Bernard"We need to offer them better packages," I said, pausing to press two fingers to my forehead. I rubbed in slow, circular motions and ignored the niggling sensation in the back of my skull. "And better job benefits.""It should be enough." Raymond sat up straighter and crossed one leg over the other. "We should look into holding an event."I let my hands fall to the desk and stared at him. "An event?""Yeah, a lot of the other companies are holding these events to allow prospective employees the chance to tour the company, ask questions, etc."I raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know that.""Yeah, the recruitment process has changed," Raymond replied with a shrug. "So, we need to stay ahead of the game."I nodded and straightened my back. "Of course. Let's look into that and see when we can have one of these events.""You'll need to bring Carla into the fold.""She's only been here two weeks.""And she's already closed a deal with that oil company," Raymond pointed out with a smile.
"Thanks.""I've always admired your work ethic, Bernard," Carla continued, pausing to flash me a bright smile. "You're ambitious and dedicated, just like me. It's one of the reasons why we work so well together.""Don't you mean worked?"Carla inched closer, and her expression turned serious. "I mean work. We still work well together, Bernard. You and I closed that deal together the other week.""That was mostly you."Carla threw her head back and laughed. "Don't be so modest.""I'm not."Carla lowered her head and stared at me through hooded eyes. "You know, I wasn't sure if you were going to give me a job, but I'm glad you did. I've missed you."I took a long sip of my drink before setting it down. "You didn't miss me, Carla. You and I weren't a good match in spite of what people think."Carla shook her head. "We were. It just wasn't the right time, but it's been years, Bernard. I think it's time to try again.""What?"Carla inched closer and placed her hands on my shoulders. "I sti
Rachel“We need to talk,” Bernard said when I opened the door the following day. He lingered in the doorway, a determined gleam in his eyes until I stepped back. Wordlessly, Bernard followed me into the apartment and let the door fall shut behind him.“Ron, it’s time for breakfast,” I called out over my shoulders. “Hurry up, or we’re going to be late.”“Are you going to say something?”“What do you want me to say, Bernie?” I folded my arms over my chest and stared at him. “Because I honestly have no idea what you want me to say.”“You know that Carla and I are not together, much less re-engaged.”“Do I? I don’t even know what I know anymore.”Bernard covered the distance between us, his eyes never leaving my face. “You know that I care about this family, and I want to be a part of it.”“Can I have ice cream for breakfast, mommy?”I swung my gaze away from Bernard and took a step back. “No, sweetheart. We’ve been over this before. Ice cream is bad for you. You can have cereal, though.”
Bernard ran a hand over his face and blew out a breath. "Rachel, I don't know how many more times I can tell you this, but Carla isn't the problem here.""What is the problem?""You haven't even noticed how stressed I've been lately with everything that's going on at work," Bernard continued as if he hadn't heard me. "And you haven't even tried to make things better. Instead, you're just standing there accusing me of things I didn't do. I don't understand why you're being so inconsiderate and insensitive-""I'm inconsiderate and insensitive? You're the one who is letting people, including your ex-fiancé, think that I'm your housekeeper. Because that's what you really think of me, isn't it?""I don't know what you're talking about."I let my hands fall to my sides and stepped towards me. "Yes, you do. I agreed that we should keep it private because I thought it would be better, but I never thought about what it meant to you. You and I both know that we weren't meant to happen. If it wa
Rachel"I know it doesn't seem like it now, but things are going to be okay."I blew my nose before tossing the tissue into the bin. "How? How are things going to be okay?"It had been days since my argument with Bernard, and I felt worse and worse about it with each passing day. Not only had he not spoken to me directly during our interactions, but he was also careful to leave a wide berth of space between us when we interacted. Sitting across from him during our meals was a slow form of torture, and I hated every minute of it.But I had no idea how to make things better.Nor was I sure I wanted to.I couldn't be the only one fighting for us.More and more, I was beginning to wonder if Bernard regretted bringing me into his life. Wanting to be a part of his son's life was one thing. Getting involved with me, the mother of his child, was another, and I had ignored every warning sign and the voice in my head telling me it was going to complicate things.Why hadn't I just listened to my
BernardBeing around Rachel was hard.Especially when I had to keep my hands to myself and pretend like the space between us wasn't killing me. Over the past week, I had done everything I could to respect her wishes, even keeping our conversations strictly about Ron, but I didn't know how much more I could take.And I had no idea how to make things better.How was I supposed to when she wouldn't even look at me?In the mornings, she didn't linger over breakfast anymore and instead ushered Ron out the door as soon as he was done. In the afternoons, she sat as far away from me as possible in the car and didn't say a word until Ron got into the car and filled the silence. However, dinners were much worse. Gone were the warm hugs and bright smiles she gave me when I got home from work. Instead, they were replaced with a stiff greeting and a nod in my direction.I had well and truly messed things up.Why couldn't I seem to make her happy?Over the past few days, I had considered going to h
Bernard"I won't be gone long," I told him, pausing to ruffle Ron's hair. "And I'm sure you're going to have a lot of stories to tell me when I get back."Ron looked up at me. "Do you have to go?""I'll be back soon," I repeated with a small smile. "While I'm gone, you be good for your mom, okay? Don't give her a hard time.""I'll try," Ron replied. He threw his arms around me for a hug, and I held him to me, inhaling the fruity scent of him. A short while later, when he squirmed and drew away, I let him go. Slowly, I rose to my feet and watched him dart back into the apartment, brushing past Rachel, who stood in the doorway.I still hadn't been able to win her back.And the divide between us felt stronger and wider than ever.But I wasn't giving up.I couldn't."I'm sorry about the timing," I began, pausing to shift from one foot to the other. "I wish this was coming at a better time. I tried to postpone it."Rachel pushed her hair out of her face and cleared her throat. "It's okay.
