Chapter 25
Hyman stared at the disconnected call on his phone, confusion clouding his eyes. “Did Mom just hang up on me?”
In his memory, Concetta had never cut him off like that.
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“No way,” Lynne muttered, her brow furrowing. “Mom wouldn’t dare. Probably just slipped. Auntie Sharon can’t wait any longer, Hyman. Call her back.”
Still half in disbelief, Hyman redialed, only to hear the line go busy.
His face darkened.
That moment of hesitation vanished. Now he was sure-Concetta had done it on purpose.
“She’s so childish!” he thought, fuming.”A grown woman playing kid games?
“Auntie Sharon’s sick because of her pajamas, and she could’ve hurt me too if Auntie Sharon hadn’t spilled milk on me!”
The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. Clutching his phone, he bolted out of the ward.
“Hyman!” Lynne called after him, stomping her foot.”Auntie Sharon hasn’t eaten yet!”
“I’ll figure it out!” he shouted back.
Meanwhile, Concetta stepped out of Lowell’s ward and hung up on her son’s call.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Tracy.
She dialed Tracy’s number.
“The client’s super picky,” Tracy said, her voice tinged with frustration.
“Our designers have churned out over a hundred drafts, and he’s rejected every single one.”
She paused, then added, “Concy, I’ve been wracking my brain, and you’re the only one who can pull this off. Are you up
Concetta considered for a moment.”What’s the brief?”
for it?”
Tracy’s tone brightened at her interest.”The client wants a vibrant sportswear line themed around spiritual renewal. I’ll email you the details. I know it’s been a while since you’ve done graphic design, so take a look and let me know what you think about it. If you’re in, I’ll pitch you to
the client.”
Concetta listened quietly.”I’m in.”
“Really?” Tracy’s voice lit up with surprise and delight.”You’re sure?”
“I’ve thought it through these past few days,” Concetta said firmly.”I want to be a designer again, to live for myself. This project will be to rejoin the company.”
She knew inspiration could fade if left unused.
This sportswear project was a chance to reignite her spark.
Sitting on a bench outside the hospital, Concetta felt the March breeze, chilly but laced with the promise of spring.
New buds sprouted on barren branches.
Her eyes cleared, resolve settling in.
Tracy wanted to say that no test was needed-Concetta’s return to the company would be unquestioned.
But this was Concetta’s choice, and she knew that once Concetta decided, there was no turning back.
“I can’t wait to see you shine again, Smile,” Tracy said warmly.
Concetta’s smile bloomed, a ray of sunlight filtering through the branches, bathing her in a radiant glow.
On the tenth floor, Lowell stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, lighting a cigarette.
“Who’s she talking to, smiling like that?” he murmured, a trace of envy in his voice.
The sight irked him more than he cared to admit.
my test
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< Chapter 25
“Ms. Pretty!”
A small voice rang out as a girl hopped off a car and raced toward Concetta.
“Tracy, I’ll call you back,” Concetta said, hanging up and waving at the little figure bounding toward her.
“Beth, what are you doing here? Did you transfer hospitals?”
Bethany flung herself into Concetta’s arms, giggling.
Concetta ruffled her hair, smiling at her smooth forehead.
Bethany beamed, glancing up at the tenth floor.”Nope! I’m visiting my uncle. He’s sick!”
Concetta pinched her chubby cheeks, her voice softening.”Oh, your uncle who refuses to get married?”
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Bethany nodded vigorously, her face scrunching with mock distress.”Yup! Ms. Pretty, when you get divorced, will you go on a date with my uncle? He’s super handsome-the handsomest guy in all of Miami!”
She pitched her uncle with all the enthusiasm of a tiny matchmaker.
Concetta crouched down, pulling her close.”How do you know I’m getting divorced?”
