Chapter 46 Lack of A Better Word
**Mia’s POV**
The hospital corridors had become familiar territory over the past our days. Every morning, I’d arrive just as the sun began to paint the city skyline in shades of gold and pink. The nurses on the early shift knew me by name now, greeting me with gentle smiles as I made my way to Mom’s room.
Today was no different. Emma, the head nurse, looked up from her station with a warm smile. “Good morning, Mrs. Branson. Your mother had a peaceful night.”
“Any changes?” I asked, the question as automatic as breathing by now.
“All her indicators are holding steady.” Emma’s smile widened slightly. “Dr. Pierce just went in to check on her, actually.”
I found Nate standing by Mom’s bed, studying her charts with intense concentration. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his usually immaculate appearance showed subtle signs of wear – his sleeves rolled up carelessly, his collar slightly askew.
“Nate?”
He looked up, his professional mask softening into a genuine smile. “Mia. I was hoping to catch you this morning.”
“Is everything alright?” I moved closer to Mom’s bed, automatically checking the monitors though I barely understood their readings.
“Everything’s perfect,” he assured me quickly. “All her post–operative indicators are exactly where we want them. The surgery couldn’t have gone better.”
I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “Thank you. For everything.”
“Just doing my job.” He made a note on the chart, then swayed slightly.
“Are you okay?” I studied him more carefully, noting the fatigue etched in his features.
“Fine, just a bit tired. Had to fly to Boston for an emergency case.” He attempted a reassuring smile that didn’t quite mask his
exhaustion.
“Boston?”
“Mm–hmm. Eight–year–old with a rare arteriovenous malformation. No one else would take the case.” He shrugged as if flying across the country for complex brain surgery was perfectly normal. “Couldn’t say no.”
“When did you get back?”
“About an hour ago.” He caught my concerned look and chuckled. Don’t worry, I got some sleep on the plane. Speaking of work…” He gestured toward the door. “Would you mind stopping by my office? The contracts for the children’s center are ready.
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I hesitated, glancing at Mom.
“Go ahead,” Emma said from the doorway. “I’ll page you immediately if there’s any change.”
Nate’s office felt different in the morning light. Sunlight streamed through the floor–to–ceiling windows, catching the edges of his art collection and making the contemporary sculptures cast interesting shadows across the polished floors.
He moved to the elaborate espresso machine, but his usually precise movements were clumsy with fatigue.
“Let me,” I said, stepping forward. “You look like you could use a break.”
“You know how to use this beast?” He raised an eyebrow but stepped aside.
“I had some practice.” I didn’t mention the hours I’d spent learning to make coffee exactly the way Kyle liked it. How I’d studied with professional baristas, determined to master this small thing that might make him notice me.
Chapter 46 Lack of A Better Word
C
+25 BONUS
The familiar motions were soothing measuring the beans, adjusting the grind, timing the extraction perfectly. The machine purred under my hands like an expensive cat.
“Impressive,” Nate commented as I handed him a perfectly crafted cappuccino, the foam decorated with an intricate leaf pattern.
“Just a hobby.” I busied myself making a second cup, avoiding his too–perceptive gaze.
“Quite a serious hobby, judging by your technique.” He took a sip and his eyebrows rose. “This is excellent. Better than what I usually manage, and I practically lived in Italian cafes during my fellowship.”
I settled into one of the leather chairs, cradling my own cup. “The contracts?”
“Right here.” He pulled a folder from his desk, then paused. “But first, I’d like to discuss something else.”
“Oh?”
“I’ve been reviewing your portfolio more thoroughly. Your talent is exceptional, Mia. This children’s center could be just the beginning. With your understanding of therapeutic spaces…”
“Please,” I interrupted softly. “Let’s just focus on this project.”
He studied me over the rim of his cup. “Why do you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Deflect any mention of your abilities. Pull back whenever someone tries to acknowledge your talent.”
I stared into my coffee, watching the foam slowly dissolve. “I prefer to let my work speak for itself.”
“Is that really it?” His voice gentled. “Or is it because someone taught you to make yourself smaller?”
My hand tightened on the cup. “We’re not discussing this.”
“Aren’t we?” He set his coffee down carefully. “Mia, I’ve seen your early work – the passion, the confidence. What happened?”
“Life happened.” The words came out sharper than intended.
“Ah.” He leaned back, his expression thoughtful.
I stood abruptly, moving to the windows. The city sprawled below, going about its morning routine, unaware of the conversation happening in this sunlit office.
I paused, searching for words. “It’s complicated.”
“Most things worth having are.” His voice carried no judgment, just quiet understanding.
“I got married. But now, getting divorced.” The words fell into the quiet room like stones into still water. “Put in a short v Silence stretched between us. I could feel Nate’s gaze on my back but couldn’t bring myself to turn around.
“Is that what you want?” he finally asked.
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A bitter laugh escaped before I could stop it. “I think so…Please,” My voice cracked slightly. “Can we just… can we focus on the contracts? I’d rather not discuss my personal life.”
He studied me for a long moment, then nodded. “Alright. But, I am always here if you need to talk.”
I picked up the contracts, grateful for the change of subject. Sign it get more money for mom. And leave Kyle forever.
If only it were that simple.
