Page 14 of My Heart's Doctor

“Let’s sit down and eat some cookies. Would you like tea or coffee?” she asked kindly.

“Whatever you’re having is fine for me.”

We sat on the living room couches while Aurora brought me many toys to play with her. I had been at the house for a little over an hour and was sitting on the carpet combing dolls’ hair. Some knocks on the front door made Alba go there, and minutes later she returned accompanied by a man who looked to be about 35 years old or a bit older. He was a tall, attractive man with dark blond hair and brown eyes. He was impeccably dressed in a suit and tie, and his build was athletic and elegant. He looked at me with surprise, and I assumed it was because I was sitting on the carpet, wearing a crown on my head, and drinking tea from a toy teacup.

“As I mentioned to you, this is Dr. Devon Dulcet, a family friend,” Alba said, but she couldn’t hide her smile at seeing me in such a childish pose.

I stood up to greet him, but forgot to take off the crown. Aurora, seeing me stand up, did the same and took my hand, I suppose to prevent me from leaving.

“Doctor, this is Xavier Montepaz, also a family friend,” Alba informed me.

“Pleased to meet you,” I said, extending my hand to greet him.

“The pleasure is mine, Your Highness,” he said, smiling.

At first I looked at him confused, but then I understood his words and took off the crown and smiled.

“When I’m with Aurora, we’re princesses.”

“We’re pwincessess,” Aurora shouted.

“Hello, little one, how are you?” he said, crouching down to Aurora’s level. “Isn’t there a kiss for Uncle Xavier?”

Aurora approached and gave him a kiss on the cheek, but then began tugging at me to take me back to the improvised tea table.

“Divon, come on.”

“We were playing tea party,” I said.

“The doctor is an angel with children, and Aurora loves her,” Alba said, looking at me with a smile.

“I can see that,” he said, and his gaze was so intense that it made me feel a little uncomfortable.

“Mr. Xavier, we were about to have dinner. Would you like to join us?” Alba asked him.

“I’d love to,” he replied, without taking his eyes off me.

Xavier Montepaz sat on the living room couches and joined our game because Aurora gave him a teacup and also gave him one of the chocolate chip cookies. He began eating it eagerly while also pretending to drink tea and praising how delicious it was while Aurora laughed.

We continued like this for several minutes with Aurora telling us what to do, me playing with her, and him not taking his eyes off me. When Alba came and told us dinner was ready, we headed to the kitchen with Aurora holding my hand and him walking behind us.

Dinner was a pleasant time during which Montepaz asked me where I worked, how long I had known the Cavaller family, and, to my surprise, also asked if I was married. I noticed Alba smiling as if his interest amused her. He told me he had beenfriends with William Cavaller for many years and considered himself part of the family. He said he had stopped by today to spend time with Aurora because he knew her friend was traveling. While we were talking, Aurora fell asleep in my lap, still holding my hand. During dessert, Alba disappeared from the kitchen.

“I’ve never seen Aurora show so much affection to anyone other than her father,” he said, observing us.

“I’ve been told that, though it’s hard for me to believe because with me she’s such a sweet and affectionate child,” I said, stroking her hair.

“And it’s evident that you are too,” he said.

I looked at him, surprised by the comment.

“I work with children.”

“That has nothing to do with it. I assure you there are doctors who are very good at what they do, but lack psychology when dealing with patients,” he stated with conviction.

At that moment Alba returned intending to take Aurora to bed, and I offered to do it. Montepaz stayed in the living room waiting for us.

“Tell me where to put her to bed,” I asked Alba.