a tiny laugh, Eve continued, “I can’t believe that Frank Scanlon could do that for you.”

“Neither can I,” Karen blurted out watching Eve take a seat on the sofa as Karen crossed over the room to take a seat beside her, “but Eve, it was wonderful. A truly divine experience if you know what I mean.”

Eve smiled encouraging her a bit as Eve thought about how long she’d been without one of those divine experiences herself. Being swept away to the islands with Ian should’ve been the kind of stuff that story book romances were made of and for the most part it was, well, other than the things that had happened when they’d finally connected on a physical level with one another, but Eve couldn’t bring herself to think of her disappointment any further as she saw the joy spread over her best friend’s features. Eve turned her thoughts to Karen, “So tell me. How was it?”

“It was heaven Eve,” Karen boasted with a sigh as she placed her hand over her heart, “our first night out on the island Frank took me for a walk along the beach, followed by dancing under the stars and we made love in a hammock near the ocean as the breeze swept us away. It was so romantic and Frank, well he’s just far more romantic that I’d ever imagined him being and by the end of the weekend, I felt as if I’d finally found the man of my dreams and I knew once we returned there would be no turning back from what I have with him.”

“Frank Scanlon did this for you?” Eve questioned skeptical, “Somehow he doesn’t strike me as the romantic type.”

“He didn’t with me either, but Eve, things were just out of this world. I can’t even begin to tell you just how much our time together meant to both of us,” Karen confessed further, “never in my life have I felt more needed and adored by another person and he found ways to make me feel so alive. When he touched me Eve,” Karen paused noting the distance in her friend’s eyes as she frowned slightly, “Eve, hey, are you okay?”

“Huh, oh yeah Karen, I’m fine,” Eve shrugged trying to return her focus back to her friend once more, “I’m sorry. So Frank was really wonderful huh?”

“Eve, what’s wrong?” Karen frowned again, “something’s on your mind.”

“No, really I’m just tired,” Eve shrugged not wanting to admit to Karen what was troubling her.

“No, that’s not it,” Karen searched her eyes for a moment, “it’s something more. Did something happen with Ian?”

“No,” Eve shook her head poignantly, “nothing happened with Ian. Nothing at all.”

“Eve, something hasn’t been right with you lately,” Karen paused, “I mean I realize it isn’t my place to intrude, but since you and Ian came back to Port Charles, you just seem different.”

“I can’t quite place the emotion,” Karen thought it over, “I guess more on edge I would say.”

“Eve, you nearly beat Chris down in the cafeteria the other day when he’d asked you about your patient follow up,” Karen reminded her quickly.

“Well it was just Ramsey,” Eve shrugged trying to blow it off, “You know how he tends to irritate me more often than not.”

“Yes, but Eve, jumping him like that was probably not a good idea,” Karen sighed.

“Eve, you dropped your tray and lunged towards his throat ready to choke the life out of him,” Karen continued dismayed, “how much worse does it have to be before you open up about what’s going on?”

“Eve,” Karen gave her a pointed look, “all he did was ask for your opinion and you tried to take his head off.”

“What is this now? You defending Chris?” Eve grumbled before shaking her head in dismay, “but really, this isn’t about Chris.”

“I gathered that much, so why don’t you just talk to me Eve,” Karen requested patiently as she noted Eve gazing off into space, “Eve, what’s wrong?”

“It’s Ian,” Eve sighed as she brought her hands over her face in frustration, “or maybe it’s just me.”

“No that’s long over,” Eve shook her head in response, “but now we have our own problems to deal with or rather I have my problem that I’m trying to come to terms with.”

“And what problem is that?” Karen questioned lightly seeing the tension run through Eve’s features, “did something happen?”

“Karen, he’s horrible,” Eve blurted out unable to contain herself a moment longer as she felt the tears threatening.

“What do you mean horrible?” Karen asked confused as Eve met her gaze, “did he do something?”

“Karen,” Eve began giving her a pointed look, “well, he’s just...” Eve trailed off trying to come to terms with the thoughts, “I mean we thought we had this chemistry together, but when we finally were alone together and things got heated between us,” Eve struggled hoping to find the right words as she looked to her friend, “well things just fizzled. I mean I’d had all these out of this world expectations for us, but Ian, well, he just wasn’t what I’d imagined he’d be.”

“Eve, are you saying,” Karen gasped as the realization hit her. She turned her head sideways and looked to Eve curiously, “really?”

Eve nodded, “I thought it was just me the first time because Ian seemed really satisfied after, but Karen, it’s only gotten worse. I mean I thought that maybe I was just expecting too much out of him, but then, well, Karen, I tried not to expect anything,” Eve paused for a moment as she buried her face in her hands, “and that’s about what I’m getting out of it too.”

“Eve, you’re serious,” Karen replied in disbelief as she saw the pain behind Eve’s eyes, “oh Eve, I’m so sorry. I can’t believe that he’s really....” Karen trailed off shaking her head, “I mean I never would’ve thought with that body of his that he’d be...”