Bernard"Bernard, I wasn't expecting you-"I pushed past him and stepped into the apartment. "Don't. We both know why I'm here."My father lingered in the doorway, his drink in his hand. A moment later, he shrugged and shut the door. Then he finished off his drink and set it down on the table by the door. He turned, so he was facing me directly, and said nothing."How could you? Carla, really? I guess I shouldn't be surprised, considering what you've tried to do in the past.""Everything I've done has been in your best interest," he replied without missing a beat. "I know you can't see it now, but both my company and Carla are your future. Everything else doesn't matter."I narrowed my eyes into slits. "That's as far as you're concerned. Why is it so hard for you to believe I can make a good life for myself? Why are you so desperate to have me come back to the company?"He straightened his back. "Because it's where you belong.""I don't belong with you," I hissed. "I don't even want t
Olivia“This is completely unprofessional. We’ve scheduled this checkup for days, and he should be here on time.”Bryan Wells looks at me like it’s my fault, his scowl darkening his features. I don’t know what to say. I’ve already informed him that Luke’s in the middle of an emergency surgery and it’s running longer than anticipated due to some complications—and we already informed Bryan this morning, too, which makes this the second time.I clear my throat and try again.“I’m sorry about this, Mr. Wells. We didn’t expect Dr. Jennings to handle a surgery today, but it can’t be postponed. Rest assured, though, that he will cater to you first thing as soon as the new appointment is set. If you could kindly tell me when you are available again?—”“I’m available now. I came here expecting the checkup now.”I pause. “This morning, we sent you an email informing you about the situation and?—”“Are you his secretary?”I blink, not missing the condescending tone. My shoulders stiffen, but I k
I nod, not about to tell her that I'm confident there will be. I can see the clear enjoyment on her face as we stroll toward the flowers, which are even more beautiful up close. When the breeze picks up and she shivers, I remove my coat and place it over her shoulders, then openly appreciate her dress."You know what my new favorite is?"Olivia sends me a curious look. "What?"I wink. "Black dresses. Specifically, you in them."She laughs hard, and it's the most melodic sound there is. I rub her shoulders to add an extra layer of warmth, but really, it's just an excuse to pull her closer to me.And when she doesn't protest, I can't think of a more perfect date than this.When I walk Olivia to her doorstep, I thank her for spending the night with me and for giving me a chance. Her smile turns shy."I should be the one thanking you, Luke. You made so much effort and I like how we spent the date.""You do?""Yeah. It was pretty amazing."I can't help but agree. Then I can't help looking
Luke"I'm not going to lie, I was expecting you to go a different route. You know, the typical fancy dinner in a fancy restaurant, with you showing off your knowledge of wines and some menu that I can't even pronounce."Olivia's tone is laced with humor, and I can't help but laugh. Then I shake my head as I guide her inside the movie theater, where the carpets are lush, and the most lit area is the concession stand."To be fair, I've taken most of my dates to fancy restaurants, but I want it to be different for us."Curiosity shines in her eyes as she looks around before we stop at the concession stand. It's a long area filled with glass displays of goods and a menu on the wall. I wait for her to read everything."Wait...shouldn't they just offer stuff like popcorn, candies, and soda? They have quite a variety of food." She then glances from side to side. "And where is everyone?"I bite back a grin. "Don't be mad, but I kind of rented the whole place for the night so we could have it
My skin buzzes at the sound of his deep voice. I have a second to wonder if it's my imagination before I glance toward the door where Luke is standing.In the flesh. Looking so good that it hurts.At my lack of response, he cautiously slips in and closes the door with a lock clicking, shutting us out from the rest of the world. My heart picks up speed as his gaze roams over me, then settles on my face. I swallow and finally push down my speechlessness."Luke...what are you doing here?"He's silent for a while as he just looks at me. Then he clears his throat."I saw you earlier. Wearing that...looking like that. You took my breath away, but you were gone just as quickly."The way he says it...I can hear his longing. The smile from earlier is gone, replaced by a desire glimmering deep in his gaze. There's a triumphant feeling inside me that he never looked at the gorgeous woman in white this way, but it's immediately smothered by the knowledge that they're still a much better pairing t
