Page 116 of Caged

Damn.I sipped my coffee, savoring the creamy warmth as I thought about it.

“It’s not like I can go back to work. Not yet, anyway.” I had an appointment with Dr. Greenfield scheduled for thefollowing day and another a week later. Which meant I had almost two weeks before I could even think about returning to work.

Probably longer. John wouldn’t let me come back until Doc confirmed I was at least eighty percent. And then he’d put me on light duty.

“No, but that doesn’t mean you can’t talk to Jaden.”

“True, but he hasn’t tried to see me or even sent a email.” I couldn’t keep the disappointment out of my voice. “And it’s not like he won’t be here when I come back.”

“I didn’t raise you to be a quitter, Catelyn.”

Ouch.

“I am not quitting.” Raising my voice to argue hurt my side. “I just need some time away.”

I’m not quitting, but I’m totally running away. Delaying the inevitable because I fell for Jay and hearing him say he didn’t feel the same way would wreck me.

Time away would give me the space I needed to rebuild the wall around my heart and remind myself why getting involved with a co-worker, my boss’s son, was a colossally bad idea.

“Alright, I fly out Monday evening. We’ll get you a ticket,” I smiled and started to thank him but he cut me off. “But only if the doctor says it’s okay.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

I didn’t think Doc Greenfield would have any issues with me flying, so I made a list of things to do before the trip.

On top of the list was emailing John to let him know. It wouldn’t affect the day-to-day of the business since I was onmedical leave, but going out of town without telling him felt wrong.

When I got up to clear our breakfast dishes, my father stopped me. “I got this. Go watch TV and relax.”

“Dad, I’m perfectly capable of washing a few dishes.”

“Please?” he asked.

Damn him; begging was far more effective than arguing.

“Fine.” I went to the living room and picked up my laptop. It wasn’t easy getting comfortable, but eventually I managed.

“When I’m done in here, I’ll change your bandages.”

Thanks for the warning. It’d hurt like hell when he’d changed them the night before. Not that I’d complain—it wouldn’t help anything and we’d both feel worse.

It was just after eight, so John would be in the office.I wonder if Jay is working?

I wrote and re-wrote my email at least four times, bouncing back and forth between being too wordy and not wordy enough. I wanted to tell him I was going to DC with my dad and provide a brief explanation, but didn’t want to sound like I was running away.

Which I am, sort of.

Having a degree in psychology didn’t mean I was good at calling myself on my bullshit, even when I could see it.

In the end, I kept it brief.

Mr. Sheppard,

I’m going to DC with my father. It’ll give us some time together while I heal.

Thank you for everything,

Catelyn Maxwell

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