Page 88 of Grumpy Bossy Doctor

I watched her mingle with other guests, a glass of wine in hand. She laughed and talked to them about different topics. I couldn't hear any of the things she said. I could have moved toward her and listened, but my guilt wasn't about to let me go anywhere near her. So, I was stuck looking at her. I didn't expect her to be there, like that person had said.

"Everyone was sent a list of the guests who were going to be here, her name was among," another person explained.

There was a list of guests.I pulled out my phone and dialed Ethan.

"Bonjour, little bro, tu est parfait?" he greeted with his horrible excuse of French.

"Did you know about this?" I asked ignoring the greeting.

"Know about what?" I asked.

"Don't play dumb. I found it weird that you insisted I come. Did you know she was going to be here?" I asked.

"Oh, that's what you mean," he replied. "Yeah, I knew Dr. James was going to be there."

"Then why didn't you tell me?" I asked.

"And risk you not going because you'd feel guilty to see her face? Hell no," he replied. "I just wanted you to go and get it done with."

"Then why did you want me to impersonate you?" I asked.

"I just wanted to know if she'd be able to tell us apart this time," he replied. I could visualize him shrugging. "Did she?"

"Yes…" I replied as I recalled her whispering my name.

"There you have it," he said. "You have something many people don't usually have when it comes to this love situation."

"What's that?"

"A second chance," he replied. "Don't ruin it this time."

He was still looking out for me. He may be clumsy, but he always did go out of his way to look out for Ben and me.

"Thank you, Ethan," I said softly.

"Don't thank me until you succeed in your mission," he said. "Now judging by your tone and how you were quick to call me. I assume that you've already spoken to her, but now you're too scared to move. If she talked to you first, then there's a chance that she doesn't completely hate you."

"That also means there's a chance she hates me."

"Of course, she'd hate you. You did play with her emotions, co-op style," he reminded me.

"Thanks for the advice," I said.

"Take care brother, peace,." he said before hanging up.

I returned my phone to my pocket and looked at her. She was still engaged in her conversation. She turned and made eye contact with me, a small smile formed on her lips. I waved at her nervously. She returned the wave.

Maybe she didn't hate me at all. I took in a deep breath and exhaled same, before making my way to her. Luckily for me, as I approached her, others were leaving, and she didn't move away. She waited for me to arrive.

"Hi," I said as I got close to her.

"Hi," she replied, "You lost some weight."

I wasn't eating properly for a while.

"Yeah, I was watching my weight," I replied.

"What? You were perfect the way you were," she said.

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