The hardest part about today was tomorrow. Friday was chemo day. Sophie had to start all over. Josh kissed her before she left the office to head home. He went back to work trying to stay focused on things that didn’t really matter. He called Father Paddy to see if he was free for lunch. He agreed to meet him at the diner in town.

Josh went to the kitchen and told Ally that he was leaving for the day. After lunch, he was going home and spending the rest of the day with her mother. He didn’t know what 66tomorrow would bring so he wanted to enjoy her while she felt decent.

“Jagger will be back after he meets with Max Satterfield. I asked him to take the meeting today. Ask him to call me and let me know how it went.”

“Is that why he got a haircut?” His daughter asked wrinkling up her nose because of Jagger’s new shorter style.

Josh chuckled. “I think so.” He turned and headed out towards the front office.

His daughter was spending more and more time with Jagger. He didn’t know how good of an idea that was. She was leaving Friday night after work for Columbus to see Brian, her friend? Her boyfriend? Josh didn’t really know what she and the quarterback were, but he felt better about her and Jagger because of that relationship.

He started up the truck and headed towards the center of town. Cooper was like most backwards towns. Small, family owned businesses lined the streets. A bank was on the corner surrounded by a pizza parlor, a gas station and a florist.

He drove past them all and parked in the town square. Josh ran across the street to the diner. Sal’s had been in business for twenty-five or thirty years. Long enough for everyone to know each other who frequented Sal’s and Sal, the owner and her husband knew everyone who came to her place.

He opened the door and felt the rush of cool air hit him in the face. Sal greeted him at the entrance’s hostess stand. Her hair was brightly colored in a red hue. Her lips painted ruby too. She was an attractive woman for being in her sixties. Her figure, she had maintained from hard, work at the diner, always being on her feet.

“Josh, I saw Sophie last week with Kai. She didn’t look so good.”

Josh patted her shoulder. “She’s receiving chemo treatments for breast cancer, Sal.”

The woman clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. “I’m so sorry. Give Sophie my best and tell her I’m prayin’ for her, please. I’ll put her on our prayer list at church.” Sal was a member of the Cooper Baptist Church on the opposite side of town from St. Agnes.

“Thank you, Sal. I’ll let Sophie know. Is Father Paddy here yet?”

“Paddy is here waiting on you. I’ll take you to your table.”

She guided Josh through the throngs of tables. Some people greeted him and said hello. He shook hands with old friends and acquaintances that wanted to wish him well. Finally, he was at their table and slid into the booth opposite Father Paddy. Sal took his drink order before she went away.

“How’s Sophie?”

“Dreading tomorrow,” Josh responded.

Father nodded. “I can understand that, Josh. I’m sure you can too. These treatments are more than difficult. What can I do for you and Sophie, son?”

Josh ran his hands through his hair. “I’m pissed off, Father.” He looked up at him then he apologized for his language.

“I’ve heard far worse. The maintenance man at the church forgets he’s on church grounds frequently when he mashes his thumb with his hammer among other catastrophes.”

Josh sighed.

“Josh, this is normal. Anger, sadness, frustration. Probably many other emotions you’re going to feel over the course of Sophie’s treatment.” He reached across the table and patted Josh’s arm.

“I feel so helpless. I just want her to be well.”

“She will be when she gets through the treatment.”

Josh nodded. “You know her,” he said staring out the window. “She’s vibrant and was always on the go. The spark has already gone out after just one treatment.”

The priest talked with Josh, giving him advice as best he could, more as a friend than as a counselor. He offered to come over to give Sophie communion on Saturday or Sunday.

“Maybe it would be better on Sunday or Monday if the nausea is as bad as last time, she’ll be sick

all weekend. Maybe mid-week would be even better, Father Paddy.”

Father Paddy nodded. “Call me if you need me. I can perform anointing of the sick as well. Prayers are always helpful, Josh. It might bring Sophie comfort. She’s clinging to her faith these days.”

“She is, and I will, Father. Sometimes, I think it’s all that’s getting her through this.”

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