5

25

BODI

Mynervesmakeme slowly breathe out a heavy lungful of air while the car arrives at the theater. But the thing that irks me is that I don’t know why I’m nervous. This is not the first charity ball I’ve attended, nor is it the first of my own foundation. But for some reason, I have a feeling this will be a memorable one, and I can’t stop Kayla’s bright face from appearing in my mind.

She instructed me to get to the Event Studio by myself because she still had to sort out some things. It makes sense since she organized the entire event. But it slightly annoyed me, because I was looking forward to arriving with her on my arm.

When I exit the car, I pull my tux straight before entering the building. Inside, a red carpet is draped over the small steps that lead to the venue hall and cameras flash my way. I hold still for a moment, giving them their time to snap their shots until I notice Kayla walking out and my heart stops. She’s wearing a blush pink silky dress. One that falls over her curves with an elegance that is mesmerizing. A slit shows off her long and luscious legs, and the sweetheart neckline highlights her slender neck and tempting yet tasteful amount of cleavage. Her brown hair sits in a long braid, maintaining her curls for the night. She looks breathtaking.

My jaw drops to the floor, and I anxiously bring my feet forward with a smug grin splitting my entire face. When our eyes lock, she lights up like a damn chandelier, and the image engraves itself in my brain like a tattoo.

She gives me a short wave, chuckling at my gaping look, I’m sure, and I shake my head.

“Well, say something!” she presses when she’s almost within my reach. A small and playful scowl sits on her face.

“You look...” I huff, trying to find the words that will do her justice. But considering my silence, the only conclusion I come to is that there are none. “I don’t think I’ve seen anything more beautiful in my life.”

The corners of her mouth lift once more, and with big steps, I close the distance.

When my hands connect with her hips, I pull her against my chest, shamelessly pressing my lips against hers. Her sweet honey scent intoxicates me, creating a craving inside that can’t be stilled with a single kiss, and eagerly I take her cheeks in my hands. Slowly, I push my tongue into her mouth, wanting to feel her breath merging with mine. To taste her, like she’s the last drop of water in the world.

A feral moan vibrates against her throat, and she breaks our connection, laughing, as I connect my forehead with hers. My eyes stay fixed on her parted lips.

“You look really handsome yourself.” Her hands move up and down the jacket of my black tux.

“Thanks, but I look like an old man compared to you.”

“A very sexy old man, though?” she jokes, and I lock my lips with hers again, breathing her in.

“My date!” a familiar voice barks behind her back, and I look over her shoulder while never letting go of her cheeks. “Dad?”

I watch how my father shuffles forward with Sheila on his arm, but she’s the one leading him instead of the other way around.

He’s wearing a tux that shows off his broad shoulders, even though it’s clear he has lost a lot of weight over the past week. I know he’ll never be the same, but when I look closely, look through the surface of his pain, he reminds me of the dad he once was. The one who could still take care of me and give me advice. It’s a memory I can hardly remember most days, but now that it’s here; it’s heartwarming.

Kayla’s hands enclose my wrists. “I’m sorry, babe. I hope you won’t be mad, but, well, it’s an official charity ball. I needed a date,” she says in a tone that has me glancing at her, amused. “I even got you one.”

She nudges her chin at Sheila. “Sheila agreed to be your date. Since I’m already taken and all.”

I bark out a laugh before I let go of Kayla to wrap my father in a tight hug.

“Hey, Dad,” I whisper against his shoulder.

“Son.”

“Are you okay?”

“G-great!” he stammers. “Tha-tha-thank you invite. Mom be p-p-p-proud.”

A lump forms in the back of my throat as I hear him struggle with his words, and I hold on to my father even tighter, grateful he’s here.

“But how?” My gaze moves back and forth between Sheila and him. Sheila looks completely different from when she’s in her usual work scrubs, wearing an elegant black dress that flares out on the bottom. Her red hair is up, showing off the classy pearls around her neck, and she topped it off with red lipstick.

“You got a girl that can work miracles.” Sheila gives Kayla a side-eye, and I follow her gaze. “She convinced Dr. Grant not to say no right away. She persuaded him to look this morning at how your father was feeling and if he was capable of coming. He gave us two hours if I would accompany him.”

“Which basically means I put a knife to his throat.” Kayla gives me her best ninja impression, slicing the air with her hands.

“You’re crazy.” I tug her against my chest, peering into her blue eyes. There is silver reflected back at me, the moonlight dancing in her gaze, hypnotizing me, while a weird feeling ripples through my chest. A feeling that seems to occur more often lately. “Thank you.”

She shrugs. “He should be here.”

“You’re right. But you’re the only one who’d be able to pull it off.”

“You sell yourself short, Bodi McKay.” She stands on her toes, pressing another kiss to my lips.

“Bodi!” my father calls out behind me. “My date!”

I let go of her as I throw my hands up, placating, hiding the laugh that wants to escape.

“Sorry, babe.” Kayla grins, then links her arm in my father’s. I watch them walk inside with a content feeling, doing my best to remember this moment.

“She’s something else.” Sheila comes to stand beside me, her voice smooth and comforting, like always.

“Don’t I know it?” Kayla laughs at something my father says and the sound of it makes my heart jump. “Is Dr. Grant really okay with this?”

Sheila gives me a tentative look. “I need to be honest with you. Your father’s condition is deteriorating rapidly.”

“His speech?” I question, referring to his lack of forming full sentences.

“Normally, dementia gets worse over time, but Terry seems to be getting worse, really fast. Faster than we expected when he first arrived. In the last few days, he’s had issues with his speech more often, but not the entire day. Dr. Grant gave permission because he looked good this morning, but this afternoon your father couldn’t get dressed by himself. Dr. Grant’s shift was already finished, but there is a chance he would’ve reversed his decision if he saw him like that. I decided to not tell him, because I know it would mean a lot to your father. The joy in his eyes just now tells me I was right. I want to give him this. And you.” She places her hand on my arm. “Just enjoy this moment.”

The lump in my throat grows as I nod. His lack of speech has hit a new level of low today and it worries the shit out of me, but there is nothing I can do about it right now. At least he’s here and he can see the growth of our foundation with his own eyes before his brain stops registering stuff completely. Sheila is right. If this is the only time he can be here, I need to enjoy it.

I suck in a breath, then exhale loudly before offering her my arm. “Shall we?”

“Gladly.” She takes my arm, and I put my hand on hers. “Thank you for doing this, Sheila.”

“Don’t worry about it, Bodi. Your father deserves a night out. And besides,” she says, grinning, “so do I.”