14. Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
Kevin
The more I tried to convince myself that everything was fine, the clearer it became that something was off. I had requested that the home nursing arrangement be terminated.
My parents weren't thrilled about my decision, but it was my choice, and they had to respect it. I had also missed my appointment with the ortho doctor, but so far, I was managing okay with just taking my meds.
Being friends with Licia wasn’t working. Our phone conversations were casual and brief, and she refused any in-person meetings. I knew why. I could tell she still felt something but preferred to live in denial rather than give it another shot.
I kept myself occupied with endless engagements and meetings. But no matter how much I distracted myself during the day, reality hit hard when I was alone. It was like a nightmare, creeping up on me every time I closed my eyes. There was no escaping it.
Today wasn’t going to be any different. I had a special appearance scheduled at a sports fest in the afternoon, followed by a visit to one of the new properties we’d secured.
I had made this arrangement with Joey, mainly as an excuse to ask about Licia under the guise of business, if Licia wouldn’t tell me anything herself, maybe Joey would.
I was getting ready to leave when Lexie’s call came in. I knew she was at home, so why call? She always found new ways to bother me, so I wasn’t surprised. In fact, I’d be more shocked if she gave me any breathing space.
“What is it this time?” I asked coldly.
“I want to show you something... in my studio.”
I connected the call to my AirPods so I could continue getting ready. “What could that be?”
“You’ll have to see it in person,” she replied impatiently.
“Lexie, I don't have time for games. I have an appointment and don’t want to be late.”
“I promise, you’ll still make it in time. I just need you for a couple of minutes.”
She sounded convincing, so I decided to see what she was so eager to show me.
“I’ll be there in five,” I said, ending the call.
When I arrived, Lexie was bent over her easel, palette in hand, brows furrowed in concentration. She didn’t hear me knock, so I quietly watched her work. Her hair was a ruffled mess, as if she’d been pulling at it.
The way she held the brush, moving it across the canvas in deliberate strokes, her expression, her poise—Lexie was a natural. It all flowed effortlessly.
“Kev, you’re here,” she said, finally noticing me with a smile.
“Yes, I am. I can see you’re in your element. What’s up?”
“I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes.”
I was curious. “Why?”
“Just do it, and stop arguing.”
“Not until you tell me what it is.”
“Trust me on this one.”
“Lexie...” I begrudgingly closed my eyes. “I don’t have all day.”
After a few seconds, she giggled. “You can open them now.”
I slowly opened my eyes and was completely blown away. Lexie had painted a portrait of Licia. I had been ready to chew her out if what she wanted to show me was a waste of time, but this was absolutely worth every second.
“Oh my gosh,” I exclaimed, taking the canvas from her.
“So, what do you think? Will she like it?”
“Are you kidding? Of course, she will.” I walked toward the wall, already picturing it hanging there. “This is a masterpiece.”
“Thank you.”
“How long did it take you to paint this?”
“I started after her birthday but finished it this morning,” she replied proudly.
“That’s brilliant. She’ll be thrilled.”
“Okay then. You can go now. I just wanted your opinion.” she said, reaching for the canvas.
“I’m not done admiring it.”
“Ogling at it, you mean?” She teased. “You didn’t want to come earlier, but you should see your face now... you’re in awe.”
“When am I getting my own portrait?”
“Not in your dreams, Kevin. My services are for sweet souls, not grumpy oldies like you.”
“Come on, Lexie. I’m a fan and your only sibling. Don’t I deserve some privileges? Fine, name your price.”
“I’ll think about it. For now, you need to go so you don’t end up late for your meeting and blame it on me.”
“That’s true, I almost forgot. I’ll see you when I get back. Impressive work, Lexie. Bravo!”
***
It had been a long time since I made a public appearance at any sports event. Actually, I hadn’t felt the need since the accident. I felt like I had nothing left to give.
But today, talking about my achievements, my journey so far, and inspiring young soccer aspirants, I realized I had a lot to be grateful for instead of bemoaning my plight.
