Page 75 of The Leaves In Autumn
“K. Be there soon.”
“No need.”
“We’re coming.”
“Who’s we?”
“Just me and Sam.”
“Okay. See you there.”
“The boys are coming.”
“Oh, that’s nice.”
Now’s a good a time as any. I go for it.
“Listen, I have an idea.”
She turns to me.
“Just one?”
“No,” I say chuckling.
“Sorry. Continue.”
“Your birthday’s coming up. On the first of September, right?”
“Yes. I’m surprised you remember the date.”
“I asked your sister.”
She looks surprised. Layla must not have shared that.
“I want to throw you a party. Like you did me. And with you leaving soon, it seems like we should acknowledge it somehow. What do you think?”
“I don’t hate the idea.”
“Good. It’s going to be an all-day affair, so pencil me in.”
Her smile. It kills me.
St. Vincent’s Hospital right lane.
“Good. Okay. We’re almost there,” Barbra says.
“Hope emergency isn’t crowded.”
“This time of night, we should be good.”
I follow the prompts to the Emergency Room and look for a space to park.
“What the hell? Why are there so many cars?”
“I don’t know. Maybe some of the employees park here at night.”
“There’s one!”
