Chapter 3 Jealousy

"I swore. I swore I would be true. And honey, so did you".

I had talked to Liz about why she ended up, once again, in the hospital. My daughter's reaction was unusual for a child her age. It was too aware, it was too receptive. If it weren't for her small greenish-brown eyes asking me to hold her, I'd say my daughter wasn't a child. I expected that a three-year-old wouldn't understand anything that was going on, but Liz acted as if she understood exactly that she couldn't eat whatever she wanted without asking first.

It had been four days since the incident. Nicholas didn't show up again, but he called countless times to speak with his daughter. Joe and Kevin showed up at our house, on the contrary. I was told that Nicholas was thinking about the band's return. I couldn't be less than happy for them. My ex-in-laws then explained to Liz that in the future it would be a little more difficult to come to our house so often, but that she could always be with Aunt Danielle and her cousins ​​at Kevin's house, or with Grandma Denise and Grandpa Paul. They assured her that in every possible gap they would see each other.

Liz didn't feel sad or upset, she as I said, was very mature. She seemed to understand that some things weren't going to go the way we'd like, and that was a thought referring to the divorce situation between her father and me. Liz followed up with a child psychologist, and it was something that prepared her very well to deal with different situations. Many times, I knew that the child was able to deal with many issues thanks to therapy, such as, for example, the confusion that it was time to see the father, time not.

I had asked Robert to drive her to Kevin's house that day, as it had been arranged between uncle and niece the last time he was at our house. And the little one was so excited to play with her cousins ​​that she barely said goodbye to me. I smiled and waved until my brother's car took some distance.

Late afternoon fell and I hurried to the restaurant. The sunset hitting the windshield of my car was one of my favorite views. I parked in the space restricted to me in the parking lot of my establishment. And Alex was laughing excitedly with the other employees who had already prepared almost everything for the night's opening.

"We're so excited, how wonderful!" – I said smiling as I entered the Bistro.

Everyone greeted me, and as I walked to the back of the bar to grab one of my restaurant diary books, Alex asked me if theplaylist of the night was appropriate. And logically I approved Alex's select and tasteful list, which always captivated me. My cell phone chirped in my pocket, and I quickly pulled it out of my jeans. I worried about the call and eagerly answered.

-Dr. Rhodes? Good night, how are you?

"Good night Katharine." I'm fine and you?

- Worried about this call, nothing really happened to Liz, did it? She's at her uncles' house, so...

- Katharine... He cut me off with an understanding smile. "I'm just calling to say her test results are out. And I would like to talk to parents. I'm an hour away from my shift, I can welcome you if possible.

- Oh... Nicholas won't be able to go, he's on a trip, but... Is there a problem we talk about, outside the office? – I asked, staring at the bistro clock.

"You're at work, aren't you?" Make a reservation for me then, and we can talk if that's all right for you.

- Excellent. Thanks. – I said smiling and writing down his name in the booking book - At eight o'clock?

"Is this a good time for you?"

"Certainly, the house will be full." The bistro, thank God, is well attended. But, I will have no problem giving you attention.

"Okay, eight o'clock then." Reservation for two.

- Clear...

I wrote down the information a little confused by the information, and Rhodes chuckled on the other end of the line.

"For two, of course, if you don't mind having dinner with me."

My gaze landed on the letters written on the paper, and my mouth dropped open. I didn't understand what was going on there. He and I became friends, but for some reason, I felt like I was in a different situation than usual.

- Any dishes you'd like to order at once? – I said still confused and I noticed the doctor's voice change on the other side, there was some embarrassment in his voice.

"Don't worry, I'll check it myself. See you later then, Miss Katharine.

I said goodbye to the doctor courteously, and found the formal manner in which he addressed me strange. Certainly, there was an awkwardness there. And I couldn't identify if I had been rude to him or not.

I called Alex informing him of the new reservation and explaining that he was Liz's doctor, so I couldn't be in the kitchen. I took the books I had gone to get when I got there, and checked that all the daily tasks had been done. I grabbed last night's balance sheet and went to my office. I left my belongings in my locker, as was my habit. I sat down at the table and checked the bureaucratic part that I had forgotten to check in the last few days.

