Page 94 of Shattering

Gray chuckled, shaking his head."Ya could at least say, 'Gray, yer a very mature and responsible human being, an' I am dead impressed by yer growth.'"

Cadi snorted, swirling her wine in the glass. "I would be leadin' with what an idiot you've been."

Gray grinned, leaning back against the sofa. "Aye, that does sound more like ya."

She sighed, shaking her head. "But I suppose I'll settle for 'good.'"

Gray chuckled, nudging her foot with his. "That's real big of ya, a ghrá."

Cadi rolled her eyes. "Enjoy it while it lasts."

Chapter 43

Cadi checked her watch, feeling the exhaustion settle in her bones. Clinic was nearly done. Just one more email to send, one more chart to review, and then she could breathe.

Her phone buzzed on the desk.

She barely glanced at it, but the name on the screen made her stomach twist.

Medical Director-office.

She already knew what was coming.

Cadi exhaled sharply, running a hand over her face. She didn't have time for this. Not with everything else going on. Not with her relationship still hanging in the balance.

But she couldn't ignore the call.

"Hello"

"Cadi, hi. It's good to hear from you."

Dr. Winslow's voice was warm, familiar, but Cadi still braced herself.

"How have you been? How's Gray? And how's the little whirlwind?"

A reluctant smile tugged at Cadi's lips. "Tomos is as energetic as ever."

Dr. Winslow chuckled. "I'd expect nothing less. But listen—let's get to the point. I just wanted to be the one to tell you first before you heard it from anyone else."

Cadi exhaled slowly, already resigned. Here it comes.

"You got the role."

Cadi blinked. "...What?"

Dr. Winslow chuckled. "You're the next lead for the diversity post. The official announcement is coming soon."

Cadi stared blankly at her desk. She hadn't expected this.

Vanessa was well-liked, had done a lot of work with education and the BMA. She had assumed—no, she had been certain—that Vanessa would get it.

Her mind stuttered through the possibilities, trying to make sense of it.

"...Oh. Thank you."

The words felt clumsy, hollow.

Dr. Winslow must have picked up on her hesitation. "I take it this isn't the news you were expecting?"

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