“Karen, have you ever heard the phrase minute man there?” Eve questioned bluntly as she looked to her friend, “Well Ian is about a thirty second wonder before he dies for the night.”

“Oh Eve,” Karen gasped sympathetically, “I never would’ve thought that he’d be so...”

“Neither did I Karen. I honestly thought that Ian would be unlike any other lover I’ve been with,” Eve sighed as the realization hit her, “And well he is, just not like I’d imagined.”

“Have you tried to talk to him about it?” Karen suggested silently thinking to herself how fortunate she was not to have continued the pursuit on Ian that Eve had tried to force upon her.

“What am I going to say Karen? Oh Ian I love you, but we’re really having a problem here. I mean you’re wonderful and all, but you just don’t do it for me,” Eve groaned as she shook her head, “this is horrible.”

“Maybe you should just tell him,” Karen urged further, “I mean you could guide him, maybe show him what it is you’d like to see happen with you and hopefully he’ll take a hint.”

“Karen,” Eve let out a sigh, “believe me I’ve tried, but Ian’s not into variation. He’d much rather do his thing and then I’m left to do mine.”

“Other than cry about it?” Eve replied with a sigh, “Karen, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I mean I love Ian. I’m fairly certain of that, but he just doesn’t do it for me.”

“Karen, I think you know when something works for you and when it doesn’t,” Eve frowned as she found herself on edge again and she downed the last of her coffee before moving back over to the coffee machine for a refill.

“Eve, maybe you shouldn’t drink anymore of that. I mean you’re already wired as it is and if Ian’s not,” Karen started as Eve threw her a glare, “never mind.”

“Karen, I just don’t know what I’m going to do,” Eve confessed tossing her mug aside as she walked around the room, “I mean I wanted this thing with Ian so badly that I gave up mediocre sex with Kevin to be with him, but now, well I’d give anything to have even a little bit of that back in my life. I mean I know it’s not supposed to be about sex. I realize that and that’s fine,” Eve tried to convince herself, “granted I mean I know love is about so many other things, but Karen, this is beyond horrible with Ian. I mean I’ve tried in lord knows how many ways to try to move past this, but I can’t. I want to, but I just can’t. I mean I’ve never been with a man who wasn’t able to at least give me one orgasm, but with Ian, well, I think I could wait an eternity and it still wouldn’t happen. Even faking it doesn’t seem to be worth the effort anymore because I don’t think he cares.”

“Eve, Ian loves you,” Karen began seeing the strain behind Eve’s features.

“I used to believe that and part of me is convinced of that,” Eve hesitated, “until I have him in bed, then I think the only thing Ian is concerned about is just finishing what he started with himself. I mean to be honest with you Karen, I’m surprised he even needs me as he seems as though he’d be overwhelmingly self sufficient here.”

“Eve,” Karen started with a sigh, “you know maybe you’re going about this the wrong way.”

“Well, I mean if you and Ian are truly soulmates then none of this should matter right?”

“It shouldn’t,” Eve paused thinking about her previous evening with Ian, “but it does.”

“Then what are you going to do about it?” Karen questioned raising a curious brow.

“I honestly don’t know Karen,” Eve admitted with a sigh, “I’ve been trying for at least a month now to come up with something, but it’s just not happening and it seems like it just gets worse as time goes on.”

“Then maybe it’s time you do something about it on your own,” Karen suggested taking a look over her shoulder at the door for a moment before redirecting her gaze upon Eve, “I mean I know this might sound a little crazy coming from me, but maybe you should look into finding some other way to make up for what you’re missing.”

“Well,” Karen hesitated for a moment before lowering her voice a bit, “I mean I’m happy with Frank now, but there were times when I’d wondered how things were going.”

“Karen are you saying that Frank...” Eve questioned eyes wide with surprise as she looked to her friend.

“Oh God no,” Karen shook her head adamantly, “Frank is amazing. I mean he’s beyond amazing Eve and when I think about Frank,” Karen felt a deliciously wicked smile forming on her lips as she saw the look of dismay over Eve’s features and she tried to hold back on what she’d been thinking, “well, this isn’t about Frank.”

“Well there was that period of time that Joe and I were on the outs,” Karen started somewhat hesitantly, “and while Joe wasn’t nearly as hopeless as you make Ian out to be, there was a point in time when I needed a little something more.”

“Actually,” Karen bit on her tongue for a moment before looking around the room again, “if I tell you, you can’t repeat this to a single soul.”

Eve’s interest suddenly perked up as she moved back over to the sofa again, “I’m all ears.”

“You have to promise you won’t say anything,” Karen urged once more as Eve listened intently.

“You have my word on that Karen,” Eve replied crossing her fingers over her heart, “I won’t tell anyone.”

“Okay,” Karen softened her tone further, “there was this brief period of time when Joe and I were on the outs and I met up with this guy...”

“Karen, are you saying that there was someone on the side?” Eve questioned somewhat surprised.

“Yes and no,” Karen shrugged thinking it over for a moment, “I mean my heart was with Joe, but there was this one night....” Karen paused, “I really shouldn’t be telling you this.”

