"Flying solo tonight, Edward?"
"It seems so, Jess. You look lovely, by the way."
"Thank you, and you look dashing, as always."
We've both arrived early and are on the balcony while awaiting the arrival of the guest of honor, who doesn't appear to have shown up yet.
"I would have thought that you'd have your gorgeous, new girlfriend on your arm. What's her name again?"
"Well, it wasn't my intention to come alone, Jess, just bad timing, and her name's Isabella. What's your excuse for flying solo, as you put it?"
"I'm not dating anyone." She grabs a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
"What's the matter, Jess, has no one caught your eye yet?"
"Oh, there's definitely someone I have my eye on." She smirks suggestively, and I realize that I have to cut her off before this goes any further.
"I'm in a committed relationship, Jessica."
"And your point is?" She raises a nonchalant brow.
"My point is, I'm seeing someone. I'm in a committed relationship."
"The word relationship holds about as much value to you as a two headed coin, Edward." She rolls her eyes and scoffs dismissively.
I'm a bit taken aback by her newfound boldness. Maybe it's the champagne talking. Jessica has never been one to exert such brash behavior. I contemplate responding with a cutting retort but feign ignorance instead.
"I'm sorry, I don't follow, Jess."
"No?" She moves closer and fixes me with a lustful stare. "Well, how about I make things a little clearer for you; my hotel room after the party, you can have it any way you like, Edward. Bring your camera if you like."
She winks and sashays into the restaurant.
I shake my head and exhale in frustration. Jessica has never showed interest in me before, and I don't know what's happened to arouse her interest now. It doesn't matter though, I've never been interested, and I most definitely am not now. Bella is the only woman I want and choose to be with, but sadly, I realize that like tonight, I'll be a constantly reminded of the my reprehensible past. I guess it's karma in a way. Lauren hurt me, I lashed out and hurt other women, and now it all comes back to hurt the people I love most. I think about Josh's accident and Bella's indecision.
She's a strong woman. It's one of the attributes that first attracted me to her, but I also recognize that her profession forms part of her outward strength. She can only protect her true emotions to a certain extent. She always strives to see the good in someone; she believes that no one is beyond help. It explains why, despite everything she's come to know about me, she's stayed by my side. But now, as our relationship progresses, I'm beginning to understand her fear and her explanation on the eve of my departure. She's no longer my therapist; she's the woman in my life, and with that role come's vulnerability, and the price of facing, accepting and living with my demons; all of them. Maybe she feels that it's too high a price to pay. I pray not.
At the conclusion of dinner and his speech, Professor Granger and his wife head in my direction, while well-wishers, stopping for a last farewell, impede their progress.
"I still can't believe you're doing it," I smile as they finally reach me.
"Edward, I told him I would divorce him if he worked another year."
"Well, we can't have that. Happy Retirement, Professor," I laugh as he joins in and shakes my hand.
"Edward, when you have a woman this special in your life, you learn to listen to everything they say." He winks and holds her close.
"I'm beginning to realize that."
"Well, there are a few people I should speak with, will I see you before you head back to Chicago?"
"You can count on it, Professor. You two enjoy the rest of the evening."
I make my way over to the bar, which is surprisingly quiet. It provides a welcome reprieve from socializing and gives me an opportunity to text Bella.
"Can I get you anything, Sir?"
"I'll just have a seltzer with lime, thank you."
I sense someone arriving and sitting on the stool beside me, but I'm composing my message and don't look up.
"What can I get you?" I hear the barperson ask.
"I'll have a gin and tonic." The familiar voice draws me from my task, and I look over my shoulder to catch a glimpse of curly, blonde hair.
"Must be fate," she says as she takes a sip of her drink.
"Hello again, I see you're in a more relaxed mood." I turn around and gesture to her beverage."
"Edward, right?"
"Yes, and you're the frustrated, impatient, slightly clumsy woman I helped a few hours ago. Jillian, am I correct?"
"Wow, that's not the impression I wanted to leave on a handsome man," she laughs, and I smile.
"So, I take it everything worked out for you?" I clear my throat as I notice a response from Bella.
"Excuse me?"
"The uh…bathtub...did you find it to your liking?"
I wince slightly, as I realize in retrospect that the question may sound improper.
"Oh! Everything was perfect." She finally remembers our earlier conversation, thank God.
"I miss you too," I whisper.
"I beg your pardon?"
"What?" I look up blankly and realize that I've spoken aloud. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was just…." I hold up my phone, and she nods in understanding.
"So, what brings you here, Edward, business or pleasure?"
"I'm attending a medical seminar this weekend, so I guess it's business."
"You're a doctor."
"Yes."
"Well, that would explain it."
"Explain what?" I frown.
"Your eagerness to help." She lowers her tone and sips her drink while coyly peering over the rim of the glass.
"Oh that, well, what would I be if I didn't help a damsel in distress?"
She chortles lightly, and we fall silent.
