Page 1

“Laney, why don’t you leave a little early? I know you have the next four days off. Why don’t you start your mini vacation now?”

The charge nurse, Rebecca, is my saving grace. I’ve been working for the past fourteen days straight. The summer flu season has hit the nursing staff hard this year, and I’ve been picking up shifts left and right trying to help everyone out. Being a nurse in the oncology ward is serious business. If you so much as have a sniffle you’re ordered to stay home until it passes. We don’t need to transfer any of our illnesses to the patients. The smallest cough can turn into a life and death situation.

“Thank you so much. You have no idea how much I need these next few days off. I could kiss you.”

“Now, don’t go kissing me, honey. Why don’t you go and kiss your boy toy a few times for me? That would make me happy.”

“I think I can do that. Thanks again. I’m outta here.”

I grab my purse and make a beeline towards the elevators, hoping my patients are still here when I get back. That’s the hardest part about my job. Being there for these people towards the end of their life, wanting to make it better for them. As much as you know the best outcome is for them to finally let go and meet their maker; the whole act is still a difficult one to get used to.

The next few days off are exactly what I need. First things first; I’m going to head over to Michael’s apartment and let him know that he has my undivided attention. My plans are simple; relax, have a few drinks, maybe get my man to give me one of his famous massages. And most importantly, have lots and lots of sex. These shifts have brought our intimate time together to a screeching halt. The sex is why I put up with the immaturity of a younger man—he always makes up for it in the bedroom.

Once I get to Michael’s, I let myself in. I swear to God, this man never locks his door. He seems to have no idea he doesn’t live in the best part of the city. Stepping into the living room, I hear faint pants and groans. “Yes, Michael, right there.” What the hell? My feet carry me to his bedroom door. The groans and whimpers are now more audible. “Slower Michael, yes…yes, right there. Suck baby, suck.” With a shaky hand, I turn the knob and slowly open the door. I see my boyfriend’s ass up in the air with his head down in between what looks like his neighbor’s legs. Her hands are running through his blond hair, her legs wrapped around his shoulders. “Yes Michael, yes, suck me, oh God! Fuck me with your tongue!”

“Yes, Michael, be sure to fuck her good because your days of fucking me are over.”

His head whips around, tongue still hanging out, meeting my glare. “Laney?”

I know Michael isn’t an incredibly smart guy, but I pray to the good Lord above that he isn’t dumb enough to follow me. My steps pick up speed and I reach my car. Throwing the door open, I quickly start the engine and pull away from his apartment complex. Some things just can’t be unseen and Michael’s ass up in the air, totally on display, is one of them.

There is only one thing I know to do. Call the best friend. “Stella?” She answers on the first ring. I don’t even give her the chance to say hello.

“What’s up, doll?”

“I’ve just found myself single.”

“Shut the front door!” The surprise in her voice is evident.

“Yeah, so true. I don’t like sharing my man with the neighborhood slut, so he had to go.”

“Does Brad have the girls?”

“Yes.”

“Then I have one word for you. Vegas baby!” She screams into the phone.

“That’s two words.”

“Shit girl, you get my point. Get your fine ass packing!”