43. Gabrielle
Gabrielle
“I still think we should go with a ‘You Survived Another Year’ banner, just for the irony,” Kinsley says, stirring her iced coffee.
I snort, shaking my head as I scroll through my phone. “Yeah, because what every cancer patient wants on their birthday is a reminder of their mortality. Super festive, Kins.”
She huffs. “Fine, I’ll workshop it.”
We’re held up in the back office of the clinic, pretending to do something work-related when in reality, we’re deep in party-planning mode.
Cam’s birthday is in two days, and I want everything to be perfect.
He has a check-up appointment that morning, which gives us the perfect window to set up the surprise.
By the time I bring him home, everyone will be waiting.
Kinsley raises a brow. “And the gift?”
A smile tugs at my lips. “Almost finished. It should be delivered tomorrow.”
“Ugh, I still can’t believe you pulled that off. Took you weeks to track everything down.”
“Tell me about it,” I mutter, setting my phone down. “I had to dig through so many old bins and get some stuff from his mom. But it’s finally coming together.”
Her eyes soften as she studies me. “You really love him.”
I swallow, nodding. “I really do.”
We’re still talking and laughing when the door opens, and William walks in.
The energy shifts immediately.
I stiffen, my grip tightening on my coffee cup as Kinsley subtly leans back in her chair, watching.
“Gabrielle,” Parker nods in greeting, then glances at Kinsley. “Kinsley.”
“William,” she deadpans, her voice dripping with distaste.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes as I sit there.
We’ve successfully avoided speaking more than necessary these last few months, which is exactly how I prefer it. But today, for some reason, he lingers.
He shifts awkwardly, then clears his throat. “I, uh…I heard about your boyfriend.”
I tilt my head, wary. “And?”
“I just wanted to ask…how’s he doing?”
I study him for a moment, trying to figure out his angle.
His face is neutral—no smirk, no condescending attitude, no forced politeness. Just…genuine curiosity.
Still, I don’t owe him anything.
“He’s good,” I say simply. “Right now, anyway.”
William nods. “That’s…good to hear.” He hesitates like he wants to say more, but eventually just presses his lips together. “Well, I’ll see you around. Let me know if you need anything, okay?”
He turns and walks out, leaving the room.
Kinsley lets out a low whistle. “Well, that was weird.”
“Yeah? Anyway, are you still going to that appointment with me I booked for after work?”
“Yeah,” Kinsley says, grabbing her phone. “We can leave from here together.”
I nod, taking one last sip of my coffee before heading back to work.