Sam rolled her eyes and plopped down in a seat across from him, picking up a magazine and pretending to read it. “I don’t know who you’re talking about.”
Joe scoffed beside Jake, and crossed his arms, one eyebrow cocked as he eyed his daughter. “Even I know who he’s talking about.”
Jake and Deb chuckled, and Sam lifted the magazine higher, shielding her face.
“Don’t you want to know what he said?” Jake asked teasingly.
“Not particularly.” She hissed.
“I do.” Joe said and nudged Jake, playing along.
“He said he has to stay at the shop, so he won’t be here in time for them to pump me with chemicals, But for me not to worry. As soon as he gets off he’s heading straight here to entertain me and make you squirm.” Jake grinned like a banshee.
“I always liked that boy.” Joe said and then Sam dropped the magazine on her lap and scowled at him.
“So much for daddy’s little girl.” She grumbled.
“You guys got room for one more?” The four of them turned around and stared up at Luke, who was still in his work clothes and covered in grease, he actually had a monkey wrench falling out of the pocket of his jeans. Jake grinned up at him and Luke winked at him before bending down and kissing their mother.
“Where’s my grandbaby?” Deb asked him.
“She’s going to go to a friend’s house after school.” He looked back at Jake. “Heads up.”
Jake held out his hands and his brother threw a Snickers bar into them. “I won’t tell if you don’t.”
“My savior.” Jake smiled and tucked the treat into the front pocket of his T-shirt.
“Jake Lanza?” They heard the nurse call his name and they all turned to her. She was an older woman, Jake figured to be his mother’s age. She smiled at him warmly. Jake just stared at her for a moment, taking a deep breath. The first step is the longest stride, he told himself. He rubbed his sweaty palms down his thighs and stood up. His parents followed suit, and he swallowed as his mother’s arms enveloped him.
“Do you want me to come in with you?” She said hugging him so tight, that he would’ve sworn she crushed his ribs, he didn’t dare complain and hugged her back with just as much vigor.
“No, someone has to keep this guy in line.” He said and motioned behind him to his father. He pulled out of the embrace and his mother kissed his cheeks repeatedly. He turned to his father. Joe gripped his shoulders firmly and looked him in the eye.
“Be the fighter, I know you are.” Jake couldn’t find his voice, too consumed by the emotion in his father’s voice. He nodded instead and then his father leaned in and kissed his forehead. “I love you, son.” He embraced him and patted him on the back, pulling back quickly. Emotion wasn’t something Joe Lanza dealt with and he was on the verge of tears so he pulled away and stepped away, reigning himself in.
“Jake!” He closed his eyes, at the sound of her voice before turning abruptly. Cara was running down the corridor. He knew she’d come, he just hoped she’d get there before he actually went in. She skidded to a stop in front of him and threw her arms around him. “I’m sorry I’m late, I had to stop off and pick these up.” She held up a bag as she withdrew from his arms. She smiled at him and pressed her lips softly against his. “Hi baby.”
It was amazing, what she did for him. That just her voice gave him the courage he needed to beat this. It still boggled his mind that he had actually contemplated not telling her about his condition. The truth was without her in his corner, he didn’t think he’d be able to do it.
“What’s in the bag?” He asked as he smiled at her, all the anxiety and fear draining from him as he took in her face. Her eyes glanced down at her shirt, his followed. She was wearing a shirt just like she had the night they went to the track, the one that read “Team Jake” only this one read the same words in bold lime green print. He stared at her shirt, and figured he probably looked as if he was ogling her breasts, alright so maybe he was, but he was multitasking. She never failed to amaze him. He looked up at her as she pulled something out of the shopping bag. It was a baseball cap, and she fitted it to his head tugging on the rim. The words matched her shirt on the rim of the hat.
“Perfect!” She grinned and looked around at the family. “There is a shirt for all you.” Sam took the bag and immediately began to disperse the shirts.
Jake took her hands and pulled her to the side. He turned the hat that was on top of his head around and leaned down to press his lips softly against hers. “I love you.” He murmured against her soft, delectable lips.