Chaos at Crescent City Medical Center Read Online Free PDF

to start a physical relationship with her.  At first, Alex had been relieved that Mitch hadn't pressured her into intimacy.  Yet, several times she'd found she feeling vulnerable and rejected at the end of the evening.  It was probably residual feelings that stemmed from her father's and Robert's rejections of her.   More recently, Mitch seemed to be moving towards intimacy again, although his usually warm and inviting conversation often became stilted and aloof at the close of the evening.
    Mitch's eyes lit up at the sight of Alex, and he appraised her admiringly.  "You look great...  That teal color of your dress sets off your eyes, and I like your hair down.  You look so carefree and comfortable."  Mitch groped for the proper words.
    "I know, relaxed and casual.  Bridgett tells me the same thing.  I guess I must look like an old maid at the hospital.  To quote my idiotic boss, 'I have to dance with the big boys, so appearance is important.'"  Alex paused for a moment and inhaled the fragrance of the spring flowers.  "These flowers are beautiful.  How about a glass of wine?"
    "Sure.  I told Andre at the Cafe we may be a little late.   Do you have any of that Virginia Chardonnay we enjoy so much?  I'm pretty impressed with Virginia wine."
    "The Chardonnay is from Barboursville Vineyards, near my grandparents’ farm.  Help yourself.  I also have some Brie, heated with honey and almonds, on the coffee table in the living room.  I'll be in as soon as I arrange these flowers." 
    Mitch poured two glasses of the Chardonnay in Alex's wine glasses and gazed appreciably around her living room. The furnishings were impeccably beautiful, simple, and elegant, just like Alex.  It's funny how people reflect their homes, Mitch mused, as he studied the lovely walnut library cabinet on the wall opposite the sofa.  As his eyes continued to survey the room, Mitch again noted the architectural design of the flat.  The heavily carved mantels and decorative woodwork in the living and dining rooms were left natural, and pale blue silk wallpaper pulled together the pastels in the living room. 
    Alex returned with the fresh flowers in a cut-glass vase which she placed on the dining room table.  She seated herself on the sofa next to Mitch.   After reaching for her wine and taking a sip, she asked, "How's your newest project going?  Did you get your historical foundation funding for the Acadia Village Project? "  
    Mitch's face showed the animation he felt for his newest project.  He'd been chosen to plan the preservation and restoration of a small settlement of historical structures in southwest Louisiana.  He was delighted at the opportunity to finally pursue rural preservation.  Since most of his work had been done in the French Quarter and in the Garden District, the opportunity to work on rural preservation would showcase his knowledge and ability in the areas of Creole and Arcadian architecture.
    Mitch smiled and answered her question.  "Yes.  It's great.  Next week I begin the Arcadian Village in Lafayette.  Would you like to visit the project?  It's a nineteenth-century Cajun settlement and it represents rural Louisiana.”  He continued, "Let’s plan a weekend soon so you see the work as it unfolds.”  He looked at his watch. 
    Alex warmed at the possibility of a field trip to Mitch’s architectural projects.  “So I can have a full appreciation of your talents,” Alex teased.  “I would love to.  When can we go?”
    "Soon, but I haven’t done anything yet.”  Mitch glanced again at his watch and said, “We had better get going.  We don't want to keep Andre waiting too long.  I’d hate to lose our table."
    As they left her apartment and walked toward Mitch's car, Alex again savored the New Orleans night, and the fragrance of lilac and wisteria created an aura of romance.  As Alex slipped her hand into Mitch's, she felt him stiffen slightly.  She felt rebuffed and wondered why he