Chapter - 48 - She or he?

"Gianna! When did you come back?" asked Mrs.Rogers, still in shock. "Jeez Doc! I thought it was a burglar and was about to hit you!" exclaimed Frank, heaving a sigh. "Sorry. I came around midnight so didn't want to disturb you." said Gianna. Gianna didn't want them to witness a wounded strange man walking around her home and quickly closed the door.

"You gave me quite a shock! Are you going out?" asked Mrs.Rogers looking at her casual clothes. "AH! Yeah. I am going to buy some groceries for lunch." said Gianna with a faint smile. "Did you take a day off, Doc?" asked Frank as he opened their apartment's main door. Gianna nodded in response with a smile. "If it's your day off, then you should take a good rest. I will prepare lunch for you. Go!" Mrs.Rogers was determined to send Gianna back into her apartment.

Gianna had to come up with some excuse because as usual they three would sit together to have lunch and if that was the case, Rick would have to stay hungry. Gianna racked her mind for excuses and finally came up with an absurd excuse. "Thank you, Mrs.Rogers but my friend will be joining me for lunch. My friend is in the city and we are meeting up after many years so I invited her for lunch. I don't want to trouble you."

Mrs.Rogers laughed loudly and said, "What is the big deal cooking another two portions? You go take a rest because the fate of many patients are in your hands. I will bring over the food for you and your friend. End of discussion. Go!" Mrs.Rogers didn't allow Gianna to speak another word and closed the door quickly after entering her apartment.

Gianna stood there, looking at the closed door in front of her and didn't know what to do so she returned to her apartment. Rick opened the bedroom door at the same time when Gianna entered the apartment. They both had a brief eye contact but averted it soon. Gianna sat on the couch in the living room thinking deeply about something.

"A penny for your thoughts?" asked Rick in a deep voice which brought Gianna back from her deep thinking. Gianna told about the incident which happened just now to Rick in detail. "From what you said, Mrs.Rogers seems to be a caring person so, don't disappoint her. I will hide somewhere and if she insists on seeing your friend just tell she cancelled the plan at the last moment or will be late." Rick gave her a good solution and Gianna also liked the plan.

Gianna looked at the clock on the wall and saw it was only half past one so she decided to take a shower before Mrs.Rogers brought in lunch. "I am going to take a quick shower. Don't move from the couch until I come back." said Gianna in a serious tone and left for the bedroom. Rick found her attitude amusing and continued to watch television on mute as an obedient kid.

Gianna locked the door and went into the washroom to take a quick shower. She washed her body properly, remembering all the work she had been doing from last night. She came outside in her bathrobe and sat in front of her dressing table to apply body lotion. She put on a new set of home wear and unlocked the door to go to the balcony.

Gianna saw Rick sitting on the couch watching a car race match on the television. She stepped onto the balcony and started drying her hair with the towel. Rick couldn't resist the strong smell of lavender filling the room and turned slowly to sneak a glance at Gianna. The sight of a fair skinned slim figured woman in an entire black outfit with long wet hair over her shoulders was a beautiful sight just like the sight of sun setting on an ocean. Rick quickly turned away not wanting to get caught staring at her.

Gianna went to her study room and started to work on her project research. She didn't know how long she was sitting in front of her computer but she looked at the time when she heard the loud ring of the doorbell and it was quarter to three in the noon. She slowly stood up from her chair to switch off the monitor but she remembered that Rick was in the living room when the bell rang for the second time.

Gianna immediately sprinted outside the door but hit her head on a strong surface. She rubbed her forehead and looked up only to meet Rick's surprised gaze . Rick cleared his throat and exclaimed, "I am sor-" Gianna quickly covered his mouth with her hand and signaled to him to keep his mouth shut. Rick inhaled the sweet fragrance exuding from her hand and looked at her pretty eyes before showing an okay sign with his hand.

"Go into my study room but don't touch anything." warned Gianna in a whisper. Rick nodded in response and slid into the room before closing the door. Gianna opened the main door quickly and Mrs.Rogers came in with Frank to place the food containers on the dining table. "Here we go! Have your fill, Doc." said Frank as he plopped onto the couch. "Thank God your friend is not here yet, I thought I was late. When is your friend coming?" asked Mrs.Rogers as she drank water from the glass Gianna passed to her.

"She is running a little late but she will be here soon." "Is it a she or a he, Doc?" asked Frank with a teasing look. Mrs.Rogers smacked Frank's head and said, "Whoever it is, what is your problem? Go complete your studies." "Ah!! It hurts grandma! I am leaving." said Frank as he started to leave but stopped in his tracks and said looking at Gianna, "You really look beautiful today. Give a light touch up to your face and I am damn sure your friend will stay for the night!" Frank winked at Gianna and sprinted out of the apartment after he stated his remark.

Gianna was shocked to hear his remark but felt more embarrassed because Rick can hear every single word from the study room. She suddenly had a huge urge to hang Frank upside down and use him as a punchbag.