Sky was deathly calm as she spoke. “Just so you understand, threats don’t work on me. They usually have the opposite effect, and for the record, who I’m sleeping with is none of your business.”
“Maybe I need to be a little clearer. If REMI wants to sleep around with any old thing, that’s on him. My priority is Charlie. You need to know that you’ve only remained her surgeon because we needed you in a pinch. She’s awake. We no longer need you.”
Sky leaned back in her chair and steepled her fingers together. “Really?”
“Really. So, if you want to continue to get all of this positive press coverage at the expense of my daughter, follow the damn rules. Otherwise, this little career you’re trying to build might become a casualty of my wrath.”
“Since we are being brutally honest, you should know, the only rules I follow are my own and certainly not the ones of a has been aging actress trying to hold on to her youth. If Charlie was really your priority, you wouldn’t pop in and out of her life like she was a pet. Where the hell have you been these past weeks? Furthermore, why was she out at three in the morning and even in a position to harm herself? Chasing whatever you are chasing, you are failing her. There is not a movie, a script, or anything in this world that would take priority over my daughter’s well-being.”
“Bitch, you don’t know me! Don’t you dare try to tell me how to be a parent.” Bella was ready to jump over Sky’s desk and punch her.
Sky wasn’t finished. Her eyes narrowed. “I see you clearly, and the only priority you care about is yourself.” Sky sat up on the edge of her seat. “Another thing, I’m Charlie’s physician because I’m the best at what I do. I’m in the media because I’m making history about things that actually matter. Long after you stop getting movie offers and awards, I’ll still be using my Harvard and John’s Hopkins education saving lives. As a matter of fact, up and coming doctors will learn how to be better doctors from my work.”
Bella placed both palms on Sky’s desk and leaned in slightly to make sure she heard her every word. “You really don’t want to mess with me. I can crush you like a bug.”
Sky stood placing her palms on her desk. She leaned towards Bella as they stood face to face. “I’d like to see you try.”
The stare-off lasted for seconds but seemed like an eternity. Sky would die before she blinked first. Fortunately, she didn’t have. Bella lifted her chin slightly, then turned and left.
Chapter 19
Sky opened the door and stepped out onto the roof of the hospital. It only took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. She spotted him sitting alone with his legs dangling over the side of the building like it wasn’t an insurance risk. Or something Sky hadn’t done a million times herself. She walked over to him. “Hey. I got your text? You wanted to meet on the roof?” After her run-in with Bella, Sky debated coming.
“A little birdie told me this was a great place to collect your thoughts.” Remington turned around to see the woman who had been haunting his dreams. “Is that a six-pack of beer?”
Sky lifted it a little higher. “Actually, it’s a five-pack.” Even though Remington made her feel things she shouldn’t, Sky was glad she made the decision to meet with him. Just being in his presence made everything else going on in her life fade into the background.
Sky rambled. “My best friend bought it a few days ago. I put it in my office refrigerator. It’s missing a bottle because she had no problem downing one—or two. I can’t drink while I’m on duty. Fortunately, I’m off. Anyway, I figured you could use a cold one—or two.” She took a seat next to him and let her legs dangle over the edge of the wall too. Fortunately, there was a ledge below, so if for some reason they tipped over they wouldn’t fall thirty stories to their death. She handed him a bottle.
“I mistook you for a wine type of woman.” Remington twisted the cap off and turned the bottle up. He took a long pull. “Just what I needed.”
“I am. But, every now and again, nothing beats a nice cold beer.” Sky took a drink from her own bottle.
Remington seemed lost in thought. “It really is nice up here. It’s like another world where problems don’t exist. Thanks for telling me about it.”
“It’s peaceful. It’s gorgeous in the early morning, but more so at night. When I don’t have time to go home, sometimes, I’ll come up here to recharge my batteries.” Sky continued to admire the night. She sighed. “Speaking of home, when was the last time you left this hospital?”
Remington raised an eyebrow. “I should be asking you that same question.”
Sky shrugged. “There is a difference between us. It’s just me. I don’t have anyone that depends on me. You, on the other hand, do. You need to take care of yourself so that you can care for Charlie.”
“Maybe you should try to change
