Page 45 of The Bitter Rival

“Don’t be. We’re better off without him. Now if you’ll excuse-”

Reaching for her hand, I try once more, “Bella, please. Can’t we-”

“Hey, everything ok-”

I turn to see Katarina in the doorway with a shocked expression. It isn’t until this moment that I realize I’m still holding onto Isabella’s hand. Dropping it quickly, I observe a half-smile creep across Kat’s features.Hell, I’m definitely getting the third degree for this later.

“Sorry, Kat. I dropped the plates, and Sebastian walked in about that time and offered to help clean them up. I’ll get this right down there.” Isabella places the plates under her arm and grabs the small cake before hurriedly heading for the door.

“Bas?”

“What?” I toss back sarcastically.

“Do you two know each other?”

“We work at the same hospital. It’s not that big of a place, Katarina. You know that.”

“Okay. Say what you will. But you two looked awful serious when I walked in.”

“We’ve had a few shaky interactions. I was trying to smooth things over.”

“Oh, lord, did you upset her at work?”

“Kat? Are you bringing that onesie down? I don’t want Grace to sit here in just her diaper, it’s a little chilly with the breeze.” I hear Nick yell.

“Yeah, Kat. Get your daughter some clothes,” I jab.

“Yeah, yeah,” She laughs, walking away from me. I know full and well this is just the beginning of this conversation.

Opening a bottle of the Merlot I brought from the vineyard, I grab a few wine glasses from the shelf and head down the steps to join the others. Most of the women are making goo-goo noises at Grace in her highchair. A small boy is playing cornhole by himself, slinging bean bags at the wooden board and running to grab them for another turn immediately after each attempt. Off to the right, I see Gavin.Man, I love that kid.Walking toward them, wine glass in hand, I give Gavin a quick wave.

“Hey, Gav. How’ve you been?”

“Better than a pig in shit. How’ve you been, Dr. Lee?”This kid.

“Notthatgood.” I laugh. “Who’s your friend?”

“Oh, this is Austin.”

I simultaneously recognize the name and the back of the teen’s head. He hasn’t looked up since I joined them. “Nice to meet you, Austin.”

He looks up briefly but doesn’t make eye contact. “Yes, sir.” Continuing to draw on the large pad in front of him, I can’t help but peer down at his work. It’s intricate and quite impressive.

“Hey, I gotta take a piss. I’ll be back later, Austin.”

“’Kay. Bye,” he responds.

“Do you mind if I sit down?” I ask cautiously, unsure of what Isabella may have told him after our interaction the other evening.

“No, sir.”

Lowering myself to the ground, I attempt to keep a bit of distance between us until I have a better grasp of what he’s been told. I lean my back against the rough bark of the tree, stretch out my sore leg, and turn my head to watch him sketch. “You’re really talented.” I’m met with silence. Is it me, or is he simply shy? “You have a gift.” More silence. I look out onto the water and take a sip of my wine. Austin continues to work diligently on his artwork, not appearing the least bit bothered by my presence.

Our interactions haven’t been engaging enough to judge, but I get the feeling Austin isn’t your typical teen. Maybe he’s bashful around new people. Unable to stand the tension any longer, I push forward. “Do you know who I am?”

“You’re no one,” he answers flatly as he continues to draw.

Trying not to splutter my wine at his response, I ask, “I’m sorry, what was that?”

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