I guide Taylor towards the exit, and she whispers, “Thank you, Clark.” She looks at me, “Even in high school, you were always kind, and I just wish I’d listened to you when you said Shayne cornered you.”
“But if you had, then you wouldn’t have your two kids,” I remind her, knowing her daughter is in Drew's class, seeing her in passing.
I just never knew Shayne was her father. That poor kid. I’ve lost count of how many times Drew complained about Aries's deadbeat dad hitting on her.
I think Shayne brought her in the last class, and Drew made sure Cage was present.
She nods as a few tears fall before she squeezes my hand, then walks away with her head down and I sigh. I return back inside to chaos, where Kim is screaming down the phone at Shayne, claiming it’s all his fault and I shake my head.
Four more hours. No husband to distract me, just endless minutes ahead.
***
Belle:
I think we need a girl day. We’ve barely seen each other lately, and I know my comment didn’t help things, which I really am sorry about. I miss my friend xx.
I smile reading my friend's message four and a half hours later as I put my bag over my shoulder, and I quickly reply.
Me:
sounds like heaven, this weekend? Xx
When she doesn’t message back right away, I put my phone in my pocket and leave the staff room, ready to get home.
Miles should have picked Willow up from her Auntie Drew’s and had her ready for bed. Meaning I get the evening with my husband, something I’m still not used to having but willing to try.
Six years of being pushed away and even before that, I convinced myself he only saw me as a friend, or worse, his best friend's sister. That's a lot to overcome, but I’m determined not to lose hope.
I’ve put a stop to the divorce, and I’m communicating with him openly. Doing therapy together helps me understand his mind and feelings, and I’ve opened my heart to him. As I said, I’m trying.
My phone beeps and I grab it from my pocket and grin at Belle’s reply but groan as I read the words.
Belle:
deal, but just so you know, your brother has begged me to convince you to talk to him and watch his niece xx.
I snort and reply.
Me:
Maybe he needs to be man enough to come speak to me, but not with the attitude of, ‘I’m not apologizing because I always knew they should be together,’ but the ‘I should have had your back,’ kind of thing xx
Pressing send, I put my phone back just as a voice says, “You think you’re just perfect, don’t you?!” and I sigh as I look to my right.
Dr. Lavish who has the biggest scowl on her face.
"How do I think I’m perfect?" I ask.
She curls her lip. “Walking around all high and mighty, having the whole hospital staff on your side!” she snaps, and I snort.
“Bitch please,” I snap back, “I was held at scalpel point all because you couldn’t do your job properly. You’ve tried to make my life hell ever since you arrived at this hospital and figured out the MC brother was married to me,” I look up and down at her in disgust, “You’re pathetic that you seem to think that a married man would want you over his wife. Grow up and have some more self-respect.”
I turn and keep walking away from her, and she calls, “I’ll have him one way or another, Clark! You don’t deserve him, you never have, and everyone knows your marriage isn’t real!”
I shake my head and keep walking, trying to ignore her harsh words, which are hitting closer to home than I’d like. I always thought I didn’t deserve him, but screw her because I got him, he’s mine, and I need to give him the faith he’s asked for.
I walk over to the nurse's desk and sign out just as I hear, “I’ve broken my fucking foot, stop being so rough with me!” and I look towards the door and find a tattooed skinny guy in handcuffs being dragged, and I grin widely.
