Page 45 of Deprivation

Well, mystery solved. I’m not sure why I keep reading his text like it was sent from a hot guy I met at a bar instead of an arrogant orthopedist who only provided his number to drum up business. His texts are pleasant, unlike many of our prior interactions.But don’t fall into his trap, Katarina. Dirty dreams or not, this attractive, arrogant orthopod is likely a playboy like all the rest.Unless it’s work-related, I need to keep him at a distance. Now, if only I can tell my mind that when I take my sleeping pill each evening.

Pouring a second cup of coffee, I head back to my room to take a shower and get on with my day. I have sweet seniors who’ll be awaiting my arrival with their meals today. Suddenly, my stomach growls. Perhaps I’ll stop at the grocery store afterward and pick out something new to prepare for dinner. I haven’t cooked in a while. I enter the bath and start the shower, shaking my head at the memory of the morning’s wake up text.

* * *

Nick

“Sophia?” I bark curtly into the phone.

“Yes, Nick. Forget the sound of my voice so soon?” she laughs, sarcastically.

“Unfortunately, no. What do you need?”

“I need to see you,” she replies, surprising me.

“Uh, no.”

“Nick. I have something you want.”

“I seriously doubt that.”

“You’ll change your mind. You’ll see. Come on, Nick. Try to come off of your high horse. Meet me tonight at Julio’s. I’m having an early dinner there. If you can swing by, I’ll just run out and give it to you and you can be on your way.”

Curious at what could possibly be so important, but wanting desperately to get her off of the phone, I snarl back at her. “Fine. I’ll meet you there at 5:00 p.m.” I abruptly hang up the line. Why do I let that she-devil continue to get to me?

* * *

Pulling into a space in the small strip mall parking lot, I turn off the ignition and look toward the Mexican restaurant Sophia and I used to frequent. Seeing her nowhere in sight, I shoot off a text.

5:05 p.m.

Nick: I’m here.

The entrance door to the restaurant swings open, and a couple stumbles out, arm in arm, laughing. As I start to look away, I see Sophia exit. I grab my keys and head in her direction. As I take her in, I try to control the venom I feel at the tip of my tongue whenever she’s nearby. She stands tall and unequivocally beautiful, as always. She’s wearing dark jeans, black boots, and a black top wrapped in a colorful, expensive pashmina, adorned in gold jewelry. She’s holding a small business envelope in her well-manicured right hand, expensive baubles perched on several fingers. Her makeup and stylish blonde updo are flawless. She is and always has been the picture of grace and elegance, even if her life choices reflect the contrary.

“Sophia,” I greet, trying to hold my tongue.

“Hi, Nick. Thanks for meeting me. I’m heading out of town and found this and wanted to get it to you before I either misplaced it or forgot about it.”

Taking the envelope from her outstretched hand, I peer inside. As I retrieve the photo, I simultaneously ask, “What is it?” I wonder what she could think was so important. I examine the grainy black and white photo of my mother and father and inhale a deep cleansing breath.

“I found it tucked inside one of the cookbooks from the house. I know how important it is to you… well, your mother, I mean. I didn’t know it was there or I wouldn’t have taken it. I just wanted to get it back to you,” she says with the sincerity of the college sweetheart I once knew and cared for.

Looking down at the photo I’d taken when I was fourteen, I gently stroke my mother’s sweet face with my thumb. Having received the camera as a Christmas present, I recall taking pictures of everyone and everything for months after opening the treasured gift. I take in the sight of my father with his arms wrapped around my mother, who was standing at the stove cooking dinner. His head was tilted slightly as he kissed her neck, her head thrown back with a breathtaking smile crossing her beautiful face. I bite the inside of my cheek, trying desperately not to shed a tear on this sidewalk.

Taking complete leave of my sanity, I pull Sophia in and hug her tightly. “Thank you,” I murmur, grasping the tattered picture in my shaking palm. Swiftly realizing what I’m doing, I pull back, knowing the kind act she’s shown after all of her unforgivable deeds has overwhelmed my senses momentarily. “I have to go.”

“You’re welcome,” she replies softly, as if understanding my inability to say anything else.

I turn toward my car, desperately needing solitude, until recognizing a familiar form with a long, dark braid carrying grocery bags ahead of me. My first instinct is to go to her. My sentiment toward the photo is obviously clouding my judgement.God, I’m starting to think I see this woman everywhere. And if it was her, what would make you think she’d want anything to do with you?

Chapter Nineteen

Three and a Half Years Earlier

Kat

“Olivia, I can’t believe it. I got in! In just six weeks, I’m starting PA school!” I squeal loudly into the phone. I picture her pulling the receiver away from her ear. I can’t control my excitement.

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