When I was done, I got up from the table and grabbed my dolman and put it on. As I grabbed my cell phone, I debated whether I should let Nicholas know that Rhodes had informed me the results were out and that I would meet with him for more answers. But probably Nicholas would be pestering me between one gap and another in his schedule to learn information I didn't already have. So I decided to let him know when I finished talking to the doctor.

I entered the kitchen observing the hurried and natural movement of the place, the smoke was already rising being swallowed by all the extractor hoods, I smiled at the mixture of smells that made my mouth water every day. The clink of cutlery and glasses made me itching to work.

- Guys, at eight o'clock I'll be in a meeting in the lounge, so García you'll be responsible for my requests, okay?

I informed my assistant chef who smiled in response. Everyone was used to dealing with my sporadic absence from the kitchen. I had a wonderful team. A second family that I loved one by one. Tiffany, my waitress, came in stating that the first orders had arrived and we got to work.

At nine-thirty, Alex reported that Dr. Rhodes had arrived. I found the time strange and washed my hands going to the salon. He was talking to the maitre d', finalizing his order, at a table in the most reserved area of ​​the bistro. He got up from his desk when he saw me and smiled.

"Good night, Katharine.

His impeccable smile with eyes that gathered in little crinkles at the corners showed that the embarrassment was gone.

"Welcome back, Daniel.

"I never get tired of being enchanted by theFrom Katharine. It's a very cozy place.

- Thanks. I also think. – she smiles proudly – ​​Always feel invited to come back.

"Maybe I'll make this my official dining spot.

"I'll love it. I said sincerely and laughed.

"I'm sorry if I sounded intrusive when I invited you to dinner, Katharine. I just thought it wise since we're going to have to talk and you're taking a break.

"Ah, well...I was really taken aback.

"Don't misunderstand my invitation, please. I don't want problems with Mr. Nicholas.

"Don't ruin our night, Rhodes. I looked at him sarcastically.

It was obvious that Daniel was making fun of Nicholas's rudeness upon meeting him.

- Well, I'm going to return to the kitchen to finish some dishes. And I will return promptly.

- I already placed my order, if you can prepare it, it will be an honor. I have the night free, so don't worry about the time.

"Fine, then I'll cook your dinner myself."

I smiled and returned to my post. I told my assistant that I would cook the order for table thirteen before I left. The dogfish with caper sauce, ordered by Rhodes, didn't take long to be ready. So, I was putting the finishing touches on the dessert I had already prepared on the house as well. I placed the molasses screen over thePetit-cake at La Katharine and took it to the cooler for fresh desserts.

I walked to my office removing the dolman, straightened my hair and makeup, and left through the social door towards Daniel's desk. When he saw me coming, he got up quickly and did the honors of pulling out my chair for me.

"You really are a gentleman." I smiled looking at him.

"My mother would certainly disown me if I forgot my manners.

called mybut asking him to pour me a glass of white wine and Tiffany had brought the order to the table.

"I hope you enjoy your dinner."

"With this scent, this place and this company, how could I not appreciate it?" he asked with a pleased smile on his face.

"Well, I don't know what the news is then... We'd better eat first, eh?" - I spoke.

Rhodes' eyes changed their expression in agreement. We sat down to enjoy dinner and talk about everything that wasn't the main subject that had brought him there.

"How is the little one?" – he asked after a few mouthfuls.

- She is at the house of cousins ​​Alena and Valentina. She'll sleep over there since her uncle won't be able to see her for a while.

- It's good that she has this contact with her father's family, you do it very well. I have patients with separated parents who... I can say that they are sick because their heads and hearts are also sick.

- I will never deprive Liz of living what she could live, if Nicholas and I, remained married.

"And how are you?"

Daniel's question didn't affect me. He and I had become good friends since he arrived at Liz's chart, at the stage where the two of us were facing so much alone. I had often vented to him about Nicholas, and Daniel, despite never being married, had the best advice and the most comforting words.

- I believe he is very well! Nicholas was once a man to suffer for love. But... It hasn't been like this for years. And I... I can't say I'm totally over it, you know I still blame myself.

- And you need to stop blaming yourself ... - he looked at me like someone who had already said that to me several times - But, I was referring to you two. As a couple.

I looked at Daniel directly and confused, sipped my wine with a wry, disbelieving smile. I couldn't understand what kind of question that was.

- Do not look at me like that. I wasn't the one who was jealous of your proximity to your daughter's doctor. - He laughed explaining.

