Page 48 of Until August

He stepped aside, and Sasha took his place in the doorway. “How did it go?”

“It was great. I’d like to see him again next week.” Figured I wouldn’t push it. We’d start with once a week and go from there.

She looked over her shoulder and then at me. “I’ll text you after I speak with him.”

I opened my mouth to argue, then shut it again. For now, we’d do this her way. “Fine. But make sure you text me. I promised I would stick around, and I’m not going to break my promise.”

She nodded once, letting me know she’d heard me, and closed the door.

For now, I’d celebrate my wins instead of mourning my losses. Today was one step in the right direction.

Baby steps. But I’d take it.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

Nicola

I saidgoodbye to Cruz and leaned over to kiss his forehead. When I stood, I got a head rush and waited a few seconds for the dizziness to pass.

My footsteps were heavy as I walked down the hallway.

I hated leaving him, but I’d been with him all day and hadn’t eaten since breakfast. Not to mention that father had just texted to say he’d disown me if I didn’t show up for dinner with my family tonight.

“Oh honey,” Cassie said as I passed the front desk. “You have to start taking better care of yourself. You’re no good to him if you get sick, too.”

I gave her a little smile. “I know. I’m going to eat dinner now. But if the infection gets any worse—”

“He’s in good hands,” Cassie assured me. “Dr. Marcus is keeping a close eye on him and keeping him as comfortable as possible.”

“Thank you.”

When I got outside, I inhaled a deep breath of evening air. The sun was setting, and the sky was awash with pink and violet.

So many beautiful things you’re missing, Cruz.

My footsteps slowed as I approached my car. Dylan was leaning against the hood, tattooed arms crossed over his chest, his eyes on my face. When I stopped in front of him, the first words out of his mouth were, “You look like shit.”

Nobody would ever accuse Dylan of being a gentleman, and he’d never been one to sugarcoat anything. “Gee, thanks. Good to see you too.” I swept past him and yanked open my car door.

“It’s time, Nic. I’ll go to the lawyer with you. We’ll do it together.”

My body tensed, and I gritted my teeth to stop myself from saying something I’d regret. Dylan was not only my best friend’s husband but also Cruz’s best friend and business partner. He rarely visited Cruz these days, and I knew why. But still.

How could he desert him like that?

“I’m not going to a lawyer.”

I slid behind the wheel and reached for the door handle, intent on getting away from this conversation, but Dylan grabbed the doorframe to stop it from closing.

“How long are you going to go on like this? This is no way to live.” He gestured to the pink stucco building surrounded by palm trees and freshly mown grass. “He wouldn’t want this. If he knew how much it cost to keep him alive… fuck that…he’s not alive,” he gritted out. “He’s already gone. And you’re spending over a hundred grand a year to keep him—”

“Seriously?” I glared at him. “You’re discussing money right now? Money is not everything, Dylan.”

“I know that. But he’d be so fucking pissed off. He can’t eat. He can’t drink. He can’t speak. He can’t do a damn thing except lie there and be completely dependent on—”

“Stop.” I yanked on the door handle, intent on shutting it and ending this conversation, but he stubbornly refused to let go. “Seriously, Dylan cut the shit. I have to go. Just get out of my way.” He didn’t budge. God, this man was so obstinate. I didn’t know how Scarlett put up with him. He’d obviously come here on a mission and wasn’t finished torturing me yet.

“When’s the last time you talked to Frankie?” he asked. “She was like a sister to you.”