Page 32 of Should the Sky Fall

They collect their pastries-slash-breakfast and move out of the way and to the end of the counter, exchanging a few words with Zeke while he works on their drinks.

“This is nice. It’s been a while since we were here together,” Kieran says as they take their seats, balancing the plates and drinks.

Guilt fills Dawson’s veins with ice. “I know. Sorry.”

“What? Why are you apologizing?”

Dawson starts pulling his cinnamon roll apart to have something to do with his hands. “I’m usually the one to come up with excuses when you wanna do something together.”

“They’re not excuses. I’m not stupid. I know Cal gives you shit when you make plans with other people. God forbid you have a life outside of him.” Kieran rolls his eyes for emphasis, then fixes Dawson’s with an uncharacteristically solemn look. “You’re still going through with the divorce, aren’t you?”

Dawson’s throat tightens. He’s not sure what to say. Or do.

“I–”

He’s saved by an incoming call. He reaches for the phone, sucking in a breath when Ellis’ name flashes across the screen.

“Who is it?” Kieran asks, sipping his mocha.

“Ellis.” It’s not even nine, why is he calling so early?

“You gonna take that?”

He has to. It must be important. He presses accept.

“Ellis? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Ellis says, but Dawson doesn’t quite relax. “The hospital called.” Right. Dawson didn’t leave his number, so of course they called Ellis. “They’re taking Cal off sedation, but it might be hours before he wakes up. Just wanted to let you know.” He’s quiet for a moment but Dawson feels like he’s not done, so he waits. “You don’t have to be there when he wakes up. Maybe it would be better if you weren’t.”

Dawson takes a moment to think it through. It sounds tempting, but also wrong. After what he told Kieran the other night, there’s no pretending he’s the worried, loving husband everyone would expect him to be. And he’s already told Ellis about what Cal is like. He doesn't need to force himself to pretend anymore, at least not in front of them.

His conscience will let him have it, but he decides to take the offered escape route. “Will you let me know when you go?

“Of course.”

“Thanks. How’s work?”

“It’s…improving.” Ellis lets out a frustrated groan. “With a bit of luck, I’ll sort it out before Cal gets back so he doesn’t end up back in the hospital with a stroke or something.”

Dawson chuckles. “Well, you have at least a few weeks before he’s able to work, so…”

“Yay me,” Ellis says, very dryly. Someone speaks in the background. Ellis says something back, then tells Dawson, “Gotta go. Talk to you later.”

“Yeah. Bye.”

“Bad news?” Kieran asks.

Depends who you ask. “They’re waking Cal up today.”

“Oh.” Kieran frowns, making a sour face. “Do they have to?”

Despite himself, Dawson laughs. “Probably. I’m not gonna ask.”

“Shame.”

“What’s a shame?” comes Gabe’s voice. They look up to see him approach the table with a curious expression.

“Nothing. Just a joke,” Dawson says quickly. Not everyone would find the dark humor funny.