Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
She sounds a little hesitant. “Oh, hanging in there, I guess. I ran into your parents this morning having breakfast at the Sunrise Grille while I was in town visiting my mom and dad. Guess it made me a little nostalgic.”
“Are you still in Chicago?” I ask. Last I heard, she was working there as an executive assistant or something. According to the grapevine.
Pocketing my keys, I take my phone in hand again as I make my way down to the parking garage, choosing to take the stairs rather than the elevator.
“Sure am. Love it there, big city and all.” Before I can say anything, she adds, “I’ve actually been thinking a lot about you lately.”
That sets off a gamut of emotions, because I hear regret in her voice and it puts me a little on edge. There was a day I would have killed to have her admit to making a mistake by breaking things off, but now I’m wary. “Is everything okay?”
“No,” she says, her voice cracking slightly. She huffs out a breath. “It’s my mom. We just found out a few weeks ago that she has breast cancer.”
“Oh, Jesus… I’m sorry, Em. That’s awful.” I really feel for her because she’s super close to both her parents, same as me. I also really loved her mom. Still care for her, now that I think about it. That doesn’t go away, I guess. “What does that mean?”
“She’s had a mastectomy and we’re waiting on the results of the lymph nodes they removed. Then radiation, maybe chemo.” She goes silent, and then lets out a tiny sob. “I’m just so scared, and well… after seeing your parents today, it got me thinking about you, how you always had the best advice. You were the one who always talked me off the ledge.”
Not off the ledge when you wanted to break up, I think to myself, but I banish the petty thought. I step from the stairwell into the garage and unlock the Macan as I move toward it. “Your mom’s a strong lady. I’m sure she’ll kick cancer’s ass, and you’re strong just like her. You’ve got this.”
Emily gives a watery laugh. “I’m a hot mess right now.”
“I can imagine,” I say, sliding into the driver’s seat. “It must be incredibly tough.”
“Yeah,” she murmurs. I press the ignition, and the call flips over to Bluetooth as she says, “I’m trying to stay strong for her. But it’s hard. She’s always been my rock and now I have to be hers.”
I punch in the address to the hospital, noting that I’m going to be at least ten minutes early getting there but that’s good—I hate being late. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Just take it one day at a time.”
She’s silent for a moment as I put the car into gear and head for the exit. I can almost hear her nodding on the other end. “Solid advice. That means a lot.” She coughs, clears her voice. “How about you? How are you doing? I know you’re with the Titans now. I can’t help but follow you and your success.”
There’s not even a trace of bitterness as I remember she hated my success when we were together. Hated that my job took me away from her and that it was an important part of my life. And because I actually feel at peace with it all, I don’t have a problem easing into friendly discussion. “Pittsburgh’s a great city and I’m totally vibing with my new teammates. It’s stacking up to be a solid year for us and we’ve all got our eyes on the playoffs.”
“And um…” Emily pauses, and I can feel her silence, like an attempt to gain courage. I brace myself. “Are you seeing anyone?”
“Yeah. Actually, I am.” I smile, thinking of my lunch date and that I’ll be seeing Willa in less than thirty minutes.
Her voice is light, inquisitive. “Is it serious? Because you deserve to be happy.”
“It’s new,” I admit. “I’m on my way to meet her for lunch. Third date. How about you?”
“No,” she says almost wistfully. “Not seeing anyone. Painfully alone.” I don’t know what to say to that. The words painfully alone are pointed and have a purpose. They tug at me in a way that reminds me I cared for her very much once upon a time. Before I can even think of an appropriate response, she laughs and waves it off. “But, as you said, I’m strong and you and I both know I’ll persevere.”
I jump on that bravery. “You’re damn right you will. I have all the faith in the world in you.”
“Thanks, Jack.” Her voice is grateful. “That means a lot coming from you. I respect you so much and I’m glad I can still count on you as a friend.”