“And how is that going?”
“Good. Her disease sort of lets me pick up life with her at various spots. She doesn’t seem to realize how long I was gone or remember all of the terrible things I’ve done to her.”
More nodding. “And work?”
“It’s good. My feet are killing me. But the money is good. I’m hoping to save up enough to move to a better neighborhood eventually. I’d like to be closer to my grandmother. It takes more than forty-five minutes on a good day to get to her from uptown.”
“Have you been out socially?”
“No. But that cute guy in the suit asked me out the other day.”
“At the restaurant. The one who asked you out a few weeks ago?”
“He came in with some friends again.”
“And did you agree to go out with him?”
“No.”
“Why not? You said yourself that you thought he was handsome and seemed like a nice guy.”
“I’m not ready yet.”
“Because of Brody?”
“How am I supposed to start dating when I still love another man?”
“People do it all the time. You need to move on, Willow.”
“I know. I’m just not ready.”
“When will you be ready?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m seeing him tomorrow, though.”
“You are?” Dr. Kaplan sounded surprised.
“Don’t get excited. He doesn’t know yet.”
Her forehead creased.
“He visits Marlene every Tuesday. I’ve been avoiding going on that day so I wouldn’t see him.”
“But now you’re going?”
“Yes.”
“What changed?”
“I’m not sure.” That was a lie. Dr. Kaplan already knew all about my past, but I was embarrassed to admit how selfish I continued to be. Seeing Brody with his girlfriend had changed things. I needed to see for myself that there was no hope for us. Or I’d never be able to move on.
Chapter 24
Brody
“Salmon.” I nodded. Grouper had set up yellow caution cones barricading the section of the floor he was mopping in the main lobby. Snatching two of them, I jogged down the hall and set them four feet apart. “No touchdown pass, then the ball goes to my favorite nurse, Shannon.” I winked at Shannon, who shook her head while smiling. “Shannon wears scrubs with little football players on them on Sundays. Did you wear those this Sunday, Shannon?”
She chuckled. “Sure did. Had my matching dangling football earrings on, too.”
“See that? I’m thinking I shouldn’t even give you the chance to win this ball, old man. You got football earrings?”
“Just throw the ball already, damn it.” Grouper dropped the mop and jogged toward the cones.
For half a second, I considered pitching the ball over his head so he’d miss, then I remembered he’d probably spent Sunday playing checkers with Marlene while he rooted for my obnoxious ass. So I lobbed the ball for an easy catch instead.
“I still got it.” He fist-pumped as he walked back.
“Yeah, you got it, all right. Hemorrhoids, arthritis . . . ”
“Don’t remind me. Got those, too. Your day will come. And I can’t wait to see that pretty-boy face get some good age spots on it.”
I chuckled. “Marlene in her room or the day room?”
“I think she’s in her suite. Pretty little granddaughter of hers is keeping her company again this morning. I’m not going to have to referee anything in there, am I?”
Between the win on Sunday that moved us into first place and spending Monday night inside of Delilah celebrating, I’d thought nothing could ruin my mood. Fuck if I hadn’t been wrong.
I contemplated turning around and leaving. But it was Tuesday, the day I’d been spending here for years. Years when she hadn’t even give a shit whether her grandmother was alive. I was done letting her interfere with my life anymore.
At least this time, I was prepared to see her. Or at least I thought I was.
Willow turned around when the door opened, and my heart stopped beating. I hated her so much.
I hated her.
So damn much.
Yet when my heart started beating again, I couldn’t stop it from racing.
“Hi.” She smiled hesitantly, and those big eyes looked up from under long lashes.
I hate you.
I also hated that she was still as beautiful as ever.
I lifted my chin in her direction as my only response and walked over to Marlene. “How’s my favorite lady today?” I kissed her on the forehead.
“Brody. You’re just in time. Get a pad and paper.”
I furrowed my brow.
“Wheel of Fortune is about to start,” Willow explained. “Remember how the three of us used to—”
I looked her right in those big eyes. “I know when her shows are on. And we’re not doing this.”
Her bright face faltered. It should have made me feel better, but instead it did the opposite.
“You don’t want to play?” Marlene asked.