Page 91 of The Bitter Rival

Austin meticulously helps to get me out of my wet clothes and leaves me sitting in wet boxers on the couch while he again darts out of the room. Moments later, he returns with a T-shirt and sweatpants. I put the pants on and hesitate briefly before pulling the oversized green T-shirt overhead that reads ‘I’m into Fitness.’ A picture of a large taco is noted in the center. Underneath it reads ‘Fit’ness taco in my mouth.’ Laughing, I pull it over my head as Austin tries to assist me.

I start to speak when my legs are yanked from under me, and I’m pivoted to lie lengthwise on the couch. He grabs a blanket from the chair next to the fireplace, and I immediately sense Isabella’s scent. I lift it to my nose and inhale like it’s the very oxygen I need to breathe.

“You need to say sorry,” Austin blurts. “To Mom. You need to say sorry.”

“I will. I promise.” My mouth goes dry. “I know. Buddy, I really am sorry.”

Abruptly, he walks over, bends down, and kisses me on the head. “It’ll all be okay once you say sorry.” He walks away, leaving me to sit and think about my current predicament.

If only you’re right, Austin. Something tells me it isn’t going to be that easy.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

Sebastian

As I look at my watch, I realize it’s been an hour of sitting here fretting about Isabella’s arrival. My boxers are wet, and my nerves are shot, but the thought of seeing her is keeping me rooted to this spot. Well, that and the fact, I could die out there.

Suddenly, I hear a key enter the lock of the front door, and my whole body is on red alert.Holy shit, I wasn’t this nervous before my first surgery.

Sitting up, I try to take a deep breath and prepare myself. The door opens, bringing a chill, and I pray it’s due to the weather. Isabella has her hands full, juggling grocery bags as she enters, and quickly turns to close the door before making eye contact with me. Taking a few steps over to the kitchen, she drops the bags and turns before our eyes meet, her mouth hanging ajar. She takes two steps in my direction, deep worry lines crossing her brow before she stops in her tracks as if recalling all I’ve done. I watch as she stands a little taller, crossing her arms about her chest.God, I love this woman.

“What are you doing here?”

“He says sorry, Mom,” Austin blurts as he rapidly enters the space. “What’s for dinner?”

“Grilled cheese and soup,” she answers, never taking her eyes off of me.

“My pencils came.”

My beauty now turns, grabbing Austin by the arms and smiling at him. “Oh, I’m glad.” The smile she gives him makes my heart thump harder. I can’t believe I’m finally here, with her.

“Let me get the groceries unpacked, and I’ll start working on your dinner.”

Austin leaves the room, and I watch as she turns to the grocery bags like I was just a mirage.

“Bella?”

“Don’t.” She spins to face me. “I don’t know why you’re here, but you can leave the way you came.” It’s now, she takes in my appearance. I can see by the way she scrunches up her sweet little nose and tilts her head to the side, she realizes I’m wearing her son’s clothing. But in true Isabella style, she turns back to her work and continues putting away groceries, grabbing a pan to make her son’s dinner.

Sitting here, I’m not entirely sure what to do. I don’t want to argue with her in front of Austin. But I can’t leave here without talking to her. I guess I just sit here quietly and hope the opportunity presents itself.

Examining my hands in a way I’ve never done before, I try to distract my thoughts so my nerves will calm the fuck down.

After what seems like an eternity, Isabella leaves the kitchen without so much as a glance in my direction. I notice she has soup on the stovetop, but nothing else is cooking. God, this is maddening.

A little while later, Bella returns, having showered and changed into leggings and an oversized hoodie. I’m dying over here. I want to go to her. To hold her and tell her I’ll do anything if she’ll only give me one more chance. I attempt to rotate my body on the couch to face her when she turns to place two plates on the table and calls Austin’s name. They sit at the table and begin eating. I feel like I’m in a Christmas Carol, visiting people I’ve wronged, watching them from afar. Like I’m completely invisible.

My heart hurts. Why did I come here? What did I think I’d accomplish? I’ll wait until Austin leaves the room and make my apologies and try to get back to the car. If I could just get to my phone, I could ask Charlie to come and get me.

My thoughts are quickly interrupted as Bella stands from the table and leaves the room. Have I upset her? Austin looks in my direction, but his face is unreadable. He stands from his seat, walks over to the stove, and looks as if he is grabbing seconds when he turns and brings a sandwich to me.

“Thanks, buddy. I don’t want to upset your mom. I think I should go.”

“No. You haven’t said sorry yet. Don’t go. I’ll get her.”

I attempt to stop him, but he’s too quick for me. I consider leaving before she returns, but I’ve been there, done that, and have the scars to prove it. I can’t walk out on her again without an explanation and think there will ever be a chance at forgiveness.

Holding the sandwich Austin has gifted me, lovingly made by Bella for her son, I find I can’t eat with this lump in my throat. I have nowhere to place it, as he didn’t give me a plate. My eyes dart from the sandwich to the beautiful brunette who’s now standing in front of me, and I practically jump.

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