"Why, it's quite an outrage that you think Nicholas was jealous of us."

"Why, may I ask?" Daniel looked at me with an offended tone.

"Because Nicholas's problem is that he doesn't have things under his control. This is the problem, not whether I supposedly move on or not.

"I know a threatened man when I see one." And while he has no concrete reason to feel any threat from me, I know he does. Perhaps you can...

"Don't even finish Daniel. Or it will spoil the taste of this meal. - I warned interrupting him.

He chuckled and returned his attention to his food as I shook my head, affected by such nonsense. It wasn't unreasonable to think of Daniel and me as a normal couple, even though he had no interest in me, or the opposite. But, yes, it was nonsense to think that Nicholas and I could get back together.

After a dinner of laughter and quiet conversation, Daniel sighed heavily and did what he had indeed come to do.

"Well... Liz's diagnosis. We need to talk.

"Okay, I've distracted myself from my problems for one day, and thanks for that.

- Katharine... She has a diabetic condition. But, the pancreatic insufficiency is showing improvement thanks to the early treatment we did, however it will only really improve when we balance the diabetes picture. Otherwise it's a waste of time and money.

I closed my eyes heavily and leaned my elbows on the table pressing my temples. Daniel took one of my hands, making me face him.

"It's not the end of the world, as much as it may seem. She will be fine, after all. Believe me... You have more reasons to be grateful than to complain.

- I already imagined it too... The problem is that... Incredible as it may seem, I'm not regretting the illness. I'm regretting having to explain this to her, without Nicholas here.

"Does he care?"

- Lots of. And this will cause a mess, which you have no idea. Denise will preempt her son, I'm sure.

"Well, that's not your problem. It's his. It's up to you to tell him about this, and it's up to him to decide how he's going to handle it with you two.

"Only I know he's going to want me to wait until he gets back to talk to Liz, and I can't do that, Daniel.

"Again, that's something he has to work out. If he insists, he will find a way to be with his daughter talking about it, no matter the distance.

"That's true, but what you don't know is that Nicholas doesn't own his stock. He has a whole team that controls his agenda and priorities.

- Hm... So, let's do it like this. Blame it on me.

- Like? I stared at his calm face in confusion.

"Take Liz to the office, I'll talk it over with her, explain it, and you say you didn't know I'd do it that way. So, neither you nor Denise nor he will have had the responsibility to explain Liz's clinical condition to her, after all that is my job too.

"I'm not going to put you on stage so Nicholas can set up the show. This he will do regardless of who the actors are.

My cell phone was on the dinner table and I had called Tiffany asking her to bring the dessert I had prepared. When I faced Daniel making satisfied gestures and smiling knowing that he would win a complimentary dessert from me, it was impossible not to laugh.

- Pediatricians spend a lot of time with children.

"And that's why I'm one. I couldn't bear to let my inner child grow up.

- Peter Pan. - I said mocking him and before he said anything, my phone reported my ex's call.

I took the device in disbelief and showed it to Daniel who made a sign for me to answer it.

"Hello Nicholas, good evening.

- Good evening Katharine, I'm calling to see if there's any news about Liz's exams.

I sighed in disbelief that fate was so naughty.

"Actually, you seem to have guessed. I just found out from Daniel.

-Dr. Rhodes, you mean.

- The way Daniel and I treat each other formally or informally is not the point that should interest you.

The desserts arrived and Daniel was looking at me with a mischievous smile, and starting to enjoy his dessert.

"Katharine, we'll talk about that later.

"No sir, I don't owe you that kind of explanation. By the way, what do you want with this connection anyway?

"Well, when did he give you the diagnosis?" – Nicholas understood my question and focused on the main subject.

- Right now. And I'm...

"Are you at the hospital?" From the noise I thought he was in the bistro. – he asked interrupting me.

- It's Daniel and I in the bistro, yes, talking about Liz. Now, do you want to know the diagnosis or not?

Nicholas's breathing was the only thing I could hear, and I looked at my device's screen to see if the call was still active.

- Nicholas?

- What diagnosis?

- Liz developed diabetes.

- Drugs...- he muttered discouraged and guilty on the other side.

"Nicholas. Do not blame yourself. Look... Can I call you later so we can talk about how are you going to talk about this with her? At the moment I am...