“No please,” Eve urged her, “I want to hear it. Please, Karen I need some sort of distraction from my life here.”

“Alright,” Karen took in a breath as her voice shrank to about a whisper, “there was this one night when I’d been working late around the office and well, Joe and I had just gotten into a blow out with one another. He’d done another one of his insensitive, hurtful things with me and I was feeling so low about things, that is until I got the phone call.”

“The phone call that changed my life Eve,” Karen admitted with a hint of a smile, “I mean even thinking about it now, I wonder what had possessed me to answer that night as I’d been on my way out the door when the phone rang, but I’m so glad that I did answer.”

“I had one of the most amazing nights of my life,” Karen confessed feeling her face flushed at the memory as she leaned back on the sofa, “Eve, I can’t even find words to explain what happened to me that night, but my God, by the next morning things had changed. My whole life had turned around all because I’d been able to answer the call of destiny.”

“Karen, what happened?” Eve questioned again finding herself more and more absorbed in Karen’s tale as she leaned in closer.

“I really shouldn’t be saying this,” Karen decided with an after thought, “I mean right now I’m like beyond happy with Frank, but that night, oh Eve, I have never felt more alive than I did in that night I’d just taken the plunge and answered that call.”

“Sounds like something incredible happened,” Eve noted seeing the way Karen’s eyes lit up.

“It did,” Karen nodded in response, “and even now I still have dreams about it. Not that my dreams of Frank aren’t enough to tide me over, but this man I was with....oh Eve...he was far beyond anything I’d ever dreamed up in my head. That night he took me so many places, I’d never been before and it was after that when I realized that I didn’t need to be worrying about Joe anymore. There were other men out there who would give me far more than Joe ever did and I wasn’t going to settle for anything less than that.”

“So who was it,” Eve questioned again, “and if that night was so wonderful, then why on Earth did you let that man slip out of your reach?”

“I swore I’d never reveal the details of that night to anyone, and even now there are things I can’t even tell you, but I can assure you Eve, that one night was enough to change my life.”

“Karen, this just sounds crazy coming from you,” Eve decided trying to see if Karen was teasing or not.

“I know it does Eve, but believe me it’s the truth,” Karen confessed feeling the heat rise further in her cheeks, “that night when I’d left my office Eve, I had no idea what kind of pleasures were in store for me, but when I finally experienced them, well it opened my mind to a whole new world, a whole new life even.”

“So am I going to hear all about this great adventure of yours?” Eve raised a brow wondering just what wild side the mystery caller had tapped into with Karen.

“I’d love to tell you everything,” Karen looked around the on call room, “but I can’t.”

“What do you mean you can’t?” Eve frowned slightly, “I thought you were going to give me all the juicy details.”

“Karen, that’s so not fair. You tell me you have experienced the night of your life after receiving one phone call and you won’t tell me with whom or what happened other than it was fantastic. What gives?”

“Eve, there are some things you just can’t speak about openly,” Karen confessed as her eyes searched the on call room, “however, if you really want to know...”

“Duh,” Eve gave her a look, “of course I want to know. You can’t just open up a line of gossip like that and then walk away from it. That’s just cruel and considering the torture I’ve been going through...”

“Eve, that was never my intent,” Karen thought it over for a moment before reaching into her pocket and withdrawing a card from it. She eyed it for a moment before holding the card out to Eve, “Here, if you want answers, then you go find them.”

“What is this?” Eve eyed the card curiously as Karen coaxed her into accepting it. Eve looked over the tiny, gold colored card for a moment before noting the phone number printed out over it, “Karen?”

“It’s him,” Karen informed her in almost a whisper, “he gave me that after our night together and told me if I ever needed to get in contact with him again, well, to give him a call.”

“Are you saying that he’s a.....” Eve trailed off in disbelief as her eyes trailed over the card.

“Of course not,” Karen answered swiftly, “not at all, but what he is good for is exactly what you need right now.”

“Karen,” Eve couldn’t help but look at her in disbelief, “how in the world did you ever get swept up in something so....”

“Eve, relax, it’s not like it would seem,” Karen urged her as she motioned for Eve to keep her voice down.

“Then what is it,” Eve asked surprised as she tried to figure out what exactly her friend had allowed herself to be wrapped up in.

“Eve, when I needed a distraction from my life, he came into it and he gave me one of the most wonderful nights of my life. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything more profound, or rewarding than that one night we had together,” Karen confessed.

“Because it wasn’t meant to be, but the memories will last me a lifetime as I’m certain they will with you if you call,” Karen decided firmly, “now all you have to do is call that number and I promise you that your life will turn around.”

“Karen, look I appreciate the offer, but well, I don’t think this is what I had in mind,” Eve reached out to hand the card back to her, “I mean I know the business there as my escort years were...”

“Eve, it’s not like that,” Karen pressed the card back into Eve’s palm once more, “trust me. Whatever misconceptions you have about the possibilities that this could hold for you, well, I guaranttee this will blow your mind out of the water once you experience this head on.”

