Page 77

Guilt swarms over me. How could I let go like that, without a thought for my parents, for my father fighting for his life? I force a smile, though it feels like a mask stretching over my face.
Andrew picks up his phone, scrolling through his messages, and within seconds, his face lights up. “Hey, Amy emailed you and copied me in. The Army Base hotel is fully booked for the next six months. Isn’t that incredible?” He grins, eyes full of pride.
“That’s great,” I say, struggling to push my mind back to the present. He looks so genuinely happy, and I can’t let him see the storm that’s brewing inside me. Not now.
He runs a hand along my arm, pulling me close. “I can’t wait to get started on the Lakeside Riviera. How’s your day looking? Think we could head over there this afternoon and brainstorm ideas?”
I swallow, my mind racing. I need to go to the hospital first thing. “The afternoon’s fine,” I say as lightly as I can. “I just have a few errands in the morning.”
He nuzzles my neck, pressing soft kisses along my jawline. “You sure you don’t want some company for those errands, hmm?” His voice is low, teasing, and it takes every ounce of willpower to keep my tone playful in response.
“Not today, lover boy,” I say, giving his chest a little push. “Some things need a woman’s touch.”
He chuckles, sitting up and stretching. “Alright, if you say so.”
Andrew heads to the shower, and as soon as I’m alone, I grab my phone and text Catherine. Reorganize my schedule for the morning. I won’t be in until later.
My fingers tremble as I type, and I force myself to take a deep breath. This has to be quick. In and out of the hospital, then I can switch back to work mode. I have to keep it together today.
I slip into the guest room and take a fast shower, letting the warm water clear my mind. By the time I’m dressed, I feel more composed.
Andrew is in the kitchen, stirring his coffee. The temptation to rush out gnaws at me, but if I make a break for it, he’ll only getcurious. So, I steady my breath and walk in slowly, masking my urgency with a casual smile.
“Ready to start the day?” he asks, his eyes meeting mine.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I say, hoping he can’t see the tremor of nerves hiding beneath my smile.
Andrew pours me a cup of coffee then opens the fridge and takes out two bowls of fruit, sliding one to my end.
I push my fork around the plate, barely noticing the colors of the fruit against the white china. Andrew is talking about the renovations at the lakeside Riviera, mapping out his plans.
I can hear him, but it’s like background noise, something distant and foggy, barely reaching me.
All I can think about is my father.Is he still alive?The question echoes in my mind, crowding out everything else.
My mother’s call last night was short and direct. “Your father’s in the ICU,” she said, sounding calm, stronger than I expected. Maybe that’s a good sign. Maybe there’s hope.
My phone buzzes beside me, jolting me back to the present. Lisa. I glance at Andrew, nodding along to his words, but he doesn’t seem to notice my distraction.
“When are you leaving?” Lisa asks when I pick up.
“Twenty minutes,” I say, glancing at my watch.
“Alright, I’ll meet you there,” she says.
I drain the last of my coffee, setting the cup down a little too hard.
Andrew looks up, his brow furrowed. “You haven’t eaten anything,” he says, gesturing to the untouched fruit on my plate.
“I’m not hungry,” I reply, giving him a small smile. “I’ll eat later.” Leaning down, I press a quick kiss to his forehead, trying to ignore the worried look in his eyes.
“See you at the office,” I add, slipping away before he can ask any more questions.
The drive to the hospital is a blur. The route feels foreign, like I’m moving in slow motion, everything muted and unreal.
When I reach the waiting room, Lisa is already there, standing near the elevator. She gives me a brief hug, and I’m tempted to let lose, cry, and get rid of the lump that is permanently lodged in my chest.
“How are you doing?” Lisa asks, her hands on my shoulders.