Page 42 of Just One Night Together

“You could have nursing staff come in. Those services can be arranged.”

“I’ll talk to her about it when I visit tonight.”

“She could also remain here, Mr. Perez, although you’ll also need to decide if there should be a DNR on her record.”

DNR. Do Not Resuscitate.

Damon took a shaking breath. “No more chemo,” he said in a rush, knowing it was the right choice but hating that he had to make it. “No more radiation. I’d like her to be comfortable. I’ll sign the DNR tonight.”

“I’ll ensure that everything is ready for you.” The doctor paused. “I’m sorry, Mr. Perez.”

“Me, too.”

“There are some research programs, but I don’t believe your mother is a good candidate in her current condition. The choice, however, is yours to make and I can make some recommendations...”

“No. I agree with your advice. I think this is the right path.”

“So do I, Mr. Perez, if that’s of any consolation. I’ll leave all the paperwork with the nurses for you to sign and continue as you’ve decided.”

When the call was over, Damon braced his head on his hand and let futility sweep over him. His mom was leaving him soon, and he didn’t know what he was going to do without her.

He certainly shouldn’t be having a fling with Haley.

Two nights would have to be enough.

This time, he’d say thanks with a handshake.

* * *

Haley smiledwhen she saw Damon’s silhouette in the foyer of her building.

She paid the fare and got out of the cab, almost tripping over her feet in her hurry to get to the door. Damon held open the door for her, but his expression was grim.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, fearing that something had happened to his mom.

“Nothing. I just can’t stay.”

Haley had been putting her key into the lock of the security door, but she stopped to stare at him. “If nothing is wrong, then I’m an iguana.”

Damon didn’t smile. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

The very fact that he’d taken the trouble to come to her apartment hinted that he did want to talk about it. “You could have just called to tell me you’d changed your mind.”

He shook his head, more emphatic than he should have been. “No, because it’s not just tonight. It’s the whole thing.”

“What whole thing?”

“Us. This. It can’t happen any more.”

“Okay,” Haley said, because he seemed to expect a fight from her. His gaze flicked to hers. “So, you’ll say thanks by shaking hands and we’ll just part amiably?”

Damon exhaled. “Sure.”

He was really upset. Compassion welled in Haley and she knew she couldn’t let him go home alone just yet. She put out her hand and he shook it, quickly, but when he tried to let go, she tightened her grip. “What happened today?” she asked quietly.

This time, his words were more clipped and his eyes flashed. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Haley guessed. “Things got worse for your mom?”

---