31. BODI
31
“ I ’m flying in tonight. We’re having drinks.” Jason announces through the phone.
My head shakes with a smile at his demanding tone, reading between the lines.
“What’s the occasion?”
“Can’t a man just wanna go see his friend?”
“That depends. Are you flying in from California or North Carolina?”
His silence is answer enough, but I hold my tongue until his long exhale gushes over the line. “They’re back together, and I just spent two days watching my brother be a dick to her, and her smiling through it to please my mom.”
“I told you not to fall for your brother’s girl.”
“I’m not! But she was my friend first.” Jason grouses, and I chuckle at his lie.
Julie and Jacob, Jason’s older brother, have been dating on and off for a couple of years, frustrating Jason to the core. He never admitted outright that he’s in love with her, but I see the look in his eyes when he’s staring at her from across the room. They might have started out as friends, but that line is definitely blurring for Jason.
“Do you think Julie really loves Jacob?” Because I’ve seen her with Jacob and I’m not buying any of it. There’s not that same level of chemistry like Hunter and Charlotte, or that type of passion that’s palpable between Jensen and Rae.
Julie doesn’t shine bright on his side, if anything, Jacob makes her dim her light.
And even though I’m no expert at love, I’m sure that’s not it.
“Pff, I don’t know. I just know she deserves better than my cheating dickwad of a brother.” Can’t disagree there.
A beep in my ear, has me glancing at the screen of my phone.
Peartree Park .
Instantly, my heart jumps a little with worry and my nerves go on high alert like every time they call. I should have gotten used to it by now, but it’s obvious I’m not.
“Hold on, I’m getting another call. I need to take this.”
“I’m coming in around five. I’m using my key and I’ll see you at the condo.”
“That key was for emergencies,” I grumble, rolling my eyes.
“This is an emergency,” he replies, then hangs up the phone before I can push out another word, and I run a hand over my face, then answer the incoming call.
Bastard.
“Hello?” The insecurity is audible in my voice, and I clear my throat.
“Mr. McKay, this is Dr. Grant. How are you today?”
“I’m good,” I answer, hesitantly. He’s going to fuck up my day, and I know it. “How are you, doctor?”
“I’m good. Thanks for asking.” He pauses for a moment, and I wait in anticipation, nervously tapping the wood of my desk with my fingers. “I’m sorry to bother you, Mr. McKay.”
“That’s okay.”
“This might seem a bit sudden, but I’d like you to come in for a talk about your father’s condition.”
“Is he okay?”
“For now, but as you know, his health is rapidly deteriorating. Fast enough for me to suggest it’s in yours and your father’s best interest to discuss some things while we still can. I’d like you to stop by.”
“I see.” My throat tightens. As if someone invisible wraps their hands around my neck, squeezing until I’m gasping for air. I close my eyes, trying to calm myself down by inhaling through my nose and exhaling through my mouth.
“Mr. McKay? Are you still there?”
“Yes, I’m still here.” My voice is gruff, showing the effect of his words. “When do you need me to stop by?”
“Today would be best.”
Today? I was hoping he’d say next week, next month even, because everyone knows a doctor doesn’t ask you to come in the same day if everything is alright.
“I can be there in twenty minutes. Does that fit your schedule, doc?”
“Yes, sir. That sounds good.”
“Alright. I’ll see you soon.” I hang up, resting my elbows on the wood before burying my face in my hands. My head pounds, and behind my eyes, there’s a headache climbing to the surface. An ominous feeling falls over me like a translucent curtain, making it hard to breathe.
Fuck, this is not good.
Slowly, I’m losing control over everything around me, a feeling that makes me uncomfortable as fuck. I’m always in control. It’s how I got where I am now. I’m not impulsive. I plan ahead. I anticipate every variability, and the fact that I can never anticipate anything when it comes to my father’s health is fucking with my entire being.
With a grunt, I get up, grabbing my phone and keys from the desk, as I make my way out of my office. I swing the door open and my eyes scan the room, moving my focus back and forth between Agnes and Kayla.
The worried look in both of their eyes tells me I’m doing a shit job at hiding my distress, and I quickly make a snap decision that seems like the most natural thing to do right now. Big strides quickly place me in front of Kayla, and without hesitation, I twist her chair, holding myself up on the armrest before I press a kiss on her soft lips.
A small whimper comes from her throat as I keep my mouth locked with hers while I breathe her in like she’s my shot of confidence. Like I need her touch before I’m able to face the bad news that I know is coming my way and I can feel settling in my gut.
Her hands come up and cover my cheeks, and she disconnects our lips.
“What’s wrong?” she whispers.
Her breath warms my lips, and I close my eyes with my brows pressed against hers.
“It’s my dad. The doc wants to see me. I have a bad feeling.”
“Do you want me to come with you?”
I shake my head. “I’ll be fine. Are you okay walking home?”
“Of course.”
I give her another peck before straightening my back, leaving her a bit dazed in her chair as I take off. When I walk past Agnes, our eyes meet briefly, and I expect her to give me a look of judgment for kissing Kayla. But her face stays free from anything other than the comforting flash I can find in her kind eyes.
Relieved, I sigh, stepping onto the elevator with a heavy heart.
It’s a good thing Jason is coming into town, because after that phone call, I have a feeling I’m going to fucking need it.