“That’s great! How long before he’s back?” Laurie wanted to dance around the room. All her problems were almost over. Jarrett would come back and she wouldn’t have to deal with Finn anymore. They could go back to their former antagonistic relationship, as if nothing had ever happened.
That’s because nothing did happen. That little spark you felt was completely one-sided.
Branson hesitated. “It’ll be several more weeks before he can work again. They broke his chest open to do that lung surgery, and the recovery takes a while.”
Her throat fell into her stomach, but she pretended to be fine with the news.
“That’s okay. I really don’t need help since I talked to Dara. She talked to me for hours and even made a few phone calls. Luckily, she had the advertisements scheduled before she left. None of you guys mentioned advertising,” she accused.
“We didn’t tell you because we didn’t know. Dara’s been handling the details since we started this fundraiser six years ago. We’re lost without her,” Bran said. “I wish she could’ve been here to train you, like we originally planned.”
“For now, I think I’ve got it under control. Dara’s been a lifesaver. Will Jarrett be back in time to attend the fundraiser in LA?” she asked, hoping three weeks was enough time for him.
“I’m afraid the current plan is for him to work from his Denver office so he can stay close to his doctors. They have to monitor for any other signs of recurrent cancer.”
“Got it.”
I’m stuck with Finn, and he hates me again. What other good news awaits?
Bran cleared his throat. “Finn’s supposed to go home from the hospital tomorrow. He could be back here by the end of next week.”
“Good.” She managed a cheery tone. “Glad he’s feeling better.”
“I’m guessing he didn’t call today and let you know.”
She shrugged. “No.”
“Has he called you since Wednesday?”
“I could’ve missed his call,” she suggested.
Bran’s jaw muscles bulged. “I’m sorry, Laurie. He ought to know better. Don’t worry, though… I’ll talk to him.”
“No!” She raised her voice more than she intended. “He doesn’t need his friends telling him what to do. He already gets that from his mom and sisters.”
“I don’t understand why he’s acting like this.” Bran flung an arm in the air. “I’ve tried to keep my nose out of it. But when it starts affecting our work here, I figure it’s my business.”
He stood with a determined expression, as if he might be headed to see Finn right that moment. In a panic, Laurie whipped around her desk and grasped his arm before he could leave.
“Please, Branson. Don’t say anything to him. I’m making good progress on the fundraiser, thanks to Dara. Finn’s struggling to get well, right now. He’s not at his best.”
“Being sick is no excuse for being rude.”
“It’s my own fault, really.” She sagged, sitting on the edge of her desk. “I’ve been thinking about this since Wednesday night. I knew Finn didn’t allow any women to get close to him. He was finally starting to trust me, when I blew it. I should’ve let you or Cole stay with him at the hospital, like you suggested.”
“Honestly, neither of us could’ve afforded to miss another day of work.” Branson idly tapped his cane on the floor. “I was so grateful when you volunteered, I jumped on it, even though I knew Finn would’ve preferred one of us. I guess it was my fault as much as yours.”
“Then you won’t say anything to him, right?”
“I won’t, for now.” Branson pursed his lips. “But sometimes, a true friend has to be frank, even if it hurts.”
Finn stood at the sink, brushing his teeth, his feet ensconced in a pair of blue hospital socks… the kind with sticky rubber nubs on the bottom to keep patients from slipping. He hated the way the rubber bumps felt inside the socks, but he didn’t have any of his own.
One more night, and I’m out of here.
He rinsed his mouth and checked his teeth in the mirror. Finding them satisfactory, his gaze moved up to lock with a pair of accusing eyes… his own.
“What?” He frowned at his reflection, the accusing gaze more menacing with the dark circles under his eyes. “There’s a reason I haven’t called her yet—I haven’t had time. I’ve been doing therapy almost every minute I was awake, since Wednesday.”