“Karen, I can’t just call some guy that you had a romantic rendezvous with and ask him to help me out as my boyfriend can’t satisfy me,” Eve shook the thought as a nervous laugh bubbled over in her throat, “do you have any idea how insane that sounds?”

“You’re crazy if you don’t make the call Eve,” Karen informed her sharply, “I’m telling you that this is going to be one decision you won’t regret making.”

“Karen,” Eve frowned again as her eyes looked over the card at the number before her, “I don’t know, I mean he gave this to you...”

“Trust me Eve,” Karen cut her off, “he’ll appreciate that I thought to have you call him. He’s quite good at making a woman feel like a goddess.”

“Eve, you have to throw your preconceived notions aside about this and just give it a chance,” Karen urged further, “I know it seems kind of wild and out there, but trust me it’ll be well worth the risk.”

“That sounds kind of different coming from you,” Eve mentioned seeing the spark behind Karen’s eyes as she spoke on encouragingly.

“Well it was and it is because it was a part of me that well, that I’d tried to keep hidden for a long time, but in the end,” Karen motioned to the card, “I’m glad I followed through on this one. Trust me if you call you won’t be disappointed.”

“Karen, I don’t know. I mean I just can’t...” Eve tapered off, “I mean I love Ian.”

“Do you?” Karen raised a brow curiously, “well before you decide to commit your life to him, perhaps it’s time you got a little perspective,” Karen nodded towards the card again, “and I’m certain that he’ll give you that.”

“This is absolutely insane,” Eve began to protest once more as the door to the on call room opened and Chris Ramsey stepped inside.

“No, what is absolutely insane is that you two insist upon carrying on with gossip hour when there are patients in need of care,” Chris grumbled at the two of them as he eyed them skeptically, “I’m sure you can reschedule the slumber party as Karen’s needed in the OR.”

Karen threw him a glare before turning to Eve again. “Just think about what I said. You won’t regret it,” Karen finished before rising from the sofa and giving Chris and icy glare before exiting the on call room.

Chris redirected his gaze towards Eve as he noted her slumping back into the sofa, “You know this isn’t happy hour Lambert.”

“Go to hell Ramsey,” Eve groaned slightly as she placed her head back on the top of the couch, “I’m on a break.”

“Sucking face with Thornhart, oh what a compelling life you have Eve,” Chris rolled his eyes, “We should all be so blessed.”

“You’re just jealous,” Eve shot back her eyes narrowing as she glared at him.

“Face it Chris, you just don’t like the idea of anyone else having any happiness in their life because you’re completely miserable,” Eve snapped at him as she rose from the sofa and stepped towards him, “what’s the matter Chris, couldn’t fit it in your schedule to cruise around the high schools this week to pick up your latest victim, er, girlfriend?”

“Oh you wish,” Eve glared at him as her anger and frustrations mounted within her. She clenched the card Karen had given her in her hand as she watched him for a moment, “you only wish I’d give you the time of day.”

“And you only wish you had someone as incredible as me as Thornhart has turned into a huge let down like the rest of them,” Chris casually looked over his shoulder at her as he noted the spark of rage surging behind her eyes, “Admit it Eve. You made a mistake yet again.”

“You can’t just...” Eve bit her tongue for a moment as she struggled for the right words unable to admit he’d hit the nail on the head as she stood taller, “you can just go to hell.”

“Gee Eve, where I have I heard that one before,” he chuckled in amusement as he reached for the coffee creamer, “Thornhart must’ve really done a number on you as you’re really slipping with your come backs. I’d at least hoped for some kind of originality there.”

“Try this on for originality Chris,” Eve stood firm, “you are a pathetic, heartless loser who doesn’t deserve the air you breathe let alone my time. From what I can see, you’re a miserable little man who doesn’t know the first thing about love, nor do you have any idea about what it is a woman truly wants out of a relationship.”

“Judging by your reaction, that’s exactly what you’re not getting,” Chris faced her his jaw tightened as he fought to suppress his anger, “I mean my God Eve when you were with Kevin at least you were somewhat tolerable, but with Thornhart, you just find each and every opportunity to try to nail me one way or the other. Maybe it’s time we got to the heart of the matter here. Why don’t you tell me what it is exactly that Thornhart has done to make you so hostile? Or is it a matter of what he hasn‘t done for you?”

“Ian hasn’t done anything, but show me love and adoration,” Eve answered tightly, “two things which you obviously know nothing about Ramsey because in order to feel those things you must have a heart, something you are clearly not capable of.”

“Eve, you have no idea just how wrong you are,” Chris stepped forward his presence affecting her a bit as she took in a sharp breath, “there are a lot of things about me that you’ll never know because you’re too stuck in your narrow perception of the world around you to take the time to open up your eyes to the truth.”

“The truth is that you’re a miserable jerk and I can’t stand being around you when you’re like this,” Eve shot back in a feeble attempt to wound him with her words.

“Miserable,” he leaned in closer watching the way her pupils dilated and flickered for a brief moment before a hearty laugh built in his throat. He reached out to her tapping her nose with a chuckle before he stepped back, “well as they say misery loves company.”