"Remy Martin, please." Newton slips in-between us and barks out his order, thumping rather loudly on the counter.
He's been drinking and is clearly agitated, so I choose not to engage him.
The bartender returns with his drink almost immediately, and he turns to give me an unnerving smile.
"That's the way you loosen up, Chief. Bottoms up!" He waggles his brows at Jillian and snickers as he walks away.
He's behavior is increasingly worrying, but I'm choosing to pick my battles with him. If one suggestive comment is all I have to endure, then so be it.
"One of your colleagues?"
"Yep." I exhale in frustration.
"He called you Chief."
"Yes…." I laugh in slight embarrassment, "…as in of surgery."
"Oh, I see, you're not just a doctor, you're a surgeon; the head surgeon, who's here on business and not much pleasure."
"Well, technically the seminar is over, so I guess this would be the pleasurable part of my trip. This is as good as it gets." I lift my glass in a toast.
"I think we can do a little better than that." Her voice is barely a whisper as she signals for the woman behind the bar. "Give my friend here something a little more pleasurable."
She nods, smirks at me and soon returns with a half-filled glass and bottle of vodka. She slides them over to me.
"Uh, sorry, but no thank you. I'd rather be operating with a clear head tonight." I slide them back at her, and she turns questioningly to Jillian.
"You have surgery tonight?" She frowns.
"I meant figuratively."
"Oh, come on, Edward. It's just one drink. Live a little."
I stare unseeingly at the drink then turn my gaze on her. She eyes me seductively, and a sudden wariness overcomes me; Mike's odd behavior, less than subtle flirting from a young, pretty woman, the offer to ply me with drinks. It evokes an uncomfortably familiar feeling.
I don't know why my subconscious is recalling that memory now; it's been years, but I'm sure this feeling of uneasiness stems from Newton's behavior, there's just something unsettling about it.
"I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to decline your offer." I sound harsh even to my own ears. I storm off, leaving both women gaping in shock.
I pace the floor of the men's room as a couple of the occupants skeptically look on. I contemplate finding Mike and asking him just what he's up to, but I realize just how paranoid I would sound.
I know that he isn't above seeking revenge, but would he go this far? Would he even know of my history?
I scrub a hand over my face and take a deep breath to calm myself before I walk back out. The two women are still talking.
"I want to apologize, to both of you, for my rude behavior. Please accept my sincere apology?"
She nods hesitantly and settles back onto her stool. She has that look, however. She's expecting more out of this. It's never just one drink, and the man I once was wouldn't make it past half a drink. She's lovely enough, but I'm so fundamentally different now. One woman has completely changed me, and I'm happy with the person I now am, even though I know I still have a lot of growing to do.
"I didn't mean to sound brusque, but I can't…it wouldn't be appropriate."
"Well, that means one of two things; either you're maintaining your sobriety, or you're already attached."
"Yes, you're absolutely right…about your second assumption. I have a girlfriend."
"Girlfriend...of course."
"Girlfriend." I repeat decisively and smile apologetically at her defeated expression.
Later, as I chat with a couple of new associates, I notice Jillian stumbling from the bar. She's very obviously intoxicated and vulnerable, and I excuse myself and hurry to her aid.
"Need some help there?"
"What, are you my keeper now?" She slurs as she looks up at me.
"No, far from it, but I am going to do you a favor and escort you over to the elevator. I think this is the last place you need to be in your current state." She practically falls into me as I help her along.
"You're probably right. Where's my purse?" She looks around aimlessly.
"It's in your hand. You're really out of it. Let's get you to your room."
"I would ask me to join me, but you're already spoken for," she giggles uncontrollably.
"Yes, I'm already spoken for, and there's nothing that would make me change my mind about that, but you're going to be fine. You don't need company." I motion for a bellman.
"Will you see that this young lady gets to her room safely, please?" I pull out a fifty-dollar bill and hand it to him before he has the chance to respond.
"Absolutely, Sir, and thank you."
"Wait, I thought you were going to see me to my room?"
"Take care of yourself, Jillian." The elevator doors close, and I sigh heavily.
"What a night."
.
.
.
My cellphone rings and I fumble around the bedside table before answering.
"You're up early," I rasp.
"I am. What time does your flight get in?"
I detect the smile in her voice, and I can't help the answering grin that spreads across my face.
"Someone misses me, I see. I have a late flight, and I probably won't land at O'Hare until seven this evening."
"That works out perfectly. I'll pick you up, and we can have dinner."
"Sounds like a plan. I'll see you then."
"Edward?"
"Yes?"
"I do miss you, more than I can say."
"Well, hopefully you 'show' better than you 'tell.' I laugh darkly.
"You'll find out soon, Doctor, until later."
I smile, ease back into the warm bed and imagine our reunion. I can't wait.
.
.
.
"Nice swing." I praise Professor Granger as we wait to see where the ball lands.
"Thanks."
