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“Kylie’s kidneys are failing.” His voice trembles as he blurts out the words in the quietness that surrounds us. “She needs a transplant.”
For the second time in a matter of minutes, my feet stutter to a stop before I slowly turn back to face him. A sheen of moisture coats his eyes and his bottom lip quivers, even though he’s trying desperately to rein in his emotions.
His words echo in my head as the realization slams into me like a sledgehammer. “That’s the reason you’ve been trying so hard to get ahold of me.”
Oh my god, I’m such an idiot. Anguish rushes through my veins, filling every conceivable space. And here I didn’t think it was possible for him to wound me any more than he already had.
Joke’s on me.
When he remains silent, my voice escalates. “It wasn’t out of some burning need to reignite our fractured relationship, was it?” I shake my head as resentment boils up inside me. “It’s because your daughter needs a transplant. And you think I can help with that.”
“Kylie’s your sister.” Wetness fills his eyes.
I shake my head. “No, she’s not. I don’t know her, and I’ve never been a part of her life.” There’s a pause. “You made sure of that.”
He glances away before swiping at a tear that slowly treks down his cheek.
“Please, Lola.” He takes a hesitant step in my direction. “I realize that I’ve fucked up, but please don’t make Kylie pay the price for my mistakes.” His voice dips, turning desperate. “Do you want money? Is that what you need?”
My mouth tumbles open as my eyes widen. I couldn’t be more stunned if he reached out and slapped me.
Money?
Is he really offering me cash for my kidney?
A growl works its way up from my throat before bursting free. “I don’t want or need anything from you.”
Not anymore.
Not ever.
“I’m sorry.” The misery that flashes across his face does nothing for me. “I just thought—”
“You thought wrong,” I bite out.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. We’re desperate. Her health is failing and we’re out of options.”
He wouldn’t be here, begging me for help if that weren’t the case.
I’m his last resort.
An afterthought.
Which sums up our non-existent relationship perfectly.
“I’ll think about it.” When he opens his mouth to argue, my eyes narrow. “That’s the best I can do. Feel free to take it or leave it.”
His shoulders collapse as if a heavy weight is forcing them to the earth. He jerks his head into a tight nod as a flicker of hope ignites in his eyes. “All you need to do is get tested. That’s it.”
That’s it he says.
Ha!
“When I’ve made a decision, I’ll be in contact.”
Unwilling to be in his presence for another second, I swing away.
“Lola,” he calls out desperately.
I stiffen, refusing to turn and meet his gaze again. “What?”
“Just know that time is of the essence.”
“Noted.”
Not bothering to say goodbye, I retrace my steps to the library, planning to take a different path to the athletic center parking lot. I don’t get more than six steps when strong fingers wrap around my upper arms, halting me in my tracks. There is so much emotion whipping through my body that I don’t realize tears sting my eyes until I meet the gaze of the person holding me.
14
ASHER
My gut clenches as I search Lola’s face and find wetness shimmering in her eyes. I have no idea what happened in the ten or fifteen minutes since she took off, but I’m going to damn well find out. I glance at the older dude loitering on the walking path. As soon as we make eye contact, he swings around and hurries away. My eyes narrow before I pull her against my chest and wrap my arms protectively around her.
“Who the hell was that?”
“Tony.” Her voice is barely more than a whisper.
Her father?
The one she referred to as a sperm donor?
My gaze tracks his movements until he turns the corner of a building and disappears. “Why is he here on campus?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
Unwilling to let her go, I press her thin body closer. “Whatever he said obviously upset you. You’re crying.”
“No, I’m not. Crying is weak and pointless.”
I blink, surprised by the hardness that fills her voice. “My mistake,” I say carefully.
She sucks in a shuddering breath as I stroke my fingers up and down the long line of her spine through the jacket she’s wearing.
“I need to get out of here.”
“All right, let’s go. Want to grab something to eat?”
She pulls away enough to search my eyes. There might have been tears shining in them moments ago, but they’re now long gone. “No, I’m not hungry.”
“When was the last time you ate a meal?”
Her brow furrows and I can almost see her mentally sifting through her brain for an answer. “I had a bowl of cereal before I left the house this morning.”
