Page 96 of What Should Have Been Ours

He scowls. “Not everything needs to be dissected, Cam.”

“Sure,” I say, not convinced. “Hmm, it’s different with her, huh?”

Wes hesitates. Then, finally, he exhales, shaking his head. “Maybe.”

He doesn’t say anything else, but he doesn’t need to. I see it.

I’ve never seen any woman keep his attention like this. I’m weirdly happy for them even if they won’t admit anything is happening between them. They’ll get there eventually. Hopefully. I want to see my best friend happy. I want him to have someone. Especially…you know, if I won’t always be around. It’s been just the two of us for so long now. I need him to be okay if I don’t get better this time.

I smirk. “It’s about time you man up and leave those commitment issues behind.”

Wes scoffs. “Please, those issues are still alive and well.”

Just then, the door opens, and Gabrielle steps back inside.

“I’m heading home for a bit,” she says, brushing her fingers lightly over my arm. “Your parents just called me. They’re on their way, so I should be back around the same time that they get here.”

I nod. “Okay.”

Wes stands, stretching. “I’ll walk her out.”

I narrow my eyes. “Alright, man. Keep the flirting with my girl to a minimum on your way out.”

Wes grins. “Can’t make any promises.”

Gabrielle rolls her eyes, kissing my forehead before following him out.

And then I’m alone again.

For the first time in hours, the room is quiet, and I let myself relax a little. Not having to put on the mask for everyone around me.

I can be not okay for a moment and not have anyone trying to fix that.

37

Gabrielle

I’m going through the motions at work this morning, but my mind is nowhere near the exam room I’m standing in.

Lately, I’ve been able to fake it pretty well. Smile through the routine check-ups and keep my focus on the animals in front of me. But today? I feel like I’m just going through all of the steps on autopilot. My hands work, and my voice moves, but my heart is somewhere else, somewhere in a hospital room across the city.

I glance at my phone between appointments, scrolling through the texts from Cam’s mom.

Gabrielle: How’s everything going today?

Cam’s Mom: Rough day. The chemo hit harder today. Fever, nausea, and body aches. He’s trying to rest.

My stomach tightens with sympathy pain as I respond.

Gabrielle: I’m heading there soon.

Slipping my phone away, I swallow down the lump forming in my throat and force myself to move on with the next patient.

Just two more appointments. Then I can leave.

I must not hide it as well as I think because as soon as I step back into the break room, Kinsley is there, arms crossed, head tilted, giving me a pointed look.

“What’s wrong?” she asks, even though she already knows.