I smiled wearily as I made my way to where she was sitting on the bed, noticing for the first time how pale and bony she looked.
"Now, who needs TV when real life is more entertaining?" she remarked when I reached her. Her mouth stretched wide, eyes crinkling in the corners and sparkling with amusement.
"That so?" I jerked my chin toward the container resting on her legs. "What's that?"
Her gaze flicked down. "Oh, Mia brought me some treats." Cheryl eyed me again. "But you don't get to change the subject so easily."
Perching on the side of the bed, I lifted my shoulders and feigned innocence. "What subject?"
"Uh-uh, I might be old, but I'm not blind, mister." I almost laughed when she leaned forward, looking about as serious as a heart attack. "What's going on between the two of you?"
"Nothing."
Her eyes narrowed into thin slits. "Sebastian, you stormed after her like your butt was on fire."
"Uhm." Focusing on a spot on the wall behind her, I dragged my palm over the back of my neck. "It's complicated," I finally confessed.
Cheryl reached forward and patted my leg. "Things are only as complicated as we make them to be. If you like this girl, tell her that. Don't wait until it's too late."
She spoke with so much emotion, I had no other choice than to look at her. The expression on her face caused a strange stirring behind my breastbone. Was she speaking from experience? She'd told me once that she never married but hadn't elaborated on why.
Like she knew exactly where my thoughts had gone, she simply stated, "Trust me on this. You don't want to be living with regrets when you're old and gray." Her fingers flexed against my leg. "I know how dedicated you are to your work, but work won't keep you warm at night."
Those words still rolled around in my head long after I left the hospital. They were still there when I walked into my dark apartment, and Teddy lazily weaved through my legs. They were especially loud when I crawled into my king size bed and found it cold and empty.
Chapter 11
MIA
The large colonial that Bridget and Simon called home was absolutely stunning. It was situated just off the highway in a suburb where I could easily envision happy couples milling about and even happier children laughing and playing in their front yards.
Speaking of laughter, I heard peals of it followed by even louder squealing as I approached the Hogue's front door. I couldn't keep the smile off my lips even if I tried.
Whenever she got the opportunity to do so, Bridget would gush over her son and twin girls. But like any other mother I knew, she would also add that with three kids running amok, a silent house had become somewhat of a myth.
Still grinning, I lifted my hand and tapped my knuckles against the wood. There was a lot of shuffling and yelling coming from inside before the door flew open to reveal a slightly disheveled Bridget.
She blew away the few caramel strands flopping over her forehead and planted a hand on her hip.
"Mia! Come in!" Smiling, she stepped aside to allow me entry.
"Hey," I gave her a small wave as I took a step forward and then another and another until I was standing inside her very spacious living room.
There was a make-shift tea party set up on the coffee table standing in the middle of the black leather couches, and an array of stuffed animals littered the room.
"The girls were having a tea party before their dad decided it was time for a tickle fight."
She shook her head as if it was the most ridiculous thing on earth, but her eyes told me just how much moments like that meant to her.
And damn if I couldn't relate.
I might not have had a lot growing up, but what I never lacked was love. It didn't matter how busy my dad had been, he'd always made time for me. Always made sure I knew I was his number one girl.
"That's nice," I told her honestly.
She made a noise that managed to sound both dreamy and approving. When I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye, it was easy to see how happy and at peace she was. Something heavy and unfamiliar settled right between my breasts. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought it felt a lot like loneliness.
Impossible.
Relationships weren't something that I wanted or had time for. Building my career and becoming the best damn doctor I could be were the only aspirations I had. And yet, listening to Bridget talk these past few weeks, and seeing the look on her face now, I had to wonder what it would be like to walk through the door after a long shift and not find the place dark and silent.
"You okay?" Bridget touched my arm, her brows dipping low.
With a smile, I pushed the stupid thoughts to the back of my mind where they belonged.
"Yeah, all of this," I circled the room with my index finger. "Reminds me of my own childhood."
