"And into Kim who’s an emotional minefield because of what’s going on with her and Weaver. You gonna take care of her too?"

"It’s different," she maintained.

"How?"

"Would it be any different if I were with you? Taking care of you until sobriety wasn’t an every day battle? Until you quit feeling the need to apologize to your grandparents for not being what they wanted or to everyone in this hospital for being rich? How long, Carter– how long would I have to take care of you until you felt comfortable in your own skin?"

"I…"

"And that’s the reason it’s different with Kim," Abby finished quietly. "More than anything, she knows who she is. This thing with Kerry… it made her question that, loving someone who was ashamed of her. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive Kerry for that, no matter how much I respect her as a doc– I cannot understand what it is that made her run."

"And now that Kerry isn’t running?"

******

Watching the bartender discreetly make the rounds of the few occupied tables letting them know it was last call, Kerry shook her head. "I can’t believe we’ve managed to shut this place down."

"It’s hardly an all-night establishment," Kim jibed. "Back in college, I was usually just getting warmed up at this hour."

"Why do I think burning the midnight oil for you didn’t involve studying?"

"Oh, it did," Kim disagreed. "Just not all the time."

"No doubt you cut a swath through the sorority houses on campus."

"You suggesting I was somewhat less than virtuous?"

"Just trying to figure out how you met Christy."

"Christy was no sorority girl…"

"Why am I not surprised?"

"Kate… on the other hand…"

"Don’t mean to interrupt you ladies," the relaxed voice of the bartender stepped between the quiet bent of their heads towards one another, "But can I get you another round?"

"Don’t want to keep you, Kath," Kim replied easily, watching the last of the patrons depart. "The check will be fine."

"Not keeping me at all. I’ve got about another hour’s worth of paperwork and restocking left, so you two are more than welcome to keep me company." She grinned conspiratorially. "And actually, your conversation looked too interesting to end right now. Please… on the house, even."