Chapter Sixteen
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Waking next to Logan was the way she wanted to start each day, but she understood he had a job that required him to leave at a moment’s notice. When his phone rang at four a.m., she could tell by his expression he knew what it was. The price of being a surgeon. You’re never really off work.
That meant her plans for today weren’t going to take place. At least, not on the schedule she’d hoped. She’d dreamt of cooking him breakfast and delivering it to him in bed. Maybe getting a little loving again before she told him she needed to talk to him.
Maybe this is better. I’ll have more time to think.With Logan around, especially naked, there certainly was no clear thinking taking place. Cori needed to choose the proper wording to deliver the blow. Logan had been so sweet and supportive when he thought she was here to write a story on the Hendersons. Telling him the truth, that she’d been using him and his family, wasn’t going paint a pretty picture.
Cori had taken a hot shower, hoping it would wake her brain enough to have a revelation as to how to proceed. Nothing. She was exactly where she’d been all morning, pacing the living room floor, riddled with guilt. I should’ve told him last night. Delaying only made the matter worse.
She could picture his eyes as he’d tenderly made love to her. Cori knew she should’ve stopped him and told him right then they needed to talk. Instead, she’d let her heart and body rule her head, and look where she was now. Having to explain that as well.
The walls of her apartment were starting to close in. Every room seemed to hold his musky scent. Fresh air was exactly what the doctor ordered. My sexy, sweet, and loving Dr. Henderson.
She couldn’t forget the last words he’d said to her as he kissed her goodbye. He’d told her it was going to be a spectacular day and to get out and enjoy it for both of them. Cori laughed to herself. That was a promise she wasn’t going to be able to keep as she couldn’t enjoy anything for herself, never mind for them both. But like a loving woman, she’d smiled, agreed, and sent him off believing all was well.
Cori grabbed her phone and walked out the door. Getting into her car, she drove without a destination. It really didn’t matter as long as she was out of the house. After an hour, she found herself parked in front of Sarah’s building. It was odd because she never stopped by out of the blue. Then again there were reasons for that. There was a fifty-fifty chance she’d find Sarah with some new guy, and Cori would be left feeling awkward.
Often she’d put the car in drive and leave without going in. Not today. She needed to talk to Sarah. It was important, and Cori needed her sister to be a sister. Not sure that’s possible. She’s always too busy, and when she isn’t, she’s too judgmental.
As she rode the elevator to Sarah’s apartment, she was mentally preparing for the I told you so comments. That was the best she could hope for. She loved her sister, but they were as opposite as could be.
As soon as Sarah opened the door, Cori knew she was in one of her moods. This wasn’t the way to start, but she wasn’t leaving. No matter what, they were family, and she should be able to lean on her at a time like this. I’ve had to be there for you so many times.
“Oh, am I glad to see you. I need a ride. My car is acting up, and I have to meet a... friend for lunch shortly.”
“I am here, actually, to talk to you.”
Sarah rolled her eyes. “Really? Can’t this wait? I have plans.”
Cori had given up wondering if Sarah knew what a selfish bitch she sounded like, even on her decent days. It was always about her and what was important to her. She said she wanted Cori to be happy, but Sarah’s idea of happiness wasn’t hers and never would be.
Ignoring Sarah’s comment, Cori walked inside to the living room. Every time she came here she found it stuffy and unwelcoming. Maybe that’s because I’m not welcome. The room was white, from the couch to the décor, with only a splash of gold here and there. It looked more like a showroom than a living space. She was surprised Sarah didn’t have plastic runners and covers on everything.
“Cordelia, if you’re going to insist on visiting, why don’t you go and sit in the kitchen?”
Don’t want your pretty things getting ruined?It’s how she grew up, with Sarah telling her where to go, what to do, and even where to sit. That wasn’t happening anymore. She was tired of it all. Things were changing. She was changing. Cori sat back on the couch and said, “I’m comfortable here, thank you.”
Sarah stood with her hands on her hips and glared at her. “Don’t get too comfortable because you’re giving me a ride.”
“Sarah, can I ask you something?”
“If you can be quick about it, yes.”
Cori had so much built-up tension that it was about to bubble over, and Sarah was going to be the one getting burned. “How about we start over? Hi, Sarah. How are you doing? I really need someone to talk to. Do you mind if I come in?” Sarah just stared at her, so Cori continued. “This is where you would open the door and tell me I’m always welcome, and you’re always here for me.”
“I don’t know what’s bugging you, Cordelia, but you’re picking a really bad time to play these games. Like I said I have—”
“No one. That’s what you have. You have me, and I have you. Whoever you’re going to meet might be here for a day, a month or heck even a year or two, but I’m always going to be your sister.” Cori’s tone held no sweetness. Judging by the look in Sarah’s eyes, she had her attention.
“Well, that’s... not... very nice to say. But I guess I can take a few minutes and listen to what’s bothering you this time.” Sarah sat across from Cori.
It was a start, not the one she wanted, but anything was better than giving in to Sarah again or avoiding her so she didn’t have to endure her lectures. “Thank you. I wanted to talk to you about Grandpa Joe.”
“Cordelia, he’s dead. Thirty years and you’re still harping on the same issue.”
“I am. One of us has to. But I’m here because I’m not sure I will ever get the answer. I’m close, but I’m afraid I don’t want to know any longer. Does that make any sense?”