Obsession With My EX-wife

Chapter 28: It Felt Good To Feel Wanted

Ryan didn't answer Catherine quickly this time, and it caused her to start to panic. Only now did she realize that she'd crossed a line. "I-I s-shouldn't have s-said that," she stammered. "I apologize. I d-didn't mean anything by it…"

"That's okay. Ryan shrugged. "My father is really busy. That's why he's never here."

I shouldn't have said that! – Catherine thought – But it's true! The boy's father has never visited him, and that's just plain wrong!

Ryan smiled and said, "My father was in China recently. He is earning money to support my family. When he is free, he will come and see me. You'll see."

This was the first time that Ryan had said something nice about his father, and Catherine was slightly taken aback. After a moment, she nodded thoughtfully. She had thought that the kid's temper stemmed from a lack of love, but it seemed that this was not the case.

Catherine put on her stethoscope and said, "Why don't we talk more about this another time. Right now, you are overdue for a check-up.

Ryan nodded and said, "Okay."

During the check-up, Ryan frowned. "Am I really overdue?" he asked. "Or are you just trying to change the subject?"

"What?" Catherine feigned ignorance.

Ryan snorted and said, "You're such a cunning woman."

Catherine stuck out her tongue and continued doing the check-up. Of course, she wouldn't date the boy's father. It would be too awkward to have a relationship with a patient's family member, but it seemed pointless to carry on the conversation. After all, Ryan seemed to be convinced they would make a good match, and it didn't seem likely that he would change his mind.

Catherine and Ryan were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't notice Zoey eavesdropping from the doorway. Zoey had planned to knock on the door, but when she heard them talking, she found herself too interested in what they were saying to interrupt them – Then, when she'd finally heard enough, she slipped back into the hallway, where she nearly ran into Leonard.

Zoey was so startled that she nearly fell, but Leonard caught her and helped her find her feet. Once Zoey caught her breath, she thanked Leonard and asked if he was visiting Catherine. He said that he was, and she said, "Before you go in, I have something to tell you. It's about Dr. Winston."

Leonard frown and said, "There isn't anything wrong, is there?"

"It's not like that." Zoey looked around, and once she was sure that they were alone, she said, "I was going to the Children's Ward to look in on her patient. When I got there, I overheard them talking, and the boy said that he wants to introduce his father to Dr. Winston as a potential marriage partner. He said that he wants her to be his mother."

Leonard was stunned. He frowned, and after a moment, he asked her, "Why are you telling me about it?"

Why? - Zoey thought about it and realized that it was actually a very good question. She had seen Leonard, but she had never met Ryan's Father. And maybe Mr. Williams would be a better match for Dr. Winston than Leonard – How would I know? Zoey shook her head to clear it, and then she said, "I just want Dr. Winston to be happy. Anyway, I need to get back to work. I am sure I will see you again sometime. Bye."

By then, Zoey's face had turned pink from embarrassment, and she scurried away as quickly as she could without running.

Leonard watched as Zoey left the Children's Ward. He appreciated the girl's warning, but he was playing it cool. He took any rival seriously, but he knew that if Catherine saw him panicking, then she would think less of him as a man.

***

As Catherine finished Ryan's check-up, he smiled and said, "Please don't write off my father. Give it some thought. My father is an awesome guy. Meet him before you judge him. That's all I ask."

Catherine sighed. She felt utterly helpless. This boy is so strange – she thought – I've never heard of such a young matchmaker. Nor have I heard of a kid trying to choose their own Stepmother! Catherine gave Ryan a curious look and said, "Your father is rich, right?"

Ryan: "Of course. Look around you. I have the most expensive room in the hospital!"

Catherine: "Is your father handsome?"

"Of course," Ryan replied proudly.

Catherine: "If that's true, there must be something wrong with him. Otherwise, he wouldn't be single. Does he have a bad temper?"

Ryan glared at Catherine and said, "My father is extremely gentle."

"Oh, I see." Catherine nodded thoughtfully. "I have to do my rounds now. Get some rest. We'll talk more later."

"Fine," Ryan grumble. "But I'm not letting you off the hook; you hear me?"

"I hear you." Catherine smiled as she turned towards the door. "I hear you loud and clear." It felt good to feel wanted.

When Catherine stepped into the hallway, she saw Leonard walking towards her, and she wanted to walk away. Unfortunately, it was too late. He had already seen her. She met him halfway, and when they were face to face, she greeted him curtly: "Mr. Campbell, is there something I can help you with?"

Leonard wanted to ask about Ryan's Father, but he couldn't find the right words, so he said, "I bought you some dessert. I know how you hate to get out of bed in the morning, so I brought you breakfast – Dessert for Breakfast! How about that?"

Catherine wanted to laugh. Mornings didn't bother her at all. "It's not necessary," she said. "I ate already, and I am busy. You need to stop bothering me at my place of employment!"