“Ma’am, we will transfer your case?—”
I’m out of patience. And time. “I need to see Dr. Russo. Don’t make me come down there and issue my demands in person.”
A huff sounds from the other end of the line. “What is your name?”
“Callista Webster.”
“Hold, please.”
I pace small circles in my kitchen, listening to the ambient music softly playing from the phone. After what feels like an eternity, the woman comes back on the line.
“Tomorrow at four.” I hear it in her voice. Take it or leave it.
“I’ll be there.”
The following afternoon, I’m back to my usual pacing, except this time, it’s across Dr. Russo’s waiting room. I pity the other patients, as they watch me wear holes into the rug.
At least I look good. I dressed for the occasion, forgoing my usual sweats for a sundress. Although I have zero idea how one should dress to try to win back the man they love, I figure a bit of leg never hurts.
I’m uncertain if there is any hope of winning Keegan back at this point, but I have to try. And if he’s really leaving the Hudson Valley forever, we need closure.
At least I do. I can’t leave things this way.
“Mrs. Webster, the doctor will see you now.” A young brunette leads me to Keegan’s office, pointing at one of the chairs.
Keegan glances up from his desk, but his face doesn’t give away any emotion. “What can I do for you, Calli?”
I will stay calm. I will stay calm.
“You’re leaving? Just like that?”
“It was a carefully calculated decision. It’s a great opportunity for me, as you know.”
“You have opportunities here.” Okay, that came out a bit more forward than I planned.
He raises his brow at the force of my voice. “What do you need?”
“I need you. I need you to talk to me. I saidsomany wrong things that night. Both nights, actually, and I’m so sorry. I was angry and scared.”
“You said what you felt. As did I. I can’t compete with Charlie. I don’t stand a chance of winning. There’s not even room for me at the table to play.”
I reach across the desk to grasp his hand, but he moves it away. “I know that’s how you feel, but it’s not true. There is room for you. I’ve made certain.”
All I have to do is convince Keegan that I love him. That I want him.
Just him.
How hard can it be?
Keegan folds his hands in a triangle and clears his throat, avoiding my gaze. “Look, I never should have let it get this far.”
A sheen of perspiration breaks out across my skin. “What does that mean?”
“You’re my patient. You want a baby with your husband. It’s my job to give you that.”
“I ammorethan your patient.”
“Because I let it get too far. I felt something, and I went with it. I should have maintained a professional distance. This is on me.”