"Busy, I guess." I return you.

He interrupted me saying and hung up the call in my face.

- Look... Never marry Daniel. – I said to the attentive man in front of me.

He chuckled in amusement and pointed at my set plate, indicating that I should eat.

- Sweeten the palate a little with this divine dessert you have prepared.

"Did you like it then?"

- And thelittle cake most different and delicious I have ever tasted. What is your name?

- Petit-cake à la Katharine. Nothing creative I know, but... It was the first dessert I created.

- It is wonderful. A simple name for an exquisite taste.

"Thank you Daniel. Really, thank you for all the support you've given me. I said making him look at me softly.

"We're friends, aren't we?"

"Certainly, Rhodes. I said with absolute certainty.

- So I couldn't do otherwise. Oh... By the way, Liz was going to be discharged from the psychologist, but I'm going to ask her to continue the therapy until we're sure how she's going to face the diagnosis.

"Thanks, I think it's great. She has handled everything so well because of it.

"Yeah, I noticed too. Now... I'll be off tomorrow and the day after. So you have two days to talk to her. And with Nicholas. But if you want my help, call me. I'll make her appointment for my first day off ok?

- As you wish, doctor.

Rhodes smiled at me and we said goodbye. I needed to get back to my work, and while he could still enjoy the place, he was tired. He insisted on paying the bill, and I asked Alex to remove some things from his command, like my consumption, without him knowing.

The movement in the bistro had ceased, the staff were finishing up and slowly leaving until Alex and I were alone. Nicholas had called me and we had discussed it. As I'd guessed, he'd asked not to tell Liz until he could come, and I was against it. She needed to start treatment soon, and he needed to learn how to deal with the priorities in his life.

"Nicholas. My part is to inform you and be transparent with my daughter. Your part is dealing with parenthood and its issues. So, sort it out. I'm not going to wait for you to arrive and then start explaining to Liz about her Diabetes. She's only three years old, and this new condition won't be understood right away.

I hung up the call and glared at Alex. He was standing there watching everything, and he already had my purse and coat in his hands.

"Stop allowing yourself to succumb to arguments with Nicholas, Katharine. - he said hugging me.

- I don't know... I think I turn every simple conversation with him into something too heavy and painful, you know Alex?

"Glad you recognize that." You need to get over each other's mistakes, and try to get along better for Liz.

- I know. I know, it's just... I just wanted him by my side, you know? To deal with these issues. I know it's not absurd her diagnosis, but...

- You wanted to feel safe in your ex-husband's arms. – Alex said interrupting me.

I let myself cry effortlessly into my best friend's embrace.

- You have so many arms to hold Katharine ... - he said making me face him - Mine, Robert's, your mother's, Liz's own. It has Denise's and Paul's arms, although I don't think so... Kevin and Joe's... Anyway... It even has Dr. Rhodes. Stop wanting to be in the arms of the one person who doesn't do you any good.

Smile. Alex was right. I needed to stop wanting Nicholas to react like a safe haven who would fight for us until the end. If there was no longer an "us" the reason was because, we decided there would be no more. In fact, I was the one who took him out of my life. For all the mistakes, I was the one who wore down my relationship year after year, crisis after crisis.

I dried the tears and taking a deep breath, puffed out my chest. I took my things and left the bistro accompanied by Alex who made me promise not to think about it when I got home. He waved from his car to mine, and we both pulled out of the bistro's parking lot to our destinations.

Liz was sleeping over at Kevin's that night, and I got to relax at my place. However, the next morning, she was startled awake by a torrent of bells from the doorbell. I went downstairs disheveled, scared and without remembering to pick up my hobby to throw over my nightgown.

I opened the door of the house in a hurry, and I couldn't believe it when I saw Nicholas's figure holding the gate's bars with his head down. I rubbed my eyes and walked to my front yard. Some neighbors passed on the street and did not realize what was happening there. As I approached the gate, Mrs. Baker walked along the sidewalk with her bag of bread and stared at me in surprise. I smiled sheepishly at her, who by now surely assumed that Nicholas had come home.

"Are you out of your mind?" I said and only then did he notice me.

- Good Morning.

"Go and make a fuss on your doorbell, Nicholas Cassano!" Do you have any idea how scared I woke up? – I fought opening the gate and giving way to him.

