Page 22 of The Bitter Rival

Home, sweet home. Dropping my bags by the door, Charlie wishes me well and heads out the way he came. The place feels better than I remember. Not sure why. Normally I’d come home from these trips, missing the locale almost before I landed. Yet, this trip was entirely different. Don’t get me wrong. I loved everything about Bali. But, try as I might, I still feel unsettled.

Limping toward the den, I stare out over the pool. Maybe that’d be good. A nice soak in the hot tub and a swim in the pool to ease the achy muscles now in spasm after such a long flight. I strip out of my clothes and walk toward the jacuzzi. As the jets pummel my back, I rub at my aching left leg. I can’t believe after the failure of that massage, I managed to fall on the rocks of the Gitgit Waterfall. At least I hurt my leg and not my hands. Plus, there’s been no major change since the acupuncture. Not sure I’m giving that therapy a second chance.

Starting to overheat, I gingerly climb from the hot tub and dive into the still waters of my pool. This overindulgent home has its benefits, beyond the fact there’s no need for clothes when I live alone.

As I come up for air, I look up to see a blonde standing at the side of the pool. She’s wrapped in a towel, blue eyes dancing with mirth. “Who are you?” I bark. It’s in this moment I remember I’m completely naked. Swimming closer to obstruct her view with the side of the pool, I notice she’s biting her lower lip.What the hell? Have I slept with her before? Is she some weird stalker?

Things instantly become clearer as Sam comes into view. Walking up behind her, he wraps his arms around her waist before placing his chin on her shoulder.

“You’re back. Welcome home, big brother. Candy, this is Sebastian. Sebastian, this is-”

“What are you doing here, Sam? This ismyhome. You can’t keep dropping in uninvited.”

“Chill, big brother. I called and found out you were away and didn’t think you’d mind. I can see you’re back and need your space. We’ll get out of your hair.”

“How long have you been here?”

“Only a few days. Don’t worry, we left you some food.”

Jesus, I’m not worried about the damn food.I watch as Candy wiggles her fingers at me as she walks away. Hopefully to put some damn clothes on and leave. I’m starting to feel as tense as when I left.

The following morning, I manage to swim about 100 laps in the pool before settling in for a leisurely breakfast when my cell phone pings. Looking at the screen, I see it’s Dr. Morgan.

“Hey, man. What’s up?”

“Hey, Sebastian. Glad you’re back. I hate to ask, especially after everything you did while I was away, but is there a chance you could swing by St. Luke’s? Donovan Grant called. He has a patient there that could potentially need to go to the OR. I’m not asking you to take him. But, if there’s a chance you could evaluate him to see if he needs to be operated on today versus scheduling outpatient, I’d really appreciate it. I just started a case that’s going to take me hours. I hate to leave the guy sitting there if he could go home.”

Rubbing my neck, I shake my head at this unwelcome intrusion. At least I won’t have to operate. “Sure, I’ll go.” I admit I like Donovan. Even if he is sleeping with Bella. He only calls when it’s necessary. I know he typically works nights, so this patient has probably been there a while.

“Thanks, Bas. Just text me once you’ve seen him. I’ll be free this afternoon if he needs to go to the OR.”

“Got it. It’s no problem,” I say as I end the call. Taking a sip from my coffee, I decide to call Nick after this ER visit. Maybe I can arrange to spend time with him at the lake. A few beers with him might finally take the edge off.

Walking into the ER doors, I head for the nurses’ station. Once directed on where I can find the patient in question, I head down the long corridor to the back section of the ER. St. Luke’s has one of the larger emergency rooms I’ve ever worked with. It’s not a trauma center yet still has enough traffic to keep almost fifty ER beds full most days.

As I get closer to room twenty-seven, I notice movement in the hallway to the left. Unable to keep moving forward, I’m shocked to see two people in a tight embrace in this environment. I become even more shocked when I realize it’s Jeff. He doesn’t strike me as someone who’d act this way on the job. As he steps back, the other party in this equation comes into view. Bella.

CHAPTERELEVEN

Isabella

“I need more pencils, Mom.” The words trail along behind Austin like billowing smoke from a train as he blasts from the front door back to his room. An order for his favorite charcoal sketch pencils was placed yesterday, and he’s practically worn out the carpet walking back and forth from his room to the mailbox in anticipation. This isn’t new. This is his normal display of impatience.

“Austin, you still have one left. That should hold you until the package arrives.” My attempt at consolation has, I’m sure, fallen upon deaf ears. He has a one-track mind when it comes to art. Checking my cell phone, I verify the order is due to arrive today. Upon quick reflection, I realize the orders for sketching material have morphed from monthly to weekly. We spend a great deal of the stipend we receive from his father each month on Austin’s art supplies. Knowing the money Rick earned is supplying the very habit which probably sent him running for the hills brings me joy. Most fathers would be proud their child has such love and dedication to their art. Yet, Austin’s creativity didn’t fit inside the carefully constructed box Rick had placed him in. Rick would never admit his leaving was connected to Austin having special needs. I mean, how could a physician shun his flesh and blood because they have autism? It was easier to blame it on me. Yet Rick had no patience for Austin’s behavior. His son’s lack of engagement when we met people out in public only furthered the strain. I, for one, am thrilled my child doesn’t color within the lines.

Wandering into the kitchen, I almost drop the teapot as the phone’s chirping breaks the now silent space. Grabbing a dish towel to sop up the spilled water from the counter, I notice Bailey’s name flash across the screen. “Hey, Sis. Whatcha doing?”

“Hi, B. I only have a few minutes, but I wanted to verify you still need me to hang with Austin this Friday.”

“Oh, yes. Thank you. I feel like I’ve been leaning on you a lot lately. I should hit up the boys. A guy I’m working with is celebrating his birthday at The Zone, and I really want to join them.”

“Bella, you know it’s never an imposition. Heck, if I ever find someone worth spending a Friday night with besides you and Austin, I’ll ask Dominic and Damian to help out.”

I know my brothers love Austin and don’t mind spending time with him. Yet, I’m hoping to get my drink on and let loose a little and don’t really want the grand inquisition from them if I’m home late. “Well, it’s only a matter of time before some hot guy figures out what he’s missing and starts chasing after you, Bailes. But I’ll enjoy your free Friday nights as long as I can have them.”

I hear giggling dancing through the phone line as she continues, “So are we talking all night, so at least one of us can get lucky?”

“I don’t foresee getting lucky hanging out with work colleagues. I’m hoping to get a job there when I graduate, not a reputation. But I’d appreciate it if I could swing by and get him in the morning. I plan to have a few margaritas and cut loose with my co-workers. Don’t want to worry about how late I’m out or waking you and Austin when I stumble in.”

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