She nodded as if she understood exactly what I meant, and I was happy when she didn't ask me to elaborate. Not that she would have gotten the chance anyway, because right then two little people barreled into the room in a blur of hair and pink dresses, closely followed by Dr. Hogue with his hands lifted to his face like claws and weird roaring sounds coming out of his mouth.
"No, Daddy!" The little girls yelled in unison, their voices strained with laughter. Before Dr. Hogue could tickle his daughters, Bridget cleared her throat and not-so-subtly jerked her head in my direction.
Flashing his teeth in a wide grin, Dr. Hogue straightened and dragged his fingers through his hair. Walking over, he draped an arm over his wife's shoulder and tugged her close. "Hey, Mia. I can call you Mia, right?" Before I could open my mouth, he spoke again. "Oh, and please, none of that Dr. Hogue business today."
"Look, it's Merida!" Squealed one of the girls.
My fingers went to my curls of their own accord. Thanks to the humidity, they were extra frizzy today.
Grinning at the two identical faces watching me with curiosity, I said, "I wish. She's way cooler than I am." My tone was exaggerated, and I added a tiny wink for good measure. "I'm Mia."
The girls looked at each other before giggling and disappearing down the hall. Simon kissed his wife, and after telling us he was going to freshen up, he too exited the living room.
"Eleanor and Elizabeth. Girly-girls, hellraisers, and lights of my life." Bridget rolled her eyes dramatically, the glow in them never dissipating.
"You have a son too, right?"
Bridget nodded. "Brendan. He's visiting a friend. When they're little you secretly pray to be left alone for a few minutes. The instant they hit puberty, though, you pray they'll give you a few minutes."
I didn't know what to say to that, so I just laughed, feeling like an idiot.
"Shoot," she suddenly exclaimed, slapping her palm against her forehead. "I have to go finish up in the kitchen. Ginny was supposed to bring dessert, but her grandma fell this morning and they're stuck at the ER dealing with a fractured ankle."
"Oh no! She'll be okay, though?"
Bridget laughed. "Heavens, yes. I'll bet my firstborn on the fact that Karen is driving everyone, including her granddaughter, up the wall as we speak." She took a step backward. "I'll just be a minute."
"Anything I can help with?" I might not have been the world's greatest cook, but I could read a recipe and follow instructions.
"No, no." Bridget waved me off. "You sit and relax. I'll be right out." And then she was gone.
I slowly made my way to one of the couches and with my hands planted beside me, I carefully perched on the edge just as Eleanor and Elizabeth wandered back into the family room, arms filled with toys.
Both Simon and Bridget were absolutely gorgeous, and these two were no different. Shooting curious glances my way, the girls arranged their toys around the coffee table still holding their little teapot and teacups.
"I like your hair," one of them finally said.
I seriously had no clue how their parents could tell them apart.
"Thank you."
"Can I touch it?" the same g
irl asked.
"Eleanor!" the other one, who I now knew was Elizabeth, huffed. "Mommy said we have to behave."
In true six-year-old-logic, Eleanor turned to her sister and drew her shoulders up. "I'm not being naughty. Daddy always says we should ask if we want something."
They were so adorable; my ovaries were tingling. Chewing on the inside of my cheek, to stop myself from laughing, I said, "Sure, you can touch it."
Eleanor might've asked, but both girls rushed me as if I was offering them a bowl of candy. Their small fingers toying with the ends of my hair the instant they were able to do so.
"You're pretty." Elizabeth beamed at me.
I tapped the tip of my index finger against her nose. "So are you."
To my right, Eleanor tugged on a strand of my hair until my gaze skittered her way. "Wanna have a tea party with us?" She blinked slowly; long black lashes fluttering through the air as her eyes opened and closed. I couldn't even begin to imagine the things she achieved with that look. It was the human equivalent to big puppy eyes.
"I love tea parties!"
