Chapter Text
Carina joked and laughed with the owners of her favorite Italian coffee shop, Lazaro and Antonia Massimo who she met
during her first week in Seattle. The Massimos have been considerably kind to the OBGYN and have had her for dinner many
times; for her part, Carina also appreciated the support they showed during her marital issues...SPEAKING OF BISHOP:
Carina glanced up as another patron entered the warm shop, hesitating briefly before heading directly to her table. Her
estranged spouse's furrowed brow, stiff posture, and arms crossing her modest bosom are all indications that she was
in a state of extreme agitation, meaning that she should avoid being flippant or dismissive of some of what had occurred
in the past three weeks. Reaching the table she stopped and said "Hey, Amore."
"What are you doing here?" Carina retorted with narrowed eyes.
"I-I remembered that this is your favorite place for Italian coffee, pastries, and food"-
"Why are you here?!"
Maya replied "I...didn't like how we left things and...I wanted to explain some things. If you...agree, I mean."
The Italian physician stares at her, conflicted feelings roiling within her body and mind; Antonia walks quickly from the rear,
calling "Ti dà fastidio Care ?" (is she bothering you, dear) to her customer. Painting on a friendly smile, Carina
turned to her and replied Va bene Donna Antonia; davvero ." (it is fine, Dona Antonia; really). The cafe owner,
not quite convinced, retreated back through the kitchen's swinging doors. "Can I sit?"
Long seconds passed before DeLuca grudgingly nodded her consent. "I have developed a low tolerance for your bullshit, Lieutenant
so please make it fast."
Bishop sighed and responded, "I have no excuse for what I did and I've waited far too long to apologize and try to explain." After
a second sigh, the blonde continued "With Diane Lewis' help I understand that my reaction to your insight about Lane's abuse was
triggered by his constant brow-beating...you see: he drilled into me that to succeed I had to be RUTHLESS - take no quarter, no
family, no friends...no mercy, or sympathy, or compassion - only winning ...at all costs. And it became my reality
because of my success in high school, university, and later the Olympics."
"Are you trying to say that this...' brain-washing' is why you harangued, belittled, and humiliated me after your betrayal?"
Bishop answered miserably "It was like...an explosion in my brain when I saw that you were still there - at my house. Diane
believes that Lane's influence re-wired my brain's neuropathways in unhealthy ways. I say all of this not to excuse my behavior,
only to try to explain it."
Thinking it over, Carina finally said "I want a few days to think about this. And I want a signed authorization to present to Dr.
Lewis allowing her to verify what you have said. After that...we will see."
Bishop eagerly agreed. "ANYTHING. Anything you want."
"Also, you must keep your distance during those three days. COMPLETELY AWAY. Yes?"
Bishop quickly agreed, and they said their goodbyes.
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*I'm unable to properly diagnose your father - whom you believe to be the source of your behavioral woes - though I can
gather from your descriptions of him that HIS brand of narcissism is of the malignant variety: quite unlike you, whom
I determine to have a much milder form of the same affliction. You mirror your Father's transgressions as a means to your own
ends; HE does what he does as a way to live vicariously through YOU."*
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Dr. Lewis DID agree to reveal the contents of her discussions with Maya, which bolstered the latter's claims and solidified
the likelihood that she was sincere about her remorse. Once the three days expired DeLuca sent a text: 'Can you meet @
Massimo's-6 pm?
Bishop: 'YES!!'
Preparing for the 'date', Carina humourously reflects on how excited she is about meeting the beautiful SFD fire-
fighter aka 'Firefighter Barbie' and discards outfit after outfit before selecting an ensemble of high-waisted tan slacks,
dark blue silken blouse, fawn-coloured trench, and matching Loubetton pumps. Though she times her arrival at the eatery
to 'beat' Maya there by a half-hour due to the unexpectedly light traffic instead of 530 she parks her Porsche in Massimo's
car park @515. DeLuca is sipping her second cup of press-pot cappuccino when a breathless Maya Bishop rushes in, her
dark trench flapping about her. Lazaro approaches their table and with the friendliest smile hands his favorite customer a
laminated menu, adding "Carina! Più bella che mai !" (Carina! As beautiful as ever!) To Maya, he offers a bland "Hello," and
drops a duplicate menu onto the table. He excuses himself and leaves the two women alone. A few moments pass before a
pretty young woman returns with a bottle of wine and two wine glasses.
Neither woman speaks for a few minutes until Maya says "Carina; I wanna say again that my treatment of you has been abhorrent
and I'm so ashamed and disgusted by how I reacted to what you said. I will never forgive myself for that."
"In your favour," Carina replies, "Dr. Lewis verified how your father's indoctrination affected the way that your brain works. She also
also made it clear that narcissistic behaviour can be hereditary, also in your favour. She - Dr. Lewis - also says that you broached the
the subject of increasing your therapy sessions from once weekly to three times: that indicates growth and self-awareness. That can
be good for us do you think?"
Bishop's heart leaps...and beats faster...breath hitching, she licks her lips and replies "I...I agree. I-I WANT THAT. What...about you?"
"I am...coming around to your side of the aisle, Bella."
Grinning ear to ear, Maya repeats "Bella ...not Lieutenant, like before?"
Lovely lips curving upward, Carina says softly "Let's talk about it later...at home." When Bishop seemed hesitant, the puzzled Italian
woman uttered "What is wrong? This is what you WANTED--or did I misread you?"
"No; No you didn't misread: it's just...Dr. Lewis warned me that you would probably welcome me back with open arms but...as much
I want that, is it sustainable in the long run? It's her opinion that you give in too easily to me manipulating your love for me. If I'm at
all honest I have used that to my advantage."
Impressed, DeLuca grinned happily. "WOW! I am liking this Diane Lewis more and more! I am also liking this change in you: a bit
surprised by the 'rejection' of intimacy, however!"
Her mate replied "I'm in this 'to win it' - that means that I want this to last ...and I'm committed to making that happen.
You are my life, Carina DeLuca. Tu sei la mia vita ."