Page 89 of The Hookup
He had no time to worry about any of that now.
Given the circumstances, and how things had been between them that day, maybe it was time to let her go.
As with most of his life, being a closed book had served him well. He had learned his lesson about people a long time ago. Even those who had once cared and loved you let you down.
So it was better to avoid it all in the first place.
“You should tell Kay,” Marie said again, trying to convince him, but he refused to give in. “She doesn’t need to know. I don’twanther to know.”
“You can’t go through this alone.”
“I’m not alone. I have you. It’s the best fucking cancer, Marie,” he snarled viciously. “I can handle it.”
She stared at him, her mouth twisting, and he could see she was fighting the urge to tell him off, that she was holding back because of the news he’d just revealed.
“Don’t you want someone with you at the hospital?”
“No.”
“Have you told Amanda?”
“She’s on her honeymoon.”
“And what about the rest of your family?”
“No.”
“You’re making a mistake. At times like this you need your family around you.”
“No, I don’t.” Christ. That was the last thing he needed. It didn’t matter if he had been dying, even if he’d had the worst type of cancer, there was no way he would tell his old man or his brother. In those circumstances, he probably wouldn’t even tell Amanda.
According to the doctor, he’d be fine to return to work after three weeks, and then have regular check-ups. This was a minor glitch in his life. The last thing he wanted was for someone to profess their undying support and loyalty to him and then fuck off. It had happened before, and he wasn’t going to let it happen again.
Cancer or no cancer.
Chapter 29
“You’re not fun anymore. How does your boyfriend put up with you?”
He doesn’t.“I’ve had a two hour meeting with the client,” Kay explained, trying not to sound as irritated as she felt. “I’m up to my eye balls in work and I wouldn’t be good company.”
“Are you avoiding that place?” Erin asked.
“No!” The woman had too much time on her hands. Not a day went by when Erin didn’t suggest they go to The Oasis. Kay regretted introducing her work colleagues to a place she was now desperate to forget about, like its owner.
“One drink.”
Kay put down her pen and massaged her temples, slowly thinking about it. “Remington’s on my back, the client’s on my back. Geoffrey’s being a jerk—”
“What’s his problem now?”
“Don’t ask.”
“Just look at you, Kay. You’re so stressed out you’re going to have a breakdown if you’re not careful. I bet your boyfriend isn’t too happy that you spend so much time working.”
“He knows the score.” She wasn’t about to let Erin know of her personal troubles.
“Why’s Geoffrey being a jerk?”
