“It was nothing,” I responded.

“Thank you,” she said, giving me a big hug.

“You don’t have to say that,” I said.

“I know I don’t have to, but I want to.”

She looked at me a moment.

“You’re worried about us. But you’re not looking quite so bright-eyed and bushy tailed yourself,” she said.

“Thanks, Mommy.”

She chuckled. “I think we’re all right. You go home and get some rest,” she said.

“I’m a phone call away if you need me,” I said.

“I know,” she responded.

I kissed my father and then left.

Tried not to think about what it meant that all I wanted was Elias.

Nineteen

NINETEEN

Elias

“Something smells good,” Kayla said as she slipped into the kitchen.

“I hope so,” I responded, keeping my attention focused on the stove.

But still heard her as she moved, first washing her hands and then grabbing something to drink out of the refrigerator.

“You need help?” she asked.

“No. Just have a seat. Tell me how things went today,” I said.

I heard her circle the counter and sit at the bar chairs in the kitchen.

But she didn’t say anything.

It had been a few weeks since her father’s heart attack, and she’d spent pretty much every day with her family.

But getting her to talk about it with me was like pulling teeth.

I took my eyes off the stove for a moment, then looked at Kayla.

Felt that squeeze in my chest that was becoming more familiar and more intense.

“It’s all right, Kayla,” I said.

“I know how you feel about him,” she responded in protest.

She clearly didn’t know how I felt about her, though, but I didn’t say that.

“My feelings here are irrelevant. This shit is stressful, and you need an outlet. So I’m listening,” I said.

Sizzling on the stove took my attention, so I looked away quickly, but as soon as I could, I looked back at her again, sure that my expression made it clear I wouldn’t accept no for an answer.

She let out a sigh, though I knew this one wasn’t directed at me.

“He’s doing a lot better. The cardiologist says that the damage was relatively minimal. He’s well on his way toward full recovery, and when he makes a couple of lifestyle changes, he should be fine,” she said.

“I hear the but, so what is it?” I said.

“He won’t listen. He’s already talking about going back to work. He needs to rest,” Kayla said.