Page 11 of My Heart's Doctor
“You were the one who said you couldn’t waste time,” she sighed, and I knew my attitude was wearing her out. “May I ask you a question? Why are you so unfriendly and arrogant? I don’t think I’ve done anything to deserve you speaking to me that way.”
“What way? This is how I am,” I said, but I knew she had every right to say that because, since meeting her, I had spoken to her with arrogance.
“Well, you should improve because let me tell you that Aurora is a little princess, but you are an ogre,” she said, raising her voice.
I tried to suppress the smile that was fighting to emerge, but it was impossible because what she said and the way she said it amused me greatly.
“You shouldn’t raise your voice because you’ll wake up your family,” I suggested, taking the opportunity to find out about her life.
“I live alone.”
The joy her response caused me took me by surprise. She lived alone… I needed to know something more, so I continued talking.
“Aurora didn’t want to go to sleep because she was asking for you. Evidently the nurse is right and you have a special magic with children.”
“I’m a pediatrician, I should have it. How is she?” she asked, and I noticed that her voice softened again when mentioning my daughter.
“When I left home she was sleeping, but she threw a monumental tantrum because she wanted to seeDivon,” I said, calling her the way Aurora did.
She smiled and I could no longer avoid smiling broadly. That sincere smile was wonderful. I was so accustomed to fake smiles that her smile was not only beautiful, it was refreshing.
“Did you buy her the princess dress?”
“If I hadn’t, my daughter would have given me the silent treatment for life. She’s a little manipulator, but for this I blame you,” I stated.
“I can’t deny that because I gave her the idea and you were present when I did it, but… may I tell you something?” she asked, but I was convinced that even if my answer had been no, she would have told me anyway.
“You’ve been telling me things all along, so don’t stop now,” I responded, with a playful tone.
“You should enjoy those moments. Not everyone has the opportunity to experience such wonderful times. Enjoy that littleone, Mr. Cavaller, enjoy each stage of your daughter’s life, they grow up at an incredible pace.”
And I clearly understood what she was saying and always tried to do so, although I had to admit that the responsibilities of the company prevented me from spending all the time I wanted. On the other hand, it seemed to me that her words carried a certain sadness, but maybe it was just my imagination.
“Good night, Dr. Dulcet,” I said goodbye.
“The same to you, Mr. Cavaller. And thank you again for bringing me the phone,” she said, with that sweetness that characterized her.
“If you ever want to visit my daughter, you just have to come see her. Aurora will be very happy to see you.”
I surprised myself by handing her my personal business card because it detailed my home address, email, and phone numbers, information that I only offered to select people and always those I trusted. With this woman I was ignoring all my rules, including my decision to avoid contact with her, both for Aurora and myself.
“I appreciate the invitation. You can also tell Alba that it would be a joy to receive them at my home. And now that I think about it, how did you know where I lived?”
It was clear to me that she mentioned Alba to let me know she didn’t want my visit, and that bothered me, further damaging my already battered ego.
“I always get what I want, or what I need, as was the case this time,” I stated, returning to the arrogance that characterized me, and clarified that I had done it out of necessity and not because I wanted to.
“I see,” she said, without much further explanation.
“Is the invitation only for Aurora and Alba?” When I heard myself ask that, I wanted to hit myself. What was I doing? Was I trying to seduce her?
“Ummm, I don’t understand,” she said, completely bewildered by my question.
I looked at her and smiled, but with the smile I used for conquests. I don’t even know why I did it, but I couldn’t help it.
“Of course you understand. Good night, Dr. Dulcet.”
“Good night, Mr. Cavaller,” she greeted, and a few seconds later closed the door.