- Sorry Katharine, I wanted to arrive before Liz's school had already left.

"And that's reason to take it out on the bell?" She has no class today, it's class council.

I said entering the living room of my house and being followed by Nicholas who was waiting for me.

- Excellent. I took the fastest plane out here.

'Finally prioritized the right thing...' I whispered.

- What did you say? – he asked sitting down on the sofa.

"Wait for me, I'll pull myself together since you threw me out of bed."

"I'm going to see Liz.

He got up quickly walking behind me, and I hadn't noticed so I stopped walking and turned to talk to him, but we bumped into each other at the same time. His hands held my arms and we stared into each other's eyes, as close as we hadn't been in a long time. I let go of him then, running a hand through my hair and going to my room leaving him standing there.

- She is not here.

"What do you mean, isn't it?" – he asked angrily, entering my room.

"Slept at Kevin's house.

He scratched his head awkwardly and withdrew. When I returned to the room, he asked me if I had said anything to her. I went to prepare breakfast, but Nicholas had already made the coffee and set it at the table. I looked at him doubtfully.

- I didn't have coffee. – he said obviously – Can't I cook at your house too?

I ignored the comment and went to serve myself by answering his previous question:

"I haven't been with her. Yesterday Kevin picked her up in the morning, and I told you via text that she would be there. So at night Daniel and I talked. So I haven't been with her yet to tell.

"Good then, so we'll talk together."

I didn't show any reaction and took a spoonful of my yogurt and Nicholas broke the observant silence I dedicated myself to, to ask about what I already imagined I would not take long to ask.

- Why would Dr. Rhodes went to talk to you at the bistro?

- Because I couldn't leave to go to the doctor's office at that hour, and because Daniel is an admirer of my food, like so many other people.

"So he's a regular at theFrom Katharine?

- What's the problem? I asked defiantly.

"Since when did you and that doctor get so close?"

"Since you walked out that door and I've been dealing with a whole different world, and unprepared. But where is it any of your business?

Nicholas was silent, expressionless and sighed heavily telling me:

"Katharine, you wanted this.

"And I'm not charging you Nicholas, I'm just answering your question." And I didn't tell any lies. Now where is any of your business?

"I just want to know if...

"If what Nicholas?" - I interrupted - If I've already overcome everything and put someone else in its place? I still don't understand, how far is it any of your business. Put yourself in your shoes as Liz's father, and that's it.

"I want the best for both of you. I love them both, and it's not because we separate that it will cease to exist. It's just another kind of love and concern.

"So you're saying that my social connections should interest you out of zeal?" Swear?

"Katharine, I really want you to be happy, but I don't think it's good for Liz for you to be with her doctor.

"Go to hell, Cassano." I can't believe you said that. There are so many mistakes in that sentence, I can hardly count them.

- Katharine... – he patiently tried to explain to me what had no explanation.

-Nicholas! I'm not in a relationship with Daniel, and if I was that would be awesome since Liz adores him! And please don't be hypocritical in your arguments. You didn't think for a moment about your daughter's welfare when you decided to have a relationship with the woman who caused her parents to divorce. By the way! I'm being unfair to Priyanka, I caused our divorce. But either way, you're not being honest with your daughter. I swore to be honest with you Nicholas, but so did you.

He looked at me like someone who didn't have answers. I continued my breakfast, really sad that he didn't respond. Nicholas's silence proved that I was right.

"I'll get her. You come with me?

- Not. She shouldn't see her parents arriving together at her uncle's house. I don't want to create false images in my daughter's mind.

"You're exaggerating.

"Her psychologist wouldn't think so.

"She hasn't been discharged yet?" he asked worriedly.

"It won't. Faced with this condition, Daniel thinks it prudent for her to remain in therapy for a while longer.

"Daniel... Why doesn't he inform me of things?"

"Because it's my primary responsibility phone for Liz in her chart, and failing me, it's your mother's that's there.

"I'm going to get my daughter. - he said angrily turning his back on me.

-Nicholas! - He turned to look at me - If you want to stay a little longer with Kevin and the girls, stay. If you can and want to spend the day with your daughter. She needs this.

"Don't you want to talk to her?" About the diagnosis.

"This is your time, and I'll talk to her when I'm with her.

He calmed down and smiled as he left.