Page 37 of The Bitter Rival

“I’m not. I know the score. One day when I feel confident they won’t come in and take all I’ve worked for, I’ll try to make my mark on the vineyard. But, for now, it is what it is. I’m taking notes and saving it for later when I can run the place the way I want, once and for all.”

“I’m sorry, Sam.” I pause, trying to end this call better than the way it started. “When that day comes, I’ll be first in line at the tasting table.”

“Thanks, Bas. I appreciate that. I’ll catch you later.”

There’s so much about Sam I’ll probably never know. He shares only what he feels he needs to divulge at any given time. But given how we grew up, I understand how difficult it is to have relationships with people. Always questioning their honesty. Are they a manipulative cheater like my dad? Are they a self-serving, shallow bloodsucker like my mother? How do you develop a friendship or become truly intimate with a partner when you’ve been spawned from such a shallow gene pool?

Admitting defeat at accomplishing any more work tasks, I gather my things and decide to head out for the day. I can dictate on my charts remotely if needed. I want a good hard workout, a hot shower, and a scotch.Preferably the scotch neat, with a pussy chaser.There’s no doubt, thinking about this infuriating radiology tech isn’t getting me any closer to my goal.

I’ve changed into my running gear, and for some crazy reason, find myself in my car. My home has a gym, and I hold a separate membership to a private club with a personal trainer. Yet, I find myself driving toward Monument Avenue. There’s only one reason I could be headed in this direction, and nothing about this makes any sense.I’ve honestly lost my fucking mind.

Looking at the clock on the car’s dash, I notice it’s 4:30 p.m. It won’t be long before the streets are overcrowded with people returning home for the day. I have no idea how long Isabella’s scheduled to work today, but given she was in the cafeteria at 1:30 p.m. for lunch, she’s probably working the early shift. They typically disburse around 3:00 p.m. from what I recall from shift changes on the hospital floor.

I pull into a space near where I parked to stalk her the other night. Letting out a heavy exhale, I drag my hands down my face in awe of my ridiculous behavior.What the fuck is wrong with me?I stand from my car, coming around behind the trunk to stretch my quads in preparation for a run. I could run anywhere, so how will I explain why I’m here if I do bump into her? I’ll tell her a little white lie. I’m training for the Monument Avenue 10K. The race takes place down this gorgeous tree-lined avenue every fall. Runners from all over the world travel to Richmond to participate in the race. I’ve never run it in the past,but I could.That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

I honestly want to see her ‘roommate,’ but I can’t sit here in my car stalking them in broad daylight. And what good would any of that do? At least if I see Bella, I can confront her. Ask her what had her more irritated than usual with me earlier.

I begin jogging at a slow but steady pace. It wasn’t that long ago I’d run every morning. Yet I started to find it played with my head. I’d question why some days I could run for miles while others I was winded after the briefest of jogs. A good brisk run used to clear my head, prepping me for a better, more intuned day in the OR. However, the last time I ran, I nearly required crutches afterward. I’m turning thirty-seven, not eighty-seven. Are all of the years of my high-octane lifestyle catching up with me? God, maybe I’m starting to have a midlife crisis. But instead of wanting to buy a red sports car or a motorcycle, I’m questioning what all of these suckers around me have. Have and probably no longer appreciate. A beautiful woman in their bed, night after night. The same beautiful woman versus the revolving door of bevies I’ve entertained until now.Well, until her.

I can feel my pulse thumping within my chest. I’ve done this loop multiple times now. Not sure what on earth I think I’m accomplishing here beyond bringing on a heart attack. I haven’t been tracking how far I’ve run, distracted by looking for her car or any movement around her door. I slow my pace so I can check my pulse and the time. It’s 5:40 p.m. It’s been a while since I’ve run that long, but it certainly shouldn’t be making me winded or my heart pound like I’m a couch potato. Have I been drinking too much? Maybe it’s too much cheese. I need to get my cholesterol checked.Maybe I am having a heart attack.

Shaking my head at how ridiculous my life has become, I slowly head toward my car. My hair and body are soaked, I’m panting like a wounded animal, and I discover I have about ten blocks before I can sit down as I can barely make out my vehicle in the distance. Ambling the expanse with my hands on my hips, I try to catch my breath as I notice a couple come around the corner from a home a few blocks ahead of me. They’re holding hands. The male is tall and thin, and the female looks Just. Like. Isabella. The picture of Nick and Kat holding hands, all goo-goo eyed at each other, flashes in my mind, pouring gas on this irrational fire.

My pace picks up, my curiosity piqued. I try to control my composure, not wanting to look like the maniac I’ve apparently turned into. If they turn, I need to act casual.Hey, Isabella, fancy seeing you here… Isabella? Wow, do you live out here? Or… Just out for a run, I was considering the Monument Avenue 10K, and look who I run into… Good Lord, man. What has happened to you?

The closer I get, it appears her boyfriend is young. Jeez, is Isabella a cougar? What interest would she have in me if she’s living with a young stud? At least I can keep up in the bedroom without looking like a heart attack is about to happen, unlike this excuse for a workout. I notice Bella look lovingly up at her mate, and my insanity becomes unleashed.Oh, hell, who am I kidding? I haven’t been sane for days.

“Isabella?” I shout, only a few blocks from them now. I watch as she turns to me with a questioning look, which instantly turns to what? Anger? Fear?

Her pace picks up as well, and she’s practically dragging her boyfriend toward the steps of their home. What am I doing? Just because she likes them young… scratch that. Just because she likes someone else, that doesn’t give me the right to ruin it for them.You’ve seen what you need to see here, Sebastian. Go home before her boyfriend starts asking questions.

I slow my pace, trying to do the right thing. But I’m possessed with the need to get a good look at him. This man she runs home to.

“Go in the house, Austin.” I hear ahead of me.

“But-”

“Just go in the house, please,” she barks.

“Okay, Mom.” I hear as he turns in my direction briefly.

“Mom?” I question in shock at the base of her steps, undoubtedly louder and more curt than it should’ve come out. That’s the last thing I was expecting to hear.

Isabella delivers a scowl the likes of which I’ve never seen, just as she slams the door. I hear the clunk of a heavy deadbolt latch into place and realize this conversation is over.

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

Isabella

What the hell just happened?He just happened to be jogging outside my door? Did he have his driver follow me home when I left? I don’t recall seeing anyone, but this guy has money, and I’m sure there are ways to get whatever he wants.

But, why? Why on earth would this rich, stupidly handsome playboy need to know where I live? Is it because he isn’t the one calling all the shots?

“Mom?” Austin’s voice breaks through my hysteria.

“Yeah, honey.”

“Was that a bad man?”

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