Olivia"Hey, Liv! I'm glad you could make it!"I grin at Wanda, who's already with Maria and Jasper when I find her. The three make a beeline toward me, giving me hugs before they take in what I'm wearing. A round of oohs and aahs come, and my cheeks heat up."Come on, guys. I just got this from a thrift shop. And it's basic black."The event was announced long ago: a small charity party with the doctors, the staff, and some of the hospital's major sponsors in attendance, held at the largest conference room. It didn't sink into my mind that it would be a semi-formal event or that it would fall on my day off until yesterday, but the black dress that has always been in my closet is a lifesaver.Medical assistants are not obligated to go, but the director wants us to. Nurses don't have to, but Maria and Jasper are free and said they wouldn't miss getting all glamoured up for the world.Maria rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "Sweetheart, if I looked like that in black, I would wear it every
I nod. "Yeah. For when the software has some technical problems and someone has questions about how to use the device."Henry shakes their hands, including Riley's. A seasoned veteran of life, he's friendly, outgoing, and pretty much will shake anyone's hand, which makes him perfect for his department. "Pleased to meet you both. Luke hasn't brought a lot of guests here, so it's good to see some new faces. Are you customers of the product? Or perhaps you're a new member of the team?" He beams at Riley. "And who's this sweetheart?"I look at Olivia, unsure how to play this. But before I can answer, Riley speaks first."I'm Luke's daughter."It's like a bomb dropping-at least, it feels that way to me and Olivia, if her wide eyes and stupefied expression are any indication. My head whips toward Riley, who is smiling at Henry, with Henry eyeing her curiously."You are?"She nods. "Luke is my dad." Then she turns to me. "You're my dad, aren't you?"Color me stunned and rendered speechless.
LukeBeing in Olivia’s house again after taking her so thoroughly a week ago feels more intimate than I anticipated, but it’s also exciting. It’s my third playdate with Riley, who doesn’t have movie-watching in mind this time.“I still have homework, Luke, and I should finish it today.”“Oh. Do you want help with it?”“No. I want to do my homework by myself. Mom says to ask for help if I’m confused, but I’m not confused.”It’s another way of saying she’s independent, which amuses me as I follow her to a room that her mom made into her homework area. The small table is already littered with books, crayons, and the like. I watch Riley start coloring before I gingerly sit on the stool beside her.Immediately, she giggles. “You’re too big for the chair, Luke.”I grin. “It’s okay. I just want to watch you.”She finishes coloring and starts on some math problems. I wait for her to ask for help. But she doesn’t. Realizing my presence might be a detriment more than anything, I carefully stand
I curl my hand inward until his head tilts just a little bit to rest on it. Luke emits a longer sigh, his weariness visible. But he doesn't even care about that.The guy who acts out in front of everyone, sometimes even to patients, has a good heart. I've seen glimpses of it throughout our interactions and the way he treats Riley, but I guess I've been holding back from fully seeing this side of him. He's also just human-the type who, at the end of the day, feels for his patients and gets affected by their condition no matter how hard he tries to separate himself from them.It's this understanding that propels me forward until I'm no longer just cupping his cheek but hugging him, too. I can sense his surprise from his sudden tension, but it's gone in a blink as his arms wrap around me. I know I'm the one comforting him, but the warmth he emits is a source of comfort for me, too."Liv...what is this?"His voice is gruff and just a little bit confused."I just thought you needed a hug."
OliviaI pace the office, done with work, and find myself stuck with nothing to do. I’m sure many people would kill for that problem, but without anything to do, my mind can’t help running a mile a minute as I wait for the person I need to speak with the most.I jump at the knock on the door, then turn to Wanda as she peeks in.“Hey. Wanna get some of that fresh bread down the street before we head home?”I force a smile out. “Sounds great, but I’ll have to pass. I’m staying for a bit.”“Isn’t it past your work hours?”“Yes, but I need to check in with Dr. Jennings about the surgery progress. It’s easier to record everything now than tomorrow.”She shakes her head and mutters about me working too hard, then waves and leaves. I glance at the clock. I should be going home, but it’s one of those lucky days where Nancy asked to stay longer since she needs the extra cash.But as it turns out, I don’t have to wait long as Luke walks in a few minutes later, already scrubbed down.I already h