“Not yours it doesn’t,” Eve shot back enraged as she fought the urge to lunge at him and she spun on her heel rushing out of the on call room before her raging emotions got the best of her.

Eve could feel her heart pounding in her chest as her fists tightened more so than before until her knuckles had grown a deep shade of white with rage. Somehow she wasn’t going to let Chris get the best of her, or anyone else for that matter. Things might not be going well, but she sure as hell wasn’t going to let her emotions overcome her, not like this. She’d find a way to fix things. Somehow things would be perfect with Ian again and she wouldn’t be so prone to this rage building inside of her. She’d find a solution to her problems.

Eve’s eyes traveled down to the crumbled up card in her hand as she expelled a sharp breath she hadn’t been aware she’d been holding. Maybe Karen was right. Maybe a distraction was what she needed. Granted it might not be what she had been searching for, but maybe it was time she took the initiative to fix things in her life one way or the other. She smoothed out the crumpled card in her hand as her eyes skimmed the phone number once again. Would she really take a risk like that and call this mystery man in Karen’s life? Was her relationship with Ian that desperate that it was worth taking this kind of risk in seeking an outside source? She frowned as she found herself conflicted in that moment. As her pager went off, she tucked the card into her pocket determined that she’d focus on her work ahead of her. Her personal life would have to take a backseat to what was happening at her job. She wouldn’t let her problems with Ian get the best of her...at least not at this moment.

The morning air was filled with an unsettling sense of silence as Eve shifted beneath the blankets finding apprehension fill her aching head. This was a tension headache no doubt and while she'd hoped to have been able to sleep it off, she was certain it would never end. She looked around her small room over to a sleeping Ian beside her as the light from the window filtered in through the blinds. She turned to her right side to look at the small alarm clock that was on her wooden dresser and she saw that it was almost four thirty. Reluctantly, she managed to pull herself out of bed. She tried her best not to awaken Ian as she thought about how predictable her life had become. Ian was a wonderful, caring man and there were so many things about him that made him the perfect hero and any woman would want that kind of man in her life, but a part of Eve knew that he wasn't what she needed...at least not in the ways she'd hoped he'd be. She turned her eyes to the bed once again thinking about how things should've been perfect for them, but somehow she wasn't able to shake what was happening inside of her. Ian was supposed to be perfect, their lives together were supposed to be the kind of thing that dreams were made of, but in so many ways they'd turned out to be nightmare.

Tiptoeing out of the room, Eve made her way into the kitchen area as she put on a kettle of water in the hopes of soothing her nerves. She pressed her palm over her throbbing head before deciding the pain was far too great to ignore as she moved across the room to get some aspirin out of one of the cabinets. Eve sighed as she reached for the bottle only to discover it empty. With a slight frown, she moved over to the trash can discarding the bottle before crossing the room to retrieve some pills from her purse as she'd remember she'd still had a few in there for an occasion such as this. Making her way over to the sofa, she held her purse searching through it's contents as she found herself unable to locate the bottle. Frustrated Eve dumped the contents of her purse out over the coffee table as she noted the wrinkled gold card before her. She eyed it intently for a moment before turning her attention back to the pill bottle beside it. The pills were what she needed right now, not the distraction Karen had tempted her with. She seized the bottle in hand before her gaze lingered back over to the golden card.

"This is crazy," Eve thought to herself as she extended her fingers out over the rumbled card. She couldn't believe she'd even possibly entertained the thought, that somehow she'd managed to even conjure up interest about this as Karen's story had raised her curiosity. Feeling guilty she looked over to the bedroom once again before her eyes traveled over to the card once again. There was no way she'd be crazy enough to just make that kind of call. She was happy with Ian, she decided as she set the card down again and moved over to the sink to get herself a glass of water to wash the pills down with.

Eve turned her eyes over towards the coffee table again as she raised the glass to her lips and she found herself lost in the thoughts of what Karen's face had looked like when she'd spoken about that night she'd experienced in the past. Eve couldn't remember having ever seen Karen look that bubbled over by something and Eve found herself almost envious that man had made such a profound effect on her friend. It had been so long sine Eve had felt anything even remotely close to pleasing let alone an earth shaking experience that would keep her dreaming about it the rest of her life. Was Karen truly being serious with her about having lived out far more fantasies than any woman could imagine or was Karen just by nature less prone to satisfaction than Eve was? Then again Eve couldn't remember the last time she'd felt truly satisfied with anything in her life.

Eve had thought love with Ian was the answer, but upon further reflection she feared that was anything but the truth. Sometimes and particularly in this instance it felt as though love just wasn't enough. Perhaps it could never be for them, she sighed as she crossed the room again determined to push the temptation of the unknown out of her mind as she gazed towards the bedroom door. It should be so easy right now to just forget her silly conversation with Karen and push forward into her few remaining hours to sleep before work in Ian's arms, but something just felt off. She couldn't quite place it, but in the back of her mind, she found so many questions she hadn't even thought capable of before she'd talked to Karen, but now...now she couldn't help but wonder. Eve looked over to the card again as she turned around facing the couch. Should she or shouldn't she?

