Page 60 of Lilly

My phone rings. It's William.

"Hello, William." I go down the hall to my office and close the door. "How are you feeling?"

"Not good. This past week I've been getting worse."

"Did Logan come see you?"

"Yes, and he ran more tests and still couldn't find anything. He thinks I'm overdoing it at the office. I worked a lot of hours last week and was in there all weekend."

"Maybe you should take some time off."

"That's why I'm calling. I hate to ask you this, Pearce, but I was wondering if you could step in for me, just for a few days."

"Step in as CEO?"

"I know it's a lot to ask but I don't know what else to do. There are some important meetings going on this week and I just don't have the strength to be there. Even if you just went and listened in, it would be a huge help to me."

"Of course. I'll do whatever you need. Are you wanting me to leave tomorrow?"

"If possible, yes. I could send the Sinclair jet out there tonight so it's ready to go first thing in the morning."

"That's not necessary. I'll take my own. What about your mother? Would you mind if she came along? She's been worried sick about you. I know she'd like to see you."

"Yes. Fine. Bring her along."

I assumed he'd say no since he doesn't like her doting on him. The fact that he agreed to it tells me how poorly he's feeling and how concerned he is that there's something seriously wrong with him.

"I'll call you back when I know my departure time."

"Thank you, Pearce."

"You're welcome. I'll see you soon."

"Who was that?" Rachel asks, coming into my office.

"William. He's still not feeling well. He's going to take the rest of the week off. He asked me if I'd be willing to step in as CEO. I told him I would. I know it means I'll be gone for longer than I'd originally planned but—"

"You should do it. He needs to rest and I know he won't do it if he's worried about work. So you're leaving tomorrow?"

"Yes, first thing in the morning. I need to call Grace. I'm going to see if she'd like to come with."

"Why don't I call her? I think you should talk to Lilly before she goes to bed."

"I thought it might be best if I give her some time alone. I don't think she wants to see me right now."

"You don't have to talk to her about anything. Just go in there and tell her goodnight and give her a hug. You'll be gone before she wakes up and I know you want to say goodbye before you leave."

I go over and kiss her. "You're right. As always." I smile. "You call Grace. I'll talk to Lilly. Oh, and call Garret as well. Let him know you'll be arriving there tomorrow."

"Pearce, are you sure Lilly and I can't just stay here?"

"I'd feel better if the whole family was together. Rachel, I know this is inconvenient but it should all be over after the meeting next weekend. I'll know what Phillip is up to and hopefully we'll be able to return to our regular lives."

She nods. "I'll call Garret. Go talk to Lilly."

When I get to her room, I find her lying on top of her bed in her pajamas, headphones covering her ears. I sit beside her and she opens her eyes and tugs her headphones off.

"Yeah?" she says, sitting up, folding her legs in front of her.

---