We walk down the course to the next hole, and I wait for him to putt. He taps the ball lightly and sinks it.
"How are things between you and Mike? His behavior seemed a bit strange last night."
I take position in front of the ball and steady myself. To be honest, I need the brief distraction to consider my response.
"You know Mike, Professor." My club connects with the ball with more force than I intended, a clear sign of my agitation.
"I do; I happen to know both of you very well, and I definitely sense hostility between you."
I feel my jaw clench repeatedly, and I finally turn to face him. He watches me intently, and I take a deep, steadying breath.
"Professor, Mike and I have been competing since college, and unfortunately, we don't always see eye to eye."
"Does this have anything to do with the fact that you received the promotion ahead of him?"
"Amongst other things; he seems to think that I don't deserve it, and I understand his skepticism. Like me, he can be somewhat narcissistic. I accept that he believes that he's the better candidate for the position." I shrug and position myself for another swing.
"That's no reason to exemplify immature behavior. Both of you are the epitome of excellence in your profession. That promotion could've gone either way, and the decision makers appointed the person they believed to be the best candidate. I'm going to have a talk with him."
I realize that I have to stop him from approaching Mike. This is exactly the opportunity that Newton is looking for. Someone, who would pay enough attention to question him about the trouble between us. He'd be more than happy to disclose the reason behind it; being able to spill the beans to our college professor would be the perfect end to his game. He'd make me look like a predatory home wrecker and have me be a disappointment to an important person in my life, someone who thinks highly of me.
"Professor, I don't think it's a good idea for you to place yourself in the middle of our petty rivalry. I believe it will only exacerbate the situation. I can handle Mike."
"I just dislike seeing the two of you still at each other's throats. It's time to grow up."
"I agree, Professor, and I guarantee you that things will work themselves out between Mike and I."
We make our way over to the golf cart and drive to the next course.
.
.
.
"Well, Edward, as always, you excel at everything you put your mind to. You've managed to whip me at my favorite game."
"I probably should've warned you that I play on a regular basis," I laugh as we make our way across the green.
"Playing is one thing, you're damned good at it. I need to practice my half swing."
"There'll be plenty of time to do just that when you've retired."
"This is true, and I want a rematch. My dream is to find a place large enough with room for a practice course. Jules however, probably has already planned on planting a massive garden. I'll need to intervene."
"Good luck with that." I laugh uproariously, knowing how a wife usually ends up getting what they want, especially a woman like Doctor Granger.
"Say that you and your wife will visit once Juliette and I are settled in Europe?"
He turns around at the lengthy silence.
"Lauren and I are divorced, Professor." I clear my throat uncomfortably.
His expression immediately turns apologetic.
"Oh, I didn't know. I'm sorry, Edward."
"It's fine, really, it was the best thing for both of us. I'm with someone else now, but I'd still be happy to take you up on your offer. I think Bella would love Europe."
"Bella…that's a beautiful name."
"Yes, it is. It's a shortened form of Isabella, and she lives up to everything her name promises."
"It sounds like you're smitten."
"I'd say I am, Professor, and I'd love for you and Doctor Granger to meet her."
"Then it's settled. Once Juliette and I are established, we'll invite you and Bella to spend a nice vacation with us."
We play a few more rounds and part after making arrangements to keep in touch. I take in little sightseeing and do some shopping to pick up souvenirs for my family, and I spend an inordinate amount of time choosing Josh and Bella's gifts.
My flight isn't scheduled for another few hours or so, and I'm looking forward to using some of it to unwind before I pack and head to the airport.
I sit on the balcony of my room with a glass of brandy, enjoying the warm breeze, when there's a knock on the door.
"Hi." She smiles widely.
"Hello. What are you doing here?" I frown in confusion.
"I'm sorry to just show up at your door, but I just wanted to thank you for last night."
"I didn't do anything except have a bellman assist you to your room. It was no big deal. Besides, it was the least I could do, considering my behavior at the bar."
"I know. We both seemed to be battling demons," she chuckles nervously and wraps her arms around her midsection, securing her flimsy robe.
"Listen, Jillian, my flight leaves shortly, and I really haven't packed so…."
"Oh, okay. I didn't mean to hold you up. I just wanted to say thank you."
"You're welcome."
"It was nice meeting you, Edward." She smiles despondently.
"Goodbye." I close the door.
.
.
.
As I catch a glimpse of the chaos at the baggage carousel, I commend myself for travelling light. It's not the only thing that grabs my attention. I see her, standing on her tiptoes, anxiously scanning the crowd. Finally, our eyes meet, and a wide smile lights up her beautiful face. Each time I see this woman, my heart literally lurches in my chest; she is so, so perfect.
I can't contain the smile that spreads across my face as she draws near. The moment feels like a clip from some cheesy movie. Her pace picks up, and she wraps her arms around me, instantly pulling me into a passionate kiss.
"Welcome home, Doctor Masen," she murmurs against my lips.