Ian was a wonderful, honorable man and if he'd ever found out how she'd felt about things, well she was certain that would be the end for them, then again after having experienced Ian time and time again, she wondered if perhaps she didn't take this opportunity it would be the end for her. She felt a shudder run through her as she imagined it being the end of her desires, her needs being satisfied. Ian could provide for her in almost every way she'd craved, except sexually and when two people were in love that didn't matter...at least it wasn't supposed to matter. That much she was certain of. So what if Ian couldn't make her climax, he still had a way with words, with his passion for work, with his kindness, his love for his fellow man. He was a moral pillar of virtue and it shouldn't matter that he couldn't make love like a sex god. Ian was amazing in so many ways and for her to base everything they had on their time spent together in bed was just so...so...so shallow, but at the same time so Eve. She'd had a lifetime of lovers whose performance had tempted her in so many ways, but with Ian she didn't have that. He was amazing, but they just didn't have that spark, although Eve also knew from experience that the spark was said to have faded over time, but to have it happen this soon. She frowned as she moved across the room towards the coffee table.

"This is so unfair," Eve thought to herself as she reached for the card and her eyes clearly read the phone number printed upon it. Just the mere thought of calling this number made her certifiable. It made her look desperate and miserable, but then as she sat there thinking about the last time she'd made love to Ian, she realized that's exactly what she was. Desperate and craving sexual gratification unlike anything she'd ever craved before. How she'd wanted sex with Ian to be something that had rocked her world beyond anything imaginable, but she'd found that his performance left much to be desired.

"Maybe it's just me," Eve sighed as she brushed her index finger over the card, "maybe I'm just expecting too much given my experience," she sighed thinking about her less than savory past. Ian hadn't cared about who she once was, so why should she be so damned judgmental about what he could or couldn't do for her? He could please her in other ways that she was certain could outweigh the sexual benefits of their relationship, but as she sat there she realized that wasn't what she'd really wanted. She wanted love, but at the same time she'd also craved the heat and passion that could only be savored between two lovers in tune with each other's deepest desires. She'd wanted fireworks, but up until now she and Ian hadn't even reached a tiny explosion...at least not together. He seemed completely satisfied, but she was miserable. Damn her for not being able to accept what she had, she thought to herself as she moved over to the telephone picking it up.

"This is insane," she repeated as she pressed her index finger over the keys to the telephone. She dialed a few numbers before stopping short and hanging up the phone abruptly. She jumped back for a moment opting to say nothing as she stared the phone down as if it was going to leap out and bite her. Her eyes moved to the door to the bedroom once again before she finally let out a sigh. She ran her fingers through her dark hair trying to come to terms with what she was about to do as she thought of the pros and cons of this situation. She loved Ian. She really did, but was that enough to keep her going? Perhaps if she had this one moment, then she’d be fine with the failures she and Ian had together. Perhaps if she called this other man it would spark something or at least make her remember what she had with Ian. It couldn’t hurt, right?

“To hell with it,” Eve groaned turning back towards the bedroom before abruptly spinning around to take the phone in hand once again. She began to pluck away at the dial pad as she pressed it to her ear hearing the sounds of ringing on the other end. After two rings she hung up feeling her heart pounding in her chest. She stared at the phone again for what felt like an eternity before finally dialing once more as she struggled to keep her courage about her. She let it ring two times again, then three, four, five...she was about to hang up when a voice mail service picked up leaving no other clues to whom she was calling other than the automated computer generated voice offering her a chance to leave a message. She looked over to the bedroom door as the phone beeped and with a sigh, she hung up the phone realizing that this had been a bad idea.

“Ian is what I want,” she convinced herself as she placed the phone back on the base and she walked back into the bedroom determined to make things work somehow. For the sake of their love, she had to.

“Morning Eve,” Karen called out cheerfully as the she approached the nurse’s station seeing her friend hunched over a few charts, “how’s it going?”

“It’s early,” Eve groaned slightly as she turned her eyes towards Karen.

“I can see that,” Karen noted the dark circles under Eve’s eyes, “I take it last night was another long night.”

“Short would be more accurate,” Eve couldn’t help but mutter as she clasped her hand over her mouth in shock, “I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant to...” Eve began to cover.

“It’s okay,” Karen nodded in response, “I understand,” Karen looked around the desk for a moment as Colleen walked off and she leaned in closer to Eve, “did you look into that thing I’d mentioned before?”

“I mean I’d thought about it, but I don’t know. I mean I started to, but then I thought about Ian and the way things are,” Eve began with a slight frown as she searched the hall with her eyes, “I mean I’d called the number, but then there was an answering service.”

“Of course not. What was I supposed to say? Hi, this is Eve, Karen Wexler’s severely frustrated and utterly disappointed friend and she said I could call you to help me out of my problem here,” Eve muttered sarcastically, “I don’t think that would fly by too well Karen.”

“Given the circumstances,” Karen thought it over for a minute as Eve shot her a glare, “but seriously Eve, you have no idea what you’re missing out on here. I’m telling you that it’s worth the effort it takes to call.”

