Page 60 of The Bitter Rival

Hanging up, I look up and discover Isabella is still standing before me. I must look like an ogre. I can feel the heat radiating from my angry face.

“Sebastian. Is there something I can do?” she asks, her hands grasping tightly to her to-go container from the cafeteria.

Suddenly, all I can think is that I want the hug Jeff received earlier. A myriad of emotions is catching up with me. This long, disappointing day, pulling me into its undertow. My life seemed so ordered before meeting her. Sure, I’d had the occasional tough day in the OR, but nothing like the days of late. Could this woman be contributing to my downfall? My possessiveness and uneasy want for more quietly playing like background music during the rest of my day. I’m not cut out for this.

“No.” It is the only safe reply I can muster.

“Are you sure? I want to help,” she adds as she starts to reach for my hand.

“I don’t need any more help, good girl. I’m better off on my own,” I declare and abruptly turn toward my car and the solitude of home.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN

Isabella

Driving home, I hate admitting I allowed Sebastian to steal my glory today. I’d been so excited throughout the day. Finding out I’d passed my exam and secured a full-time job had me floating on air. Not only was I relieved that all of the hard work had paid off, but I was proud of myself. I’d accomplished a lot. Any single mother successfully going after what’s important to her while simultaneously setting a great example for her child deserves to shout it from the rooftops.

I know for someone like Sebastian, my news is small potatoes. But it started to seem he cared about me. The tender way he asked me to stay the other night… was that just for more sex in the morning? It had felt like more.

Yet witnessing Sebastian’s reaction during his phone call, my joy became shrouded in concern. His behavior wasn’t his usual brusque dismissal of incompetence. I couldn’t completely follow his conversation. It wasn’t right to eavesdrop. But he didn’t walk away. He was the one lifting his finger in the air in the ‘give me a minute’ salute. Sure, initially, I was a bit offended by his behavior. Yet, after hearing part of that conversation, the irritation I felt was replaced with worry.Is he okay?

Sitting at the stoplight, the bold red beacon has me halting my current worries and changing gears. Was that a dismissal? Had he, in no uncertain terms, tried to tell me that he wasn’t interested in me any longer? What had he said? “I don’t need any more help, good girl. I’m better off on my own.”

And what is it with the good girl routine? I know that’s how he sees me, or so he said. But for heaven’s sake, I extended our one-night stand. I turned up on his doorstep and marched my way in like I was taking no prisoners just to later spend his birthday doing just that. He was at my disposal that night, all tied up and at my mercy. In what way was this good girl behavior?

Is he referring to my life with Austin? He had no idea I was a single mother when he gave me that ridiculous nickname.I’d like to show him how bad I can be!

Bzzz. Bzzz.

Looking down, I see Katarina’s name flash on my phone screen.

“Hey,” I greet excitedly. Thank goodness. I know this conversation will go a lot better than the one I just had.

“Hi, Isabella. Sorry, it took so long to call you back. It’s been a day.

“You okay?”

“Yes. We got a call from our attorney about the adoption. There were some concerns the biological mother needed to address. We had to agree to the conditions and sign some paperwork so she wouldn’t consider another couple.”

“Oh, Kat. She can do that?”

“Yes. Adoption is a huge test of faith. It’s not the mothers’ fault for wanting to be clear about their priorities. They want what’s best for their children. That’s typically why they make an adoption plan. Because they can’t give their child what they feel is best. You can either react to their concerns in fear, thinking of them as manipulative, or you can respond in love, appreciating what a tremendous sacrifice they’re making.”

“Katarina, you’re such a strong person. I can’t imagine how difficult this has to be for the two of you. I know you put on a brave face, but you’ve got to be under a great deal of stress.”

“Thanks, Isabella. You’re right. Even though I’m trying to keep a healthy mindset about the whole process, it’s anxiety-provoking. It’s easier with Grace here. I try to focus on her. We didn’t have time to think about it with her adoption.” She laughs. “Enough about me. What was your news? I so hope it’s what I think it is.”

“I passed. I passed my exam and have accepted a full-time position in the radiology department at St. Luke’s.”

“Oh, I’m so happy for you. You deserve this. What’re you planning to do to mark the occasion? Maybe you and Sebastian can celebrateyouthis time.” She giggles into the phone. I laugh at how this girl set me up, telling me it was Sebastian’s birthday and to at least offer him a dance in the pub if I couldn’t give him one of the lap variety.

“What?” I try to sound shocked, but after their disappearing act the other night, this is pointless. “I think Austin and I might get take-out from Luigi’s.”

“Have you told him?”

“Who, Austin?”

“No, Sebastian, you goof.”

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