The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 546

“Enough already, you’re practically thirty. Stop being such a child,” Cordelia chided as she tidied up the room.

Victoria tossed a napkin onto the floor in a huff. “What are you talking about? There’s a world of difference between twenty-eight and thirty, okay? One’s the prime of youth, and the other's knocking on the door of the big three-oh. And for the record, that soap opera was surprisingly gripping. I never used to be into these melodramatic romances, but I guess I saw myself and Harold in it and got hooked. Watched it all night."

Cordelia paused her cleaning. "Are you sure you're not delusional?"

"Can't be bothered with you."

"So, what's it gonna be? More sleep or some grub? My house, my rules – total freedom," Cordelia offered.

"Did you have an early morning session with Mr. Evans? You two sure did your 'homework' bright and early. Seems like last night wasn't enough," Victoria teased.

Cordelia froze momentarily, then retorted a beat too late, "Nonsense."

"I'm an OB-GYN, for heaven's sake. You think I can't tell when you've been up to something by the scent you're wearing?" Victoria's attention finally shifted fully from the TV to Cordelia.

Cordelia sniffed herself but could only detect a faint, fresh fragrance.

"Stop sniffing! You won't pick up on it. That’s a doctor’s superpower!” Victoria gloated.

“Stop talking rubbish,” Cordelia said, slightly embarrassed.

Cordelia still didn’t quite grasp how sweet-talking Janice related to her, but Victoria had that enigmatic look that said, “You’ll get it in time.” Nevertheless, it seemed like a visit back to Millstone was definitely on the cards for Saturday.

“I’m off this afternoon. Back to delivering babies,” Victoria said with the enthusiasm of someone headed to a funeral.

“Sure. Let’s grab some lunch first. My treat.”

At noon, the two hailed a cab and headed out to a nearby diner.

The more time Cordelia spent with Victoria, the more she realized how insightful and clever she was. Cordelia used to work at the same place as Brooklyn, and she had been closer to Brooklyn back then. But now, she was discovering that Victoria was the real gem.