12. Layla #3
“Pretty much. Not that it took much convincing, but after talking to my brother, it just made sense to be closer to family. Unfortunately, my boss was less than understanding. Even though I put in two more weeks to get everything transferred over to a coworker while I did more testing and the egg retrieval, he was livid I wouldn’t put off surgery until after next month’s big gala.
As if I should delay cancer treatment for the sake of a big Hollywood party.
But that was the world I was in. It was competitive, and they didn’t have time for any disruptions such as an employee having cancer. ”
“What an asshole.”
He really was. Although there had been an opportunity to do the treatment down in LA and try to work through it, I couldn’t imagine doing so.
Not with the way Julian had already been annoyed with my medical appointments.
But even if he hadn’t been so insensitive about the accommodation, there was the fact that hair, makeup, and clothes were everything in that industry.
I had no doubt that, given the way I would look after surgery and chemo, it would be near impossible to work events.
Chances were the studio would place me on long-term disability after twelve weeks.
After that, they’d legally be allowed to replace me.
But at least I had good medical coverage for now. I had to focus on the silver lining.
“That’s a lot on you.”
“It was. But I had Russ, and it could’ve been a lot worse.” That’s what I constantly reminded myself. Meanwhile, my guilt overcame me. “Kellan, I feel bad lying to you about it all. Especially now that you’re trying to piece together what I’m telling you compared to what I told you last week.”
He shook his head. “You don’t need to apologize. As much as I wish you would’ve shared it all, I also respect why you didn’t. I’m curious, though, why you said you’d be gone a year?”
“I figured it would take that long to get through treatments, have reconstructive surgery, and start to grow my hair back.” Not to mention rebuild my confidence.
The mere thought of losing my hair started to make me emotional.
I tried to tell myself hair was only something superficial, but it didn’t reduce the fear of putting something into my body that would cause such a drastic response.
Suddenly I yawned, my exhaustion hitting me, as well as a dull throb signaling it was time for another pain pill.
“Although I want to hear about your treatment plan, it’s clear how beat you are. Let’s get you into bed.”
I wouldn’t argue. “’Kay. I need a pain killer.”
“Where are your pills?”
“On the dining table. I need to text my brother.”
“I’ll take care of texting him if you like?”
“That’d be great.”
His brow furrowed in worry. “Why don’t you go get ready, and I’ll get you a pill and glass of water. How many do you take?”
“One. Thanks.” I got up slowly, puttered into my bathroom, and went through the motions of brushing my teeth and washing my face. When I came out in the bedroom, Kellan had turned down my bed and had my pill and water ready for me.
“Sorry. I’m all of a sudden too tired to keep my eyes open.” As someone who’d always had high energy, I wasn’t used to this feeling of absolute exhaustion.
“Don’t apologize. Why don’t you get into bed, and I’ll tuck you in before saying goodnight?”
I was already in comfy clothes, so I slipped between the sheets to lie on my side and hug a soft pillow to my chest.
He knelt beside the bed so he was eye level with me and tucked my hair back behind my ear in an intimate gesture. “I’ll let myself out and lock up after you fall asleep.”
“How? You’d need a key.”
“Do you have an extra one?”
“Seems rather soon to be sharing keys.” Chad never had a key to my place nor I to his.
“Does it? I know your favorite food is a horseradish cheddar, avocado, mushroom, and bacon burger on a pretzel bun. Kind of makes us soul mates. Remember?”
I smiled at the memory from our day in Seattle. “I almost forgot.”
“I promise I’ll give the key back to you the next time I come over.”
“Is this your subtle way of getting invited over again?”
He grinned. “Depends. Is it working?”
Absolutely it was. Despite my fears of becoming too attached to Kellan, I couldn’t fathom not seeing him at all. “There’s an extra key in the bowl next to the door. It has a pink sparkly key fob.”
“Excellent. It’ll fit in with my Bedazzled truck key.”
I chuckled softly. “Thank you for dinner. Sorry I’m so sleepy.”
“You’re welcome. Now stop apologizing. You need the sleep because your body needs to heal. I’ll keep your key safe in the meantime.”
Funny how it made me feel good to know he had one. “You could come over tomorrow if you like.” Wasn’t as if I was great company, but having him here had meant a lot.
I saw it. The moment the indecision hit him. What had I been thinking? He had to work. We were supposed to be taking this slow. So much for baby steps. See? I was already becoming too needy. “You know, on second thought, wait till I tell you how I’m feeling.”
“Unfortunately, I have a late meeting tomorrow. I could come by after?”
“No, no. I’ll see you Saturday.” Or not. I kept the last two words to myself.
“How about Friday night? I could come over here and cook for you.”
“Sure. I’ll text you.” And I’d try not to push him away simply because I was already feeling as if I was becoming too reliant on his company.
“Sweet dreams.” He leaned down, kissing my forehead.
I was thankful that, after the sound of the front door clicking, I was too tired to overanalyze or get emotional. Instead, I happily succumbed to the world of numb.