Both girls let out a delighted sound before gripping my hands and dragging me off the couch. Once we're at the coffee table, a little plate was pushed in front of me, followed by treats made of Play-Doh. The girls then went to work on pouring each of us a cup of tea before plonking down on their own pillows on the floor. They brought their cups to their mouths but paused. It was a bit freaky when both of their gazes shot to me at the same time.
I quickly lifted my cup too, but Elizabeth shook her head.
"Your pinky has to stick out. Like this," she curled her little finger in before flicking out until it was pointing straight at the ceiling.
There was a knock on the door followed by Simon yelling that he would get it, so I stayed focused on the important task of holding my pinky in the correct position. I pretended to take a sip and never in my life was I more thankful for swallowing air, because had there been liquid in my cup, it would've come spraying right back out when Simon opened the door.
Chapter 12
SEBASTIAN
I blinked and then blinked again, not entirely sure if the eyes looking my way were real or a figment of my imagination. Before I could find out for certain, Simon stepped in front of me, and blocked my view of the woman sitting on the floor.
"You feeling all right?" he inquired. "You look a bit pale."
"Mia's here?"
Simon's light eyebrows rose and fell in quick succession. "Yup." I was certain he popped his p just to annoy me. Still glittering with amusement, he narrowed his eyes at me. "No funny business today, okay?"
When all I did was give him an incredulous look, he snorted.
"I'm serious. Verbal sparring might be some form of foreplay for the two of you, but not here and not in front of my kids."
Holding my hands up in surrender, I grinned at him. "I'll be good."
Simon pinned me with a stare for a second longer before he stepped aside, allowing me to venture further into the family room. I took two steps before I couldn't ignore the urge to look at Mia.
She was smiling at something one of the twins had said. It had to be a genuine one too because a dimple that I hadn't seen before popped at the side of her mouth. Behind my breastbone, my heart jumped around uncontrollably. What would it feel like to be on the receiving end of that brilliant smile or to be the reason it was there?
I desperately wanted to know.
The smack Simon delivered to my shoulder blade was so sudden, my body jerked. Angling my head to the side, I glared at him.
"I'm going to check on Bridget, I'll be right back." Then he cleared his throat. "Girls, Sebastian is here."
Elizabeth and Eleanor's little heads snapped my way, toothy grins lighting up their faces.
"Sebastian!"
That was the only warning I got before they jumped up and barreled toward me. Dropping to my haunches, I spread my arms wide to accommodate the two bodies as they slammed into me.
With a twin clutched to either side of me, I pushed to my feet. "What are you girls up to?"
Eleanor's small hands framed my cheeks as she pulled my face in her direction. "We're having a tea party with Mia."
"Tea party, huh? Does this tea party have cake?"
Her little head bobbed up and down. "Mmm-hmm. Chocolate."
I widened my eyes. "Chocolate? But that's my favorite."
To my left, Elizabeth let out an excited little giggle. Angling my head her way, I asked, "Is there room for one more at this party?"
In answer, both girls furiously clapped their hands. It always freaked me out a bit when they were so in sync. Still carrying the twins, I walked over to the coffee table and allowed myself to look at Mia again. She was watching me with curious eyes. I couldn't help wondering what she was thinking about.
"Hi."
She returned my greeting with a soft, "Hey."
I'd barely set the twins on their feet when Eleanor grabbed my hand and pointed toward a spot on the floor. "You can sit there."
Doing as I was told, I plonked down on the pillow and crossed my legs. Eleanor sat to the left of me and Elizabeth to my right with Mia right in front of me.
She shifted on the spot before tucking a few of those fiery tendrils behind her ear. Her eyes flicked up, and our gazes collided again.
"This is Mia," Eleanor said.
I didn't look away. "I know."
"You do? How?"
"We work together." Mia's voice was soft.
"Ooh, like Mommy and Daddy."
