Accidental Surrogate

Chapter 311: Cora at Home 

Cora

When I wake up it’s almost eight at night and I groan, realizing that my sleep schedule is

completely wrecked. I’m reminded, suddenly, of my years as a medical resident when this sort of thing was normal – sleeping all day, taking night shifts, living moment to moment rather than a steady, scheduled life.

And quite frankly, right now? That sounds really wonderful, compared against a whole night of empty hours in which I have nothing to do but… think.

Think about what I’m doing in my life, think about my career which has gone in a really weird direction, think about my relationship…s.

About a certain kiss in the woods.

About a sweet doctor who, apparently, wants to build a life with me.

I sigh and sit up, looking around at my sterile little apartment. I never really decorated, I realize as

I look around at the grey and beige furniture, the simple linens, the charmless curtains. Everything is functional and high quality but none of it is… me?

Or is it?

I frown at my space, thinking of Ella’s sweet home that – even though Sinclair picked out most of the furniture before she moved in – still sings Ella Ella Ella in every corner. It’s warm and sweet

and comfortable. What does my space say about me?

I mean, I’m an orphan – I never had any possessions or any control over the environments in

which I lived, so where would I have learned to decorate? I never had a mother to show me how

So where did Ella…

sick, again, of being

her life. But sometimes she’s just so….perfect. That it makes me realize

distraction from these disquieting- thoughts. But when I pick it up the first thing I see is one of those relationships I’m trying to avoid leaving me an assortment of messages. I sigh and click open my message

did the baptism go?

Cora? You

2

Hey, send me a text when you get up – I know you were up all night but I’m worried that

from

away and click through the

that there’s nothing at all from Roger. Not a peep. As I take a

Hey, are you home? I’m… I mean, this is a little pathetic, but I’m outside.

your apartment door…

a little bit when I see that. Hank. He’s being so sweet and I’m…well, I’m

right. I’m holding a space for Roger, one he doesn’t even want – despite what might have passed between us last night, it doesn’t change anything. And there’s a man standing outside

of my bed and dash for the front door

I get to it, I yank it open,

dropping the large bag of Chinese on the little

sorry,” I continue, smiling at him, “I just woke up – we were up all night. It’s

his rare, warm smile. “I get it – you

ask, leaning against my door frame and gesturing

up a bit at the

He held down the fort at the little free clinic we both work at, seeing both prospective mothers as well

cases. I watch Hank closely as he tells me his story,

something twist in my stomach as I watch him, something that makes me…well, makes- me want to jump across the couch and

asks, making me blink and focus on him.

to listen to his words. Then, I grimace a little. I’m sorry, Hank,” I say, giving him an apologetic look. “I got….lost in my thoughts a

squeezing it a bit before sitting back. “I was just curious if you think Ella would want to be more

respond instantly, looking down at my chicken with broccoli and picking up a morsel. “But she doesn’t have any medical experience. Would she really

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