Page 59 of The Bitter Rival

“Yes. I take it you’re Poppy?”

“Yes. What gave it away?” She laughs, her bright blue eyes twinkling.

How have I never seen this woman before? I guess they keep the pharmacists locked away like mad scientists, creating life-saving potions in their lair.

“So, from what I researched, there’s no quick fix for this situation. I would recommend you have the patient alternate between soaking their fingers in the acetone and the petroleum jelly and gently try to pry their fingers apart. In all the years I’ve worked here, I’ve never heard of a case like this. But I think it could work.”

“Well, you’ve worked harder at coming up with a solution than anyone, including me.” I wink. I suddenly feel an odd sensation in my chest. This beautiful girl feels off-limits. I have no relationship with Isabella preventing me from flirting or pursuing someone else. But the thought she could do the same doesn’t sit well. Poppy is clearly attractive, but the regular pull to pursue more isn’t there.

“I’ll check back in to see how it went,” she says, winking back as she spins and returns the way she came.

I carry the oversized tub of goo back to Mrs. Hickson’s room and explain what we’re going to try. Suddenly, this quiet, sweet woman starts to tear up. I watch as her husband reassures her.Hell, did I say something to upset her?I look to Mr. Hickson, unsure of what’s happened. I would’ve thought a plan of action that didn’t involve a surgical procedure would be a relief.

“She hates anyone making a fuss over her. She’s just upset that she’s put all of you out over something so foolish.”

My heart falls, hearing this and seeing her downtrodden expression. I grab the chair closest and take her scissor-clad hand into mine. “Mrs. Hickson. Freak accidents happen all of the time. I’d be without a job if there weren’t kind people like you giving me a purpose in life,” I tease.

A small smile seems to curl her lips. If she only knew of the foolish mistakes I’ve made in the OR of late. Don’t think I’ll share that and break any confidence she may have in my ability to free her.

“I’m going to go and let your nurse know the plan. How about you help her out and hit your call bell once you’ve soaked for thirty minutes? Then she can clean that off and try the acetone again. I’ll come back later and check on you. In the meantime, you can gently try to pull the fingers apart, but not too aggressively. You know how easily you bleed.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you,” she responds with renewed hope on her face.

I fill nurse Holly in on the plan and tell her to contact me if she needs me. Heading for the office, I look at my watch and realize the time. Shaking my head at what this consult has done to my appointments for the day, I estimate I’ll be about an hour behind unless someone cancels. As I reach the end of the hall, I see two familiar bodies in a tight embrace.What the hell?

Stopping in my tracks, I see Jeff with a huge smile on his face as he holds Isabella firmly against him.Why is he always touching her?I have no right, but I’m livid. This possessiveness I feel for her is unsettling. Why in the hell did I think I could consider a relationship with someone if this is how unhinged I become at the thought of someone touching them?

I immediately turn and walk in the direction I came. I need a different exit from this department. If I don’t put some distance between Jeff and me, I’m libel to rip his arms off.

Several hours later, I return to the ER to check in on Mrs. Hickson. Theoneday no one cancels their clinic appointment. As expected, I ran about an hour late the entire afternoon. Let’s just hope this sweet woman has had success.

I come around the nurses’ station toward Mrs. Hickson’s room, and I’m hit with uproarious cheers and laughter. As I walk toward her doorway, I see her hugging Dr. Silver.

“Oh, thank you. Thank you, Dr. Silver. I’m so grateful my fingers are free without surgery or bleeding. That stuff really worked.”

Are you shitting me?That asshole gave up on her and just happened to be in her vicinity when what we tried worked. Yet, he’s acting like her knight in shining armor. I spin on my heel, ready to be done with this day. Everyone’s getting hugs but Sebastian today.Maybe I should’ve pursued Poppy. She looked the giving sort.

I make it down the long corridor toward the physicians’ parking lot when none other than Isabella approaches. Feeling jealous of Jeff’s ability to hug her in public, I consider just walking away and pretending I haven’t seen her.

“Hi.” I hear from her direction.

“Ms. Potter,” I greet flatly.

“I’m excited I got to see you today. I have some-”

Bzzz. Bzzz.

Witnessing Kendal’s name on the screen, I hold a finger up to Isabella as I gruffly answer the phone.

“Sebastian. I’m sorry I was detained this morning. I’m happy to meet with you on Monday. I’d like to sit down with you in person to go over what he have so far and plan where to go from here.”

“Monday? I’m not waiting until Monday,” I spit.

“I’m sorry. I’ve already left for the day. I had an unavoidable appointment and will be out of the office for the next few days. I don’t want to have this conversation over the phone, Sebastian.”

“This is incredibly unprofessional. If this turns out to be a bunch of holistic bullshit-” I cut myself off before she fires me as a patient due to my uncontained anger. “I’m already under a lot of pressure. This isn’t doing anything to help the matter.”

“I understand. Just hang in there a few more days. I’ll see you, Monday.”

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