Page 10 of Culmination
“Would you like a drink? Water, or perhaps tea?” I ask, trying not to showcase how her presence confounds me.
She smiles, shaking her head. “I’m fine. It’s nice to see you again, Brie.” She cocks her head to the side and studies me. “Other than your little mishap, you look as stunning as ever. So much like your mother.”
I swallow hard, blinking back tears at the heartache of missing Mom. This day. It’s all too much. Perhaps coming to Chicago was a mistake after all.
I shake the thought from my head and steady my nerves. “What are you doing here? How…how did you find me? How did you even know I was in town?”
She offers a friendly smile and gestures towards my head, which I inadvertently touch, wincing as pain slices through me. “I had no idea you were back in town until Mr. Morningstar called.”
Oh.
Mr. Morningstar. Of course. Adrian had insisted I needed to see a doctor. Lord, could he ever take no for an answer?
That’s the last thing I want to contemplate right now.
“I see.”
“He was quite panicked, insisting I rush over here immediately to give you a thorough examination. Something about you refusing to go to the hospital, and he wanted to bend you over his knee like a petulant child.”
I gasp, taking a step back from her. “Excuse me?”
Her answer smile is meant to be reassuring, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes the way I remember it doing when I was younger. There’s something there I can’t read. Before I can ask, she waves a delicate hand in the air as if to erase the thought.
“He was only teasing, sweetheart. As you know, I don’t usually do house calls, but he insisted, so here I am.”
“I’m fine, Dr. Sheridan. Honestly, it’s just a scratch. While it’s nice to see an old familiar face around here, I’m quite tired and would like to catch up on my rest. Please thank Mr. Morningstar for me.” I try to dismiss her, but she doesn’t budge.
“Listen, I’m under strict orders not to leave until I’ve examined your wound. Please, make this easier on both of us. I’ll be thorough, but I promise to be as swift as possible.” She gives me an encouraging smile, to which I simply nod.
“I’m sorry. I’m quite tired and I’m afraid I’m not feeling like myself today.”
She smiles. “You’ve had an exciting day. Let’s begin the exam.”
I sigh then do as she requested. The sooner I comply, the sooner I’ll be alone again.
After her poking, prodding, and—much to my chagrin—her stitching, she declares I’m in almost good health.
“Your head wound was deeper than I was expecting, but you show no signs of concussion. Please keep the area clean and dry. If you’re still in town, visit me to have your stitches removed in two weeks.”
“Of course,” I tell her, lying through my teeth. I have no plans to see her now that she’s part of this whole peculiar charade. “Anything else?”
She hesitates before turning back to me, a hand on her hip. “Are you sure you won’t go to the hospital for a more thorough exam? Mr. Morningstar would feel better if you did so. Especially with the baby.”
My cheeks flame, and my hand settles protectively on my still mostly flat belly. “We’re fine. I assure you.”
She nods promptly. “If you’re sure…” she says, trailing off.
“I am. I’ll see you out,” I tell the doctor, gesturing towards the door, eager to get her out of my room. She pauses, watching me more intently than I’m comfortable with. “If I start to feel ill or dizzy, or if my headache doesn’t go away anytime soon, I promise I’ll go straight to the emergency room.”
That seems to satisfy her. She gives me a tight nod and packs up her briefcase. As she’s leaving, she turns and give me a sweet smile that isn’t quite convincing. “Thank you for being so cooperative, Brie.”
I nod, anything to get her out of this hotel room. “Of course. It was nice seeing you again. Please give Mr. Morningstar my thanks.”
“I will. The health of the mother of his unborn grandchild is his highest priority.”
Her words send a chill deep into my bones. Before I can respond, she slips through the door and closes it behind her.
His grandchild?
