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As much as Nick hated to admit it, she did seem perfectly happy there—at home—like he was on a soundstage in front of cameras and crew. He pulled back slightly. “I want what’s best for her, Sam.”
“I know you do. We all do. Especially now. She’s been through so much, and today was…grim.”
Nick stilled. “Why? What happened?”
“There were complications.”
Oh god, no. His heart dropped into his stomach.
“The tissue damage was worse than they’d thought, and Evie lost a lot of blood. She needed a transfusion.”
“Will she be okay?”
“Hopefully, but the surgeon said her recovery could be tough. University will have to wait. Evie needs to put all her energy into getting better.”
“Fuck.” Nick winced. “Poor Tigs. She’ll be gutted about uni.”
“Yeah, well, that’s not the only thing that has to take a back seat.” Sam rubbed his forehead. “Look Nick, with everything you’ve got going on, it’s…A LOT. I honestly think it’s too much for Evie. I know your heart’s in the right place, but maybe it’s time to…” Pressing his lips, Sam shrugged like he hoped Nick would fill in the blanks.
He narrowed his eyes. “To what?”
“Let Evie focus on Evie. She can’t be wrapped up in all your drama,” said Sam. “The next few weeks and months will determine whether she goes into remission. If she doesn’t, she could be in for years of pain and additional surgeries—life-changing surgeries. Is that what you want for her?”
A lump swelled in Nick’s throat. “Of course not.”
“Then fly to Japan, do your acting thing, and think hard about whether all this is really what’s best for her…and you, too.”
Wait—is he implying I should dump her?! Nausea rolled in Nick’s belly again. He tugged at his hair. “I-I can’t believe this. You want me to break up with her?!”
“I want what’s best for her.”
Nick shook his head. “Evie loves me…a-and she’d be fucking furious if she knew what you were suggesting.”
“I thought you said you’d do anything for her,” said Sam.
Nick glared, the sting of impending tears tormenting the back of his nose. “I would!” he snapped, his mind careening through memories of Evie laughing till she couldn’t breathe, playing with Ross at his gran’s, and singing loudly in the car.
Ultimately, he wanted good health and happiness for her—even if it meant they’d be apart. He swallowed, but the knot in his throat wouldn’t budge. I will do anything for her. He nodded sullenly. “I’ll leave tonight. I’ll give her more space, but only until she’s better.”
“You can’t tell her you were here,” said Sam. “Evie didn’t want you to know about today, and we should respect that. This drop-in will be our secret, okay?”
“What about Sunita?” Nick sniffed.
“Tell her”—Sam glanced into the empty cup in his hand—“I don’t know, you couldn’t get a last-minute flight up or something.”
“She’ll rip me a new one.”
“Better that than Evie thinking we betrayed her trust,” reasoned Sam.
Nick blinked back tears. “I guess…”
“So, we’re good?”
“Yeah, but on one condition.” Nick sniffed again. “Let me see her.”
“Nick—”
“Please, Sam,” he begged, his voice cracking. “I promise. I won’t wake her.”
