CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Paolo
It was Jelly’s last day in our office. Soon she’d have an internship somewhere else in the hospital. And she’d be auctioned off to some lucky motherfucker from the club.
We were having a small farewell party for her in the cafeteria after work. And by ‘we’ I mean Cleo had organized it, told us how much we owed, and did all the decorating, gift buying, and food ordering.
At least I stepped up and paid for the whole thing.
I watched her as she smiled, laughed, and talked with people from our office as well as neighboring offices. I couldn’t help but notice that most of the employees who’d shown up were male. From Otto the cafeteria chef to Stuart the hospital director, they’d all turned up for Jelly.
Not a huge shock.
I sat at a table by myself and texted back and forth with Nico.
“Dr. Lanetti,” Cleo said, “you’re being very rude. You should come join in.”
“You’re right. Sorry about that.” I put my phone in my pocket and walked over as they cut a cake.
“Strawberry? How’d you know my favorite?” Jelly asked.
Cleo pointed at me. “Dr. Lanetti knew.”
Jelly looked at me, a small frown between her eyebrows.
Cleo’s eyes darted back and forth between Jelly and me. She’d never understood our relationship and seemed to know something was up between us. “You know,” she said, “at least the two of you will still see each other regularly.”
I almost gasped as I jerked to attention.
Jelly didn’t know that I’d finagled her internship to be with Dr. Howard, a female doctor who was excellent and also in orthopedics.
It was technically a different department since it wasn’t pediatric orthopedics.
That way if I could somehow talk her into it, Jelly and I could date.
If not, I worked with Dr. Howard often, so I knew I’d still be around Jelly. How did Cleo know?
My face must’ve given something away, because Cleo clarified. “You know… because of the grocery store connection?”
Jelly laughed. “Oh, I’m having to give that job up. I won’t see Dr. Lanetti anymore.” She made a sad face that seemed pretty fake to me. I wanted to snort and tell her she wasn’t getting away from me so fast, but I didn’t.
“I’m sure we’ll see each other around,” I replied mildly.
Jelly looked briefly perplexed but then recovered. “Well, this has been wonderful, but I have a previous engagement I have to get to. Thanks, y’all. For everything.”
She went around giving hugs and handshakes to everyone. When she reached me, she stuck her hand out. “Thanks, Dr. Lanetti. I’ve learned a lot from you.”
I wasn’t sure she had, but I shook her hand anyway. I didn’t let her hand go when she moved to pull away. Instead, I pulled her closer. “What’s your previous engagement?” I asked softly next to her ear.
“It’s at Sugar,” she replied, looking at me as if I was missing something obvious.
She pulled away, waved at everyone, and she was gone.
Engagement at Sugar? I thought she was done there except for the auction.
Fingers fumbling over the keys, I rushed to text Nico.
Me: When is Cinnamon? Next week, right?
Nico: Nah, it’s tonight.
Shit. I had a benefit to attend with Lyla tonight. My parents were supposed to meet her, too.
Me: When does it start?
Nico: 10. Why all the questions?
Fuck. There’s no way the benefit would be over by then.
Me: Just curious. Jelly’s in the Cinnamon Girl Auction?
Nico: Yep. Carmen chose her as the headliner Cinnamon Girl, remember? She’ll be auctioned last. She’s the star of the show.
I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my hands over my face. What the fuck? I had a decision to make. Continue a relationship with a woman who would fit into my world and make my parents and the hospital happy or go get Jelly.
I didn’t know which I was going to do.