“Karen,” Eve began again as she noticed Ian walking down the hallway, “let’s just drop it, okay?”

“Eve, I really don’t think we should drop it just like...” Karen began again.

“Hello ladies,” Ian’s voice interrupted Karen as he stood beside her. He looked between Karen and Eve.

“Ian,” Karen gasped surprised by his entrance as she turned around to face him abruptly, “How’s it hanging....I mean how’s it going?”

“Oh they were completely erotic...I mean exotic,” Karen offered with a tight grin, “we had a wonderful time together on the islands. I mean that spot you told us about was beautiful.”

“Some how I thought you and Frank might enjoy the peace and quiet that the island had to offer,” Ian couldn’t help but smile as he leaned over the counter a bit directing his gaze over at Eve, “I mean for us it was truly a divine experience for the two of us to share.”

“So I heard,” Karen couldn’t help but grin sarcastically, “I hear Eve got a real rise out of it in being there with you.”

Eve shot her a glare as she reached for Ian’s hand, “Ian, what are you doing here this early?”

“Well, you know what they say about the early bird Eve,” Karen couldn’t help but chuckle lightly, “although that whole thing about getting the worm...”

“No but apparently Eve is,” Karen couldn’t help but tease further, “as I was saying you really need to check into that thing I was telling you about.”

“She was just telling me about a book she read and wanted me to borrow. That’s all,” Eve shot her a glare.

“Oh you know Around the World in 80 Seconds....uhm...Days,” Karen answered fighting to suppress the laugh building in her throat.

“Ah yes that was a rather interesting approach there in that novel,” Ian agreed as Karen burst into laughter, “what did you think?”

“I was telling Karen that I didn’t really get a chance to bury myself in it,” Eve explained throwing Karen a glare.

“That’s too bad, it’s really something that you should immerse yourself in sometime,” Ian thought it over.

“I’ll be you like doing that, don’t you Ian? Immersing yourself in something and just sticking with it until the end there as it doesn‘t do anyone any justice to just skim over the pages without giving them any in depth conceptualization.”

“Oh of course not,” Ian shook his head, “a fine piece of literature is like a beautiful woman. There are so many layers to break through and it’s the exploration that makes the adventure seem intriguing.”

“I’ll bet,” Karen nodded in response, “of course it’s a shame though that in some great novels, the plot thickens, but the climax just kind of fizzles out before you can really immerse yourself in it.”

“So Ian,” Eve cut her off as she touched Ian’s shoulder, “what can I do for you?”

“Actually I wanted to talk to you about tonight,” Ian began with a sigh, “I was talking to Dr. Quartermaine and it seems that they have a shortage of people working the clinic tonight and I’d volunteered my services as it’s flu season right now. I’d hate to think of anyone being left around here without the help they truly deserve. I hope you don’t mind that I stick around longer than I’d planned on.”

“I think it’s a really great idea Ian,” Karen offered with a smile, “besides Eve decided she was going to visit me tonight. We were going to have a girl’s night.”

“Silly me,” she shrugged lightly, “but you know if you’d like me to meet your at your place later...”

“I’ll probably be exhausted, but it’s a nice thought,” Ian smiled lightly, “of course maybe we could reschedule for tomorrow since you and Karen seem to have plans.”

“We actually have a full night ahead of us. I was thinking we’d go out for videos and ice cream then have a night of girl things,” Karen smiled brightly as she looked to Ian, “you know the boring stuff we gals do.”

“In other words, I should talk to Joseph later about having a boy’s night,” Ian couldn’t help but smile, “so did you two have any movies in mind for tonight?”

“I was thinking about that new Nicholas Cage one,” Karen glanced over to Eve, “what was it called again?”

“Oh wait that’s right. I remember now. It’s Gone in 60 Seconds. Have you seen it Ian?”

“Only if you’re into really high speed,” Karen looked over to Eve with a grin, “Eve’s a big fan there of those flashy come quickly flicks though.”

“Not really, but I suppose I should get checking on my patients before anything hard comes up around here,” Karen threw out a smile, “but then again I’m sure it won’t be that way this morning. I mean I‘d hate to rush off to work as you know what they say...haste makes waste.”

“Bye Eve. Just remember what I said,” Karen waved as she turned down the hall.

“Everything okay,” Ian questioned as he circled around the desk to take Eve in his arms, “you look tense.”

“I’m fine,” Eve sighed as she leaned into his embrace, “it’s just been a long morning.”

“Followed up after a long night,” Ian whispered pressing a kiss over her skin, “last night was pure magic swept from the heavens my love.”

“I know it was Lambert,” he cupped her face in his hands giving her a kiss, “and while I’m going to miss you tonight I’m sure it’ll give us so much more to look forward to together later.”

“I’m certain that it will,” Eve nodded in response, “you know if you want me to cancel...”

“No I think a girl’s night will be good for you. Plus it’ll give me time to get a few things finished around here,” Ian informed her lightly, “though I will be thinking about you.”

“I’ll be thinking about you too,” Eve offered a light smile as his finger brushed over her cheek.

