Page 114 of Something Like Forever

“That’swhat he can’t tell me. He won’t even say definitively that it’s atumor, but he admitted that’s what he thinks itis.”

“Ask him if he thinks it’ssafe for me to wait.”

Corey remained focused onhim. “Do you think that’s a good idea? What if it’sserious?”

“Askhim!” Tim said, nodding at the doctor.

Corey did so, Timfrustrated as the conversation went on. If his life wasn’t inimmediate danger, he wanted to do this at home.

“He saysyou can wait, but that you should have a scan done as soon asyou’re back. He wants to know where he can forward theX-ray.”

Tim got the address fromhis phone, focusing on the task rather than the implications. Coreyhelped him communicate the right information. Then they were setfree.

“Are youhungry?” Tim asked as they were walking down the sidewalk again.They still had time for a late lunch.

“Yeah,”Corey said, phone in hand. “I’ll text Kioshi and see if they’veeaten already. Maybe we can meet them.”

“No,”Tim said firmly, putting his hand over the screen to block it. “I’mhungry now. How about this place?” He didn’t wait for an answer.The door he pushed through belonged to a bar, but they probably hadfood too. Not that he was interested.

He hung back so Coreycould lead the way. His friend didn’t ask for an explanation. Notuntil they were seated at a table in a secluded corner and bothsipping beers.

“Aren’t youworried?”

“I’m shitting myself,” Timsaid. “Not literally, but the day isn’t over yet. Listen, you can’ttell anyone. Not even Kioshi.”

Corey took a swig of beerwhile studying him. Then he shook his head. “Why? When I get badnews—even if I just have a rough day—Kioshi is the first person Itell about it. Talking to him always makes me feel better. Isn’t itthat way with you and Ben?”

“Yes, but not during thistrip. It’s Jason and William’s honeymoon. I don’t want to ruinthat.”

“Okay, butBen—”

“Wearshis heart on his sleeve,” Tim said. “Usually that’s a good thing,but with situations like these… Jason would be able to tell. Evenif I swear Ben to secrecy, he would figure out that something’swrong. And we don’t even know if it is! Why worry everyone before Iknow more? I realize it’s asking a lot, but if you can hold offtelling Kioshi until we’re on the flight home…”

Corey took another sip.Then he nodded. “It’s probably nothing,” he said.

“Yeah,” Tim replied,already knowing he would need another drink. “Everything’s going tobe fine.”

* * * * *

Tim was hunched over hislaptop, his hope dwindling with every link he clicked. He hadstarted out with completely neutral keywords. Lung. Tumor. Almostevery result contained the wordcancer. After reading a few of thosearticles and scaring himself silly, he decided to try again. Tumorwas too loaded. Most people associated that word with cancer, so hechanged it tomass. He had an unidentified mass in his lungs. That was a littlebetter, since there were a variety of potential explanations. Thenumber one cause though, was cancer.

“Already back from yourjog?”

Tim looked over hisshoulder at the bed. He had risen early, unable to sleep well, andhad already showered and dressed. “I’m not running today. Probablynot for the rest of the trip either. This is supposed to be avacation, right?”

“My feet hurt just fromwalking,” Ben said, getting out of bed and padding to therestroom.

Tim hurried to read more,listening to make sure Ben wasn’t on his way back. He heard thetoilet flush and an electric toothbrush start to whir. When thebathroom door opened again, he slammed the laptopclosed.

Ben wore a white bathrobe.And a knowing smile. “Were you looking at porn?”

“No,”Tim said. He regretted his honesty, because porn was a decent coverstory.

“Are you sure?” Ben said,coming nearer. “I can guess what kind of guys you’re lookingat.”

Tim turned to face him.“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’ve seen the way Coreylooks at you,” Ben said, not sounding upset. “And the way yousometimes look at him.”