The Dr.'s Holtzmann
Erin swirled her martini around and skimmed her eyes over the room lazily. Just another banquet in their honor thanking them for saving the world. As much as she loved rubbing her success in her old colleagues faces, it was getting boring. She was ready for another call, another job, something to get her adrenaline rushing and her heart racing. She felt a warm presence at her side as an arm snaked around her waist and the smell of vanilla and motor oil filled her senses.
"What's shakin babe?" Erin rolled her eyes and took a sip of her drink before setting it down.
“You are so bad at this whole subtle thing.” Holtz’s grin was wide and unabashed and Erin felt butterflies flutter in her stomach.
“I thought the point of a love affair was that I get to have you whenever I want.” Holtz’s grip tightened and she pulled Erin closer, her lips brushing Erin’s cheek.
“Jill, I-”
“Excuse me, Dr. Gilbert? It’s an honor to meet you ma’am!” A young grad student appeared at her side and grabbed her hand, shaking it vigorously. Holtz and Erin rolled their eyes simultaneously and shared a pointed look.
“Dr. Holtzmann…” Erin mumbled under her breath before turning a smiling face to the young man. “Yes, how may I help you?” The boy seemed to light up and he started talking quickly shooting rapid fire questions left and right. Erin barely kept up, her annoyance only growing as time stretched on and on and he continued to talk.
“Everyone if you could find your seats, please. We’ll begin the formal proceedings in only a moment.” Fighting the urge to praise a God, Erin gave the boy a polite nod and walked away as quickly as was polite.
“That kid seemed pretty interesting, did ya learn anything knew?” Holtz was smirking at her, eyes sweeping down to her toes and then back up to meet her eyes. Erin merely snorted and slipped into a chair at the “table of honor” as the mayor had called it. Abby and Patty were waiting for them, knowing smiles on their faces. Holtz slid into the chair beside her and got comfortable, sliding down and slinging an arm across the back.
“You two haven't gotten in any trouble yet have you?” Abby’s tone was serious but her eyes were all joke. Holtz gasped and sat up in her chair, then leaned in close.
“What did you hear? Any juicy gossip?” Her mouth split into a grin. Patty shook her head and slapped a hand on the engineer’s shoulder.
“Baby, you already know what the gossip is.”
“I know I just like hearing it again.” Holtz relaxed back in her chair and turned her attention to Erin. Before she could say anything, however, the Mayor stood and applause filled the room. Holtz slow clapped loudly, cheering, as the others clapped politely, trying not to roll their eyes. He started off on a long spiel about how honored we was that the Ghostbusters worked so closely with the city and blah blah blah. Holtz wasn't paying attention. Instead, her eyes were drawn to long auburn hair falling into Erin’s face. Before she could think it through she brushed the hair behind Erin’s ear and then ran her finger down her neck to her shoulder. Erin looked over at her, eyes wide and cheeks darkening significantly.
“Jillian, I-”
“And our next speaker is Dr. Gilbert.” All eyes turned to Erin and she fought the urge to groan. Could she not get one sentence out before being interrupted. She stood gracefully and made her way over to the podium, smiling politely until the applause died down. She began a speech she had practiced for days and knew upside down and backwards. Thanking the mayor for the support and the city for their cooperation. When she had finished the room erupted in polite applause. Erin glanced down at Holtz and felt her heart swell at the smile the other woman was giving her. Her confidence spiked and she tapped on the mic, effectively getting everyone's attention.
“One last little thing, it’ll only take a minute. I’d like to thank my team for always being there for me and supporting me.” The other women smiled at her and as she met Holtz’s eyes, she licked her lips. “And also, we’re married.” She pointed at Holtzmann and the entire room went deathly quiet. “Thank you.” She slid back into her seat and Holtz wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her in for a chaste kiss. Quiet mumbling started up around the room as gossip spread, everyone taking a guess at how long they’d missed out on the Ghostbusters’ power couple.
“Way to grow a pair Gilbert didn't know you had it in you.”
“It’s not Gilbert anymore.” She cupped Holtz’s cheek and pulled her into another kiss, softer but longer.
“Oh, get a room.” Abby threw a cracker at them and Erin pulled away slowly, teeth worrying her lower lip.
“Was that okay?” It was a breathless murmur but Holtz understood. She always did.
“Are you kidding? That was the best speech I've ever heard. The beginning and middle were pretty boring, but the ending.” Her mouth split in a dazzling smile and Erin fought the urge to take her then and there. “This may be a bit forward, what with you being a married woman and all, but would you like to get out of here?” Holtz leaned into her and whispered in her ear, and Erin shivered as her hair stood on end.
“You’ll have to ask my wife.” Erin met Holtz’s gaze with a playful smile and the other woman’s grin only grew.
“I think she’d be okay with it.” Erin laughed and pulled Holtz in for a short kiss.
“Well, in that case, lead the way.” Holtz whooped and grabbed her hand, practically dragging Erin away from the party.