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She was right, but damn, this was not going to be easy.
I was facing the loss of my dad, dealing with my mom, and making amends with my two best friends, one of whom I likely hurt deeply.
I knew I had to do it.
I also knew it was going to hurt like hell.
I wouldn’t blame Grace for not forgiving me. Duncan too. He’d likely heard all about it, and even if he hadn’t, I had avoided his calls as well for four years. That was no way to treat a friend.
“I thought I was protecting someone, Rachel… but now, I’m not so sure.”
“I think the best way to be sure is to talk to them.”
Talk to Grace. Apologize. Rachel was right again.
“Alright, I guess… reschedule my meetings for next week, and can you book me a flight to Denver?”
“Of course, boss,” Rachel said, offering me a small smile that said she knew her words had sunken in.
Chapter 2
Grace
I bit my lip as I waited for my boss to pick up the phone. My son, Oliver, was sleeping on the couch. His fever was still high, with no sign of going down. There was no way I could go into work. Not only because daycare wouldn’t take him with a fever, but also because of his health conditions. He needed to see a doctor, and he needed his mom today.
“Doctor Roger’s office.”
“Hey, Stephanie, can I talk to Doc Rogers, please?”
“Is that you, Grace?”
I sighed and closed my eyes, nodding even though she couldn’t see it over the phone. “Yes, sorry. Yeah, it’s me.”
She was so used to me calling in these days, she recognized my voice right away. How sad was that?
“Okay, I’ll get the doctor. Just one second.”
“Thanks, Stephanie.”
I was on hold for a while, likely because I was catching the doctor between appointments. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he answered.
“Hello Grace.” His voice already sounded defeated, like he knew the reason I was calling.
“Hi there. I’m so sorry to be calling, but Ollie is sick. He’s running