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…

my eyes at myself, sick, again, of being jealous of my

much – and I’m so happy she has what she wants in her life. But sometimes she’s just so….perfect.

kind of 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.

– how did the

You okay?

2

me a text when you get up – I know

from

away and click through the rest of my phone,

that there’s nothing at all from Roger. Not a peep. As I take a deep breath and check my email,

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

have passed between us last night, it doesn’t change anything. And

what’s wrong with me? Quickly, I jump out of my bed and dash for the front door of

it, I yank it open,

his eyes going wide, accidentally dropping the large bag of Chinese

so sorry,” I continue, smiling at him, “I just woke up – we were up all night. It’s – I’m very sorry. I should have texted before

says, giving me his rare, warm smile. “I get

leaning against my door frame and gesturing towards my

up a bit at the corner. “That sounds

me all about his day. He held down the fort at the little free clinic we both work at, seeing both prospective mothers as well as general ailments from humans and

some tricky cases. I watch Hank closely as he tells me his story, my eyes flicking over his handsome, serious face – his thick brown hair – his strong,

something that makes me…well,

focus on him.

myself to listen to his words. Then, I grimace a little. I’m sorry, Hank,” I say, giving him an apologetic look.

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

looking down at my chicken with broccoli and picking up a morsel. “But she doesn’t have any medical experience. Would she really be helpful there? I think that she would do anything – but she’s

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255