“Yeah you’re in mine a lot too,” Eve nodded again, “so I guess this means we’ll catch up later.”

“Get a room already,” a voice groaned as Chris approached the two of them, “Can’t you do this at home instead of making the rest of us ill?”

“The hospital is my business Thornhart,” Chris cut back tightly, “and the way I see it, you have work to do and you’d better get on it.”

“No Dr. Thornhart, you’d better watch your tone as I’m the Chief Resident around here, or have you forgotten that in all your time away?” Chris glared at him.

“I haven’t forgotten anything about the jackass that you are Ramsey,” Ian turned back to look at Eve as he touched her cheek, “I’ll see you later.”

“Okay,” Eve nodded as he gave her a quick kiss before he stalked off in the opposite direction. She turned her attention to Chris and frowned, “you know you could try being nice.”

“And you could try to refrain from bringing sex to work Eve,” Chris answered not bothering to look at her as he tended to his work, “you have a job to do and it’s not entirely like your old profession unless of course you’re going to turn in your letter of resignation.”

“And make you happy? I so don’t think so Ramsey,” Eve snapped back at him, “you know Chris, why don’t you just own up to what the real problem is here?”

“And what might that be Eve?” Chris turned his head slightly to look at her.

“Not that again,” Chris rolled his eyes, “you know Eve this is getting really old.”

“Admit it Ramsey, you know that the Chief Resident job should’ve been mine and you can’t face the fact that you’re inadequate around here.”

“Inadequate? Oh please Eve, like you could’ve taken on this much responsibility. I mean it might interfere with your romps with your latest flavor of the month,” Chris remarked dryly.

“I’ll have you know that I have a healthy balance of my personal and professional life.”

“Right Eve,” Chris chuckled in amusement, “what dream land are you living in?”

“Oh I’m so hurt,” Chris pressed his hand to his chest feigning ache, “you really wounded me there.”

“A jerk,” Chris mused bubbling over in his amusement, “aww....how cute.”

“You want me. Admit it,” Chris leaned in closer to her, “in fact you’ve wanted me for so long that just the thought of being this close to me makes you all warm and tingly all over,” Chris moved in closer still as he remained a few inches from her, “just admit it Eve.”

“The only thing I’ll admit to you,” Eve leaned upward towards him as she felt his breath lingering upon her, “is that you are an ass Mr. Chief Resident sir.”

“Right,” Chris replied as he felt her extend her arm out into his chest pushing him back from her.

“Then get to it,” Chris adjusted his tie as he regained his composure with a tiny laugh, “I wouldn’t want to have to bust you for slacking off again like you usually do.”

“Bite me Chris,” Eve snapped in response as she turned around taking a step forward. She felt his arm slink around her waist as he pulled her body tightly against his whispering in her ear.

“Where do you want it Eve?” Chris couldn’t help but tease as he moved his lips in closer to her ear, “you just tell me how and where you want it.”

“You’re such a pig,” Eve groaned feeling the heat of his breath upon her skin as she closed her eyes for a moment feeling the way his hand felt pressed firmly over her hip. He kept her to him as his thumb and forefinger slid over her hip rounding the curve for a moment.

“You laid out the offer,” Chris reminded her with a tiny chuckle as he leaned in close to her his lips almost pressed against her skin.

“Yes well only you would be desperate enough to try to molest me in front of half the staff here,” Eve grumbled as she moved forward.

“I thought you were into exhibitionism Eve,” Chris whispered drawing her against him tightly, “at least that’s what most of us have been subjected to with you and your flavor of the month.”

“Get a life Ramsey,” Eve rolled her eyes as she turned her head slightly to meet his eyes, “you know this is sexual harassment here.”

“I suppose it would be construed that way if you weren’t enjoying it,” Chris breathed against her skin.

“What makes you think I’d enjoy any of this,” Eve cut back sharply never straying from his gaze.

“Because you haven’t kicked my ass yet,” Chris answered simply, “if you didn’t like it, you wouldn’t be here in my arms.”

“Good point,” Eve decided as she stomped her heel down on his foot and he released her with a wince, “now get lost Ramsey.”

“God Eve,” Chris groaned watching her for a moment, “what the hell is wrong with you?”

“Damn woman,” Chris shook his head, “whatever Ian’s doing to you, he’s doing it all wrong. You need to relax.”

“Yeah well that won’t be a problem in the future,” Chris rolled his eyes at her, “you aren’t worth the effort,” he decided as he brushed past her trying to ignore their exchange as he went back to work.

Eve watched him leave as she let out a groan. Burying her face in her hands, she tried to deal with her raging emotions as she thought about everything that was happening. She really could’ve easily taken Chris’ head off a moment ago and the fact that she’d found herself even the slightest bit aroused by him made her nauseous. She let out another sigh as she looked over towards the phone. Maybe Karen was right. Maybe she was going about this all wrong. Perhaps it was time she worked on changing things in her life before she became homicidal. Reluctantly she slipped her hand inside her pocket and pulled out the card as she reached over to the phone deciding that there was no longer any putting this off. She needed her change her life...starting now.