Elizabeth's hand landed on top of mine; tapping me repeatedly. Severing the connection between Mia and me, I gave the little girl my attention. Her eyes were big when she leaned closer and whisper-shouted, "Did you take something out of Mia's bum too?"
Across from me, Mia's inhale was sharp. Too sharp because a second later she was coughing. "What now?"
My smile was wide when I looked at her again. Lifting one shoulder, I simply stated, "That's how Bridget and Simon met."
She cocked her head and drew her brows together. Her tasty looking lips pulled into a thin line before her mouth opened and closed. Obviously, she hadn't heard the story before. I was about to fill her in when Simon appeared and smacked his hands together.
"Who's ready to grill some meat?"
The twins jumped up, girly squeals following them as they rushed out of the family room with their dad on their heels. Mia and I straightened at the same time, and when she turned to follow the noise, I fell into step next to her.
I leaned closer and the smell of citrus smacked me in the face. It was almost impossible to avoid closing my eyes and taking a deep breath.
"Simon pulled a fish hook out of Bridget's butt the first day they met."
Mia's head whipped around and our faces were so close I felt the puff of air against my skin when she let out a breath.
"Are you serious?"
For the first time since I'd met her, she was looking at me with something other than anger shining in her eyes. I liked it.
"As a heart attack." My lips curved upward and for a split second her gaze dropped to my mouth before it rose to meet mine again.
"Wow."
"What are you two whispering about?" called Bridget, who was busy setting the table on the deck.
I jerked my chin in her direction while pointing toward her necklace, "That."
She looked down and ran a finger over the pendant on her chest. It consisted of two letter Js back to back with a diamond on the tip of each. Her smile was dreamy. Out of the blue, Mia's hand wrapped around my arm and she tugged me closer. My heart flatlined before it jumped back to life.
"Is that the—"
"No," I croaked out.
I flicked my gaze to where Mia was holding on to me; the skin beneath her palm on fire. I drew in a breath and that citrus smell of hers spread through my veins like an adrenaline shot to the heart. We hadn't been so close, not since that first day in the cafeteria. The
need to lower my mouth and finally taste her was almost desperate.
"It's a replica," I barely managed.
Mia studied the pendant for a few seconds before turning her attention back to me. Thin lines marred her forehead, and I had to fight the urge to smooth them with my thumb.
"I can't decide whether it's the most romantic thing I've ever heard of or the weirdest."
A low chuckle slipped over my lips at her honesty. "Yeah, I hear you."
She smiled then and I couldn't help but smile right back at her. It also wasn't lost on me that this was the first time we weren't fighting. As much as the verbal sparring, as Simon put it, entertained me on some level, I liked this more. Her back wasn't ramrod-straight, her shoulders were relaxed and there were no signs of daggers in her eyes.
I wanted to steal her away to a quiet corner where I could learn all her secrets and tell her all of mine. As if she'd just read my thoughts, Mia blinked. Her gaze dropped to her fingers still clutching my arm. Her brows dipped low before she snatched her hand away as if being burned.
"What's everyone drinking?" Simon suddenly asked.
"Water or soda is fine." I didn't miss the hitch in her voice. Nor did I miss her deep intake of breath before she cleared her throat and added, "I'm driving."
Without sparing me another look, she took a step away from me and hurried toward the table to take a seat next to Bridget.
I, on the other hand, couldn't move an inch. My feet were stuck in place, my gaze glued to the woman I so badly wanted to know more of.
"If you keep staring like that, she might think you're a bit of a creeper." With a laugh, Simon wrapped his big paw around my upper arm and dragged me into the house with him. Once in the kitchen, he pulled two wine glasses out of the cupboard and set them on the counter.
"So." He couldn't even speak with a straight face.
Narrowing my eyes, I echoed, "So?"
"That seemed cozy. Were you finally planning a date?" Waggling his brows, he moved to the fridge and retrieved a bottle of wine and two water bottles.
Egotistical Jerk: A Hero Club Novel Page 6