I had blazed a soccer trail in Half Moon Bay, and many looked up to me as their role model. I was still relevant, even though I had retired.
After the event, we drove to see the office complex. Joey had called earlier to confirm my availability, and I told her we’d be there.
Jackson was usually quiet when driving, unless I engaged him, which I rarely did. But today, he was unusually chatty. He made the forty-minute drive interactive, taking advantage of my good mood.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Brown,” Joey greeted me when I entered the office complex.
“Hello, Joey.” I smiled. “You can tone down the formality. Just call me Kevin.”
She hesitated. “I doubt that’s work-appropriate.”
“Look at it this way. We’re both Licia’s friends, so we don’t have to be strictly professional, even if we’re in a work environment.”
“But you’re still my client and technically my boss,” she maintained.
I chuckled. Why wasn’t I surprised? “You’re as stubborn as Licia, I see. But no more Mr. Brown, okay?”
“All right, Kevin.” She smiled. “Shall we begin?”
“By all means, Joey. Lead the way.”
We started our tour of the complex, going over every detail. Joey knew her stuff, and I was sure I made a wise choice investing with her.
“How’s Licia?”I asked. She stiffened at my question, her shoulders tensing.
“She’s good,” she replied without turning around.
“So, this area would be great for a mini recreational center. The demand for it would likely increase.” Joey continued.
“What’s she been up to these days? She won’t tell me much,” I confessed, not really paying attention to the work plan Joey was discussing.
“Mainly work...” She hesitated, holding back.
“And?” I pressed further.
“Just that, really. So, what do you think about the recreational center?” She asked, trying to change the topic.
I knew there was more. How was I supposed to get it out of her?
“Yeah, I heard you. Sounds like a good idea.
Has she met anyone new?”
“She meets new people at work every day, Kevin. She’s a nurse. Have you forgotten?” she replied sarcastically.
“You know what I mean. Is there any guy in the picture?”
She stopped and turned to face me. “Kevin, listen. I know you two have a history and are trying to be friends, but I’m not going to discuss her personal life with you. She’ll tell you if there’s anything to say.”
“You and I both know she won’t.”
“And why’s that?”
“I know she tells you everything, so you should already know why she wouldn’t fill me in.”
“Exactly. That’s because she doesn’t want you to know. It’s that simple, Kevin. Licia’s life, her rules. Neither of us has a say in it.”
“So is that a yes or a no?”
“To what?”
“If she’s seeing someone new or not.”
“You don’t give up, do you?”
“Busted...” I smiled. “I don’t. Glad you noticed.”
“I honestly think it was better when we had just a professional relationship. This forced camaraderie is going to be exhausting.”
“Sorry, but my friend’s best friend automatically becomes my friend too, so deal with it.” I cackled.
Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my chest, like a tightening knot, but I ignored it as we continued the inspection. I wasn’t going to chicken out.
I had successfully endured the excruciating pain in my leg since morning without making a fuss. So, this would subside as well—or so I thought.
The pain struck again, this time feeling like someone was driving a screw through my heart. I stopped, clutching my chest as I winced in pain. It was inexplicable .
Joey’s eyes widened in shock. “Kevin… what’s wrong?” she asked, hurrying closer.
“Get me... to the... hospital... fast,” I gasped, struggling to breathe.
Joey ran out, calling for Jackson. I could tell she was terrified, and so was I. My life was slipping away before my eyes. I didn’t want to leave Licia again without a goodbye.
Jackson sped to the hospital, ignoring the speed limits. It would take the EMS longer to get to us, and I didn’t have that kind of time—I might be dead before they arrived.
Joey was frantically making phone calls. I wasn’t sure who she was calling, but I knew she must have contacted my dad.
I was slowly losing consciousness as they wheeled me into the emergency unit. The doctors rushed around, shouting orders and instructions. Everything was fuzzy in my head, but I could still hear their voices, distant and echoing.
The last thing I remembered before everything went black was one of the doctors yelling at someone, “Get me a chest CT and page Cardio—he’ll likely need surgery. For now, keep his vitals stable.”