5

30

BODI

I’msittingbehindmy desk at the office, going through some emails, when my phone rings.

Peartree Park.

Instantly, my heart jumps a little with worry and my nerves go on high alert like every time they call. I should have gotten used to it by now, but it’s obvious I’m not.

“Hello?” The insecurity is audible in my voice, and I clear my throat.

“Mr. McKay, this is Dr. Grant. How are you today?”

“I’m good,” I answer, hesitantly. “How are you, doctor?”

“I’m good. Thanks for asking.” He pauses for a moment, and I wait in anticipation, nervously tapping the wood of my desk with my fingers. “I’m sorry to bother you, Mr. McKay.”

“That’s okay.”

“This might seem a bit sudden, but I’d like you to come in for a talk about your father’s condition.”

”Is he okay?”

“For now, but as you know, his health is rapidly deteriorating. Fast enough for me to suggest it’s in yours and your father’s best interest to discuss some things while we still can. I’d like you to stop by.”

“I see.” My throat seems to tighten. As if someone invisible wraps their hands around my neck, squeezing until I’m gasping for air. I close my eyes, trying to calm myself down by inhaling through my nose and exhaling through my mouth.

“Mr. McKay? Are you still there?”

“Yes, I’m still here.” My voice is gruff, showing the effect of his words. “When do you need me to stop by?”

“Today would be best.”

Today? I was hoping he’d say next week, next month even, because everyone knows a doctor doesn’t ask you to come in the same day if everything is alright.

“I can be there in twenty minutes. Does that fit your schedule, doc?”

“Yes, sir. That sounds good.”

“Alright. I’ll see you soon.” I hang up, resting my elbows on the wood before burying my face in my hands. My head pounds, and behind my eyes, I feel a headache climbing to the surface. An ominous feeling falls over me like a translucent curtain, making it hard to breathe.

With a grunt, I get up, grabbing my phone and keys from the desk, as I make my way out of my office. I swing the door open and my eyes scan the room, moving my focus back and forth between Agnes and Kayla. The worried look in both of their eyes tells me I’m doing a shit job at hiding my distress, and I quickly make a snap decision that seems like the most natural thing to do right now. Big strides quickly place me in front of Kayla, and without hesitation, I twist her chair, holding myself up on the armrest before I press a kiss on her soft lips. A small whimper comes from her throat as I keep my mouth locked with hers while I breathe her in like she’s my shot of confidence. Like I need her touch before I’m able to face the bad news that I know is coming my way and I can feel settling in my gut.

Her hands come up and cover my cheeks, and she disconnects our lips.

“What’s wrong?” she whispers.

Her breath warms my lips, and I close my eyes with my brows pressed against hers.

“It’s my dad. The doc wants to see me. I have a bad feeling.”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

I shake my head. “I’ll be fine. Are you okay walking home?”

“Of course.”

I give her another peck before straightening my back, leaving her a bit dazed in her chair as I take off. When I walk past Agnes, our eyes meet briefly, and I expect her to give me a look of judgment for kissing Kayla. But her face stays free from anything other than the comforting flash I can find in her kind eyes.

Relieved, I sigh, stepping onto the elevator with a heavy heart.