“The gray one?” She squealed. “With the bright blue trim? I love that house!” She threw her arms around Katy. “We’re going to be neighbors!”
Katy beamed, her intense blue gaze finding mine. She had been smiling all day—joyful and laughing. Her eyes were peaceful, her happiness evident. I felt a sense of pride that was different from the kind I was used to experiencing. This had nothing to do with a job well-done, or praise for a campaign I had put hours into. This was personal pride based on the fact I had made another human being happy. A human being I loved more than I thought was possible.
I had done that.
Graham caught my eye, tilted his head toward Katy, and raised his glass in a silent toast.
I lifted mine, accepting his unspoken approval, knowing that for the first time, ever, I had earned it.RICHARD
THE FAMILIAR ACHE FORMED BY degrees in my head, my eyes became heavy, my shoulders and neck sore. I stared out the window at the gathering storm, wondering if I would make it home before it and the massive headache hit.
The three raps that Amy always used sounded like gunshots to my aching head. I slouched back against the cool leather of my chair, shutting my eyes.
“Come,” I called as loudly as I dared.
“Do you need anything, Richard?”
I didn’t bother to lift my head. “Can you cancel Board Tech?”
“I already did.”
“Great. You might as well take off the rest of the afternoon, Amy. I’m going to be useless.”
“Can I do anything else?”
I sighed, keeping my eyes closed. “If it wouldn’t offend you, a cup of coffee and a couple of pain relievers would be appreciated. If you can get my wife on the phone, it would be great.”
Her chuckle was low. “I think I can handle it, Richard.”
“Thank you.”
She left, and I rubbed my temples. I knew when I spoke with Katy, she would tell me to leave my car and grab a cab home. I also knew, when I got there, she would have cold compresses, much stronger pain pills, and her soothing touch to make the headache ease. I only had to get to her. The coffee and Tylenol Amy brought me would help until then.
I heard footsteps, felt pills pressed into my hand, and the smell of coffee hit my nose.
It wasn’t Amy’s voice that met my ears, however. “Drink.”
I swallowed the pills gratefully and reached out blindly for my wife’s hand.
“What are you doing here? You aren’t scheduled to be in today.”
“Amy called and said you were off this morning. She thought you had one of your headaches coming on, so I came to take you home. I intercepted her on her way back from the lounge.”
With a groan, I bent forward, burying my head into Katy’s stomach. The icy temperature of the compress felt good as she draped it across my neck and ran her fingers through my hair.
“We’ll give the pills a bit to kick in, then I’ll take you home.”
“Okay.”
“You should have called earlier,” she scolded gently. “You know how these low-pressure storms affect you.”
“I had work to do,” I protested, tightening my arms around her waist, wanting her closer.
“And how much did you accomplish?”
“Not a lot.”
“Good plan, then,” she teased.
“Go fuck yourself, VanRyan,” I muttered, using her favorite phrase.
She shook with suppressed laughter, never stopping her tender caresses.
“Thank you for coming to get me.”
I felt the press of her lips to the back of my head. “You’re welcome.”
“Our boy unwell, Katy?” Graham’s voice was low in the hush of the office.
“Bad headache.”
“I wondered. He wasn’t himself in the meeting this morning.”
“Everyone knows me so well,” I snipped, not lifting my head. “Can’t a guy have a headache without everyone noticing around here?”
They both ignored me, as if I hadn’t spoken.
“You’re taking him home?”
“As soon as he feels up to it.”
I waved my hand. “He’s right here.”
Katy patted my head. “He’s always grumpy when he isn’t well.”
“I’ve noticed.”
Laura’s voice suddenly became part of the discussion. “Oh no, a headache? Poor Richard!”
I groaned. This was getting out of hand.
“I’m fine,” I mumbled.
“He’s grumpy,” Graham stated. “Rather argumentative.”
“He always is when the headaches hit him,” Laura mused. “Good thing you’re here, Katy.”
“Do you need any help?” Jenna asked, the click of her heels announcing her arrival. “Maybe we could carry him to the car or something?”
I was done. Nobody was carrying me anywhere. They all needed to back off.
I lifted my head slowly, peeling open my eyes, fully intent on telling them all to leave. I met Katy’s concerned gaze. She smiled, cupping my cheek, arching her eyebrow. I shifted my gaze to the people behind her, and nothing but worried and caring expressions met my stare. Graham leaned against the wall, looking amused, knowing how I hated being fussed over. All the anger drained away when I realized the people surrounding me were there for one reason only: they cared.