Page 81 of The Bitter Rival

“Minnesota? What on earth? It’ll be cold there. What happened to all of your tropical destinations? What’s in Minnesota?”

“The Mayo Clinic.”

“Ah, you have a new job.”

“No, Sophia. I have MS.”

The car is suddenly deathly quiet. It isn’t until I see Charlie’s concerned eyes reflected back at me in the rearview mirror that I realize I’ve had this conversation with the partition down. Turning, I peer out the window. I don’t need anyone’s pity right now. Hell, that’s one thing I don’t have to worry about with Sophia.

It disgusts me that I had to put this plan into action, but there was no other choice. I know how strong-willed Isabella is. She stripped at that club to call my bluff. She’d never let me walk away if she thought she could fix this. But in the end, I’d have nothing to lose and everything to gain. She’d be the one giving up everything. And I couldn’t do that to her.

I let my guard down with her time and time again. There was no doubt after seeing the look on her face when I placed those ridiculous cupcakes on the table. She knows. She knows how much I care for her. I can’t let her give up any more of her life for the people she holds dear. I won’t be one more burden. She deserves so much more. So does Austin.

As we continue to drive toward Sophia’s home, I replay the conversation with Kendal in my mind.

“It’s MS, Sebastian. There were clues in some of the things you mentioned, and the tests weren’t conclusive until the MRI came back. But, there’s no doubt that’s why you were having issues. It wasn’t the stress, although I’m sure that wasn’t helping,” she’d said.

“But I’d go months and have no trouble, thinking the trips abroad or intense meditation had controlled my stress.”

“You have a relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis. Your symptoms probably began slowly, appearing to just be clumsiness or generalized weakness. Initially, these episodes occur every few years with no symptoms in between. Yet, they can escalate to a more progressive form of MS down the road. I’m not sure where you are right now. I think if you look back, you may be able to connect the dots. Your numbness and weakness have been mild compared to many of the cases I’ve seen. Optimistically, this is an indication we’ve caught it early, but there’s no guarantee. I honestly hoped I’d be proven wrong about this.”

“Yeah, you and me both,” I’d muttered.

“This isn’t a death sentence, Sebastian. You have a lot of life ahead of you. You’re young and healthy and can lead a very productive life.”

“It’s a death sentence for my career, though, isn’t it?” There’s no way I can continue to operate knowing my limitations could cause long-term damage to a patient. It’s only by the grace of God I’d managed to avoid causing a catastrophic outcome due to my undiagnosed condition.

“Well, I’m afraid you may need to look at that. You have a very specialized practice. You could consider teaching or work in the clinic. Or manage rehabilitative physical medicine.”

“Kendal, you know that’s not me.”

“Yes, Sebastian. You always were an adrenalin junkie. I’m sorry. I know there’s a lot to consider.”

“And none of it good.”

“Could I give you one piece of advice? From one friend to another?”

“Sure.”

“There’s a lot more to this life than your career. You’ve accomplished a lot. Seek out treatment options that will help you live your best life. Make sound decisions regarding your career, but don’t live your life focused on what could happen.”

“Thanks. I just need to let all of this sink in.”

Pulling up in front of Sophia’s stately two-story brick home, I thank her again before watching her exit the car. Before Charlie can close the door, she bends down once more.

“Take care of yourself, Bas. If you need anything, please call. Honestly. I know what you think of me, but I’d be happy to help if you needed it.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that. I’ll be in touch,” I say, raising a hand to wave goodbye.

Returning to the driver’s seat, Charlie looks to the right before pulling away from the curb then stops short. “Sir?”

“Yes?”

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

“No,” I answer harshly. I appreciate what he’s trying to do. But I can’t handle that right now.

We proceed to the airport, making it to the gate within twenty-five minutes of leaving Sophia’s home. I shake Charlie’s hand after he hands my bags off to the curbside check-in, hoping he understands my gruff attitude isn’t personal.

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