Page 29 of Dr. Brandt

“Why don’t we do that,” I smiled at Jacks, gaining back some of my confidence. “Let’s see if it was a good or a bad idea that I hunted down Dr. Brandt.”

“I think it was your amazing motherly instincts. I’m just sorry that I acted like such a jerk after you sought out this help for our son,” Warren said, cutting off whatever Cameron was about to say in response to my comment. “I was wrong to question your instincts.”

Nice try.

“If there’s anything I know in my profession,” Cam’s eyes locked on mine, and something kept my eyes fixed on his, “it’s never to question a mother’s instincts.” He looked over at Warren with a subtle arch of his eyebrow.

Warren nodded, and the two men were locked in a silent standoff for a moment.

“And I’m glad I learned that lesson now rather than when you’re my wife, and I could screw it up worse.” Warren smiled warmly at me.

“Right,” was all I could say in response.

I truly could not believe he was pulling this act. The bullshit spilling out of him couldn’t have been more repulsive. I’d admittedly let too much bad behavior on his part slide throughout our relationship, but Warren had picked the wrong time to put me to the test these last weeks. I’d never been more stressed about my son, nor had I ever been more determined to do whatever it took to help him. I didn’t know what Warren was up to, but one thing I knew for certain was that I’d never been treated more disrespectfully by anyone.

As Warren, Cam, and Jackson spoke, my mind drifted. I’d been apathetic when it came to Warren for longer than I cared to admit, but seeing him walk through the doors as if he hadn’t thrown a bitch-fit because he wasn’t in control made me feel anything but apathetic. Instead, I was pissed that he could march in here as if I were the type of woman who could be manipulated into giving over my power so he could feel like more of a man. The longer I looked at him as he sat there, pretending to be the devoted fiancé and father, the more I didn’t recognize him—the man I first fell for. And sadly for him, I didn’t care.

I couldn’t and wouldn’t waste another moment of stress, concern, or worry on this man. I didn’t have the emotional capacity for it. And with Cameron having the answers we needed, knowing this would be a steep mountain for my son and me to climb, there was no way in hell I would stay in a relationship that would pull me away.

“Jess?” Warren said with some humor in his voice, interrupting my thoughts. “I always wonder what goes on in that beautiful mind of yours when you space out like this.” He crossed his arms as he leaned back in his chair.

I stood, irritated by his stupid comment. “Space out? Hardly,” I leveled him with a stare that quieted the room. I didn’t mean to be so bitchy, but it was involuntary. I couldn’t have been more over the guy if I tried. “I’m focused on the information Cameron has given us to help my son get his life back.” I looked at Cameron, “Thank you for this. Jackson and I will talk more about it,” I shouldered my purse, “and we’ll also talk about him speaking to your patient. That might be a good way to get the confidence he needs to make an informed decision.” I looked at Jackson and smiled, “Let’s head to the beach or something, eh? This is a lot to process.”

“I don’t mean to interfere with the decision-making process,” Cam stopped me. His eyes held me in place, and I felt a sense of calm rush through me. “But I do know—well,” he stammered, glancing back and forth between Jackson and me, “I am very confident about performing this operation, and I hope you consider that when you make your decision.”

“I do understand, Doctor Brandt,” I smiled. “I know you well enough to know that if you didn’t feel confident, you would’ve already referred us to someone else.”

“Okay. Well, I’ll have my office call you with your next appointment with me in a couple of days,” Cam said as I made my way to the door.

“Sounds good.” I was being cold, but this was a lot to process. My son was about to lose an entire brain hemisphere to stop the seizures that no medication could help.

I had to get out of here, and looking back at Warren, I knew I would have to deal with him too.

I just needed my mind to unwind a little, and with Cameron setting up our next appointment in a few days, I had plenty of time to chill out and handle the hurdles in my way. Namely, Warren, because the more I thought about him being here to support Jackson and me, the angrier I became.

“Hey, Jacks,” I said. I spun around to face my son, who was following me out of the doctor’s office.

“Yeah?” Jackson said, his expression showing curiosity and concern.

“I know I said we should head to the beach, but—”

“Already done!” Warren exclaimed with victory.

“What’s already done?” I asked, annoyed by his interruption almost as much as his presence.

“I just reserved a beach house for us for the week.” He shrugged and grinned at me as I stared at him in shock. “I’ll look at extending the stay for however long we need once decisions have been made with Jackson.”

“That’s a pretty bold move, especially for you.” I stood there in disbelief, not wanting to cause a scene by launching into the tirade I’d wanted to unleash on him for weeks.

I just needed to keep my mouth shut until I knew how I wanted to deal with Warren.

The beach house Warren had reserved for us was lovely and welcoming to my frazzled nerves. Jacks loved the place, primarily because of the infinity pool built into the veranda that overlooked the shore.

I tried to see what the neighbors’ terraces were like, and it seemed a popular idea to swim in a big, fat pool while watching the tide roll out and in. Not a bad life at all, if you ask me.

I grinned, feeling the fresh, salty air blow across my face and through my hair, feeling relaxed, even if only for this moment.

“Wine? It’s Malbec,” Warren said, holding two glasses of dark red wine and walking out where I sat on a lounge chair, my knees pulled up into my chest while I absorbed this sudden peace I felt.

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