Page 44 of End Of Never

Haley looks over at Hayden and scrunches her nose while shaking her head, “The loud one was Hayden.” Hayden places his arm on the back of her chair and smiles.

“Most definitely. We’re just hanging out, getting to know each other.” Hayden winks at Haley, making her blush.

I can’t help but laugh, “Seems like you know each other really well.” Lilla and I look at each other, laughing. Haley and Hayden finish their cocktail, while I pay our bill.

Hayden goes to comment on just how well when his phone rings. “Hello.” His face drops, and his eyes quickly lock on me. The cheerful demeanor fades swiftly as he nods, “On our way.” He stands from the table, “My dad fell, the ambulance is there now.” We all jump from the table and follow him out.

Arriving at Mr. Wilder’s house, the four of us run inside, straight to the back bedroom, where my co-worker assesses him. “Hey man, what's the word?”

Hayden rushes over to his dad, while Haley and Lilla stand in the hallway. “It could have been a lot worse. He fell trying to get to the bathroom, and he only suffered soft tissue damage. There will be some bruising, and his hip is sore, but his range of motion is full. He is refusing to go to the hospital tonight, but he will need to be evaluated by a doctor to make sure he doesn’t have a fracture. He called because he couldn’t get up.”

Hayden chimes in, “His bones are fragile from the cancer; he’s gotten pretty weak.” Haley walks over.

“I think it’s time Mr. Wilder got some 24/7 care.” Hayden shakes his head, and I follow Cody out.

“Thanks, man, I’ll take care of him tonight, and make sure nothing sets in. I’ll see you tomorrow on shift.” Cody says goodbye and heads out.

Mr. Wilder is back in bed and asleep. The four of us sit in the living room, and Hayden’s hands are around his face. “I can’t afford 24/7 care, and his insurance isn’t going to pay for it.” A big sigh falls from his tense frame.

Lilla leans forward, placing her hand on Jace’s shoulder, “We can all help.”

Hayden looks up at me, “He’ll lose his mind. He called the fire station because he didn’t want to disturb date night.” I lean back, running my hand through my hair.

“Let's all get some rest, and we can talk to him about it in the morning. But Hay, you're not doing this alone.”

He nods his head and grabs Haley’s hand. “You guys can have the guest room to the right, and we will take my old room.”

In the morning, I wake up to Lilla sitting on the edge of the bed, running her fingers through my hair, with a cup of coffee in bed. “Hey, handsome. I brought you coffee. We’re making breakfast.” I sit up, wrapping my arm around her, giving her a gentle squeeze.

“I can’t believe I slept in. I guess I just need my energy to be high for when I get you home, because that dress killed me last night.” I kiss her shoulder and take the coffee.

“Let’s go have the talk, then we can go home.” She grabs my hand, leading us into the kitchen, where everyone is seated around the table.

After everyone grabs food, Hayden starts, “Well, Pops. I think it’s time we get you the care you need, and between the four of us, we can make it work. I looked into a home aid this morning, calling the clinic and insurance, and they won't cover a 24/7 care, but they will come by if needed for meds and check-ins.” Mr. Wilder shakes his head.

“No way. I don’t want any of you worrying about me, and I won’t allow any of ya to take care of me. You have lives to live, I won’t allow it.” Heartbreak etches across his firm face.

Haley reaches over the table and grabs his hand, “Mr. Wilder. What if I do it? I am a nurse after all. I have no problem leaving my job and working for you. You can pay whatever your insurance will allow. Honestly, you’d be helping me out. I’ve been wanting to go back to school for my APRN license.” We all look at Haley. “I’m serious, Hayden can take my place if he wants, and I’ll move in here… I’ll save on rent and get to go back to school, and I won’t even do it for free. What do you say?” He smiles at Haley.

“Sweetheart, you aren't going to let me tell you no, are you?” He places his hand on top of hers.

“Not a chance, honey.” She looks over at Hayden, who has a small tear in his eye, “All set. Looks like we have more moving to do.” She winks at Lilla and me.

Mr. Wilder stands up slowly, “Lilla sweetie, can you take me to the restroom, please?” Lilla stands up and helps Mr. Wilder out of his chair.

We watch as they slowly glide down the hallway. Hayden turns to Haley, “Are you sure you want to do this? It will be a massive pay cut, and I would never ask you to do this.” She kisses his cheek, then stands.

“You didn’t ask, I offered, and I don’t do anything I don’t want to do.” She looks at me and back at Hayden, “Well…” Then winks, making Hayden chuckle.

Haley starts cleaning up from breakfast, “You got a good one, Hay.”

He watches her, “Yeah, I just gotta figure out how to make her mine.” He jumps up to help his dad to his recliner.

Getting home, we don’t even stop to give Zeus the love he deserves. This sweet boy can wait for his daddy to get the love he has been waiting for.

Lilla goes into the bathroom, and when her dress hits her ankles, all the blood rushes straight to my midsection. “Let’s shower quickly, baby.” She jumps in, and I follow behind her, both stepping under the water, washing away the long night.

The water cascades down her beautiful body, running over every curve. Lathering up the sponge, I move it along her body, watching as the bubbles roll down her curves. Once I finish washing her backside, she turns to face me. Her perky, round breasts draw attention. As I lift my arm, I slowly touch each one, taking my time and enjoying how the touch makes them hard. Goosebumps begin to dance with her freckles. Her hands slide up my sides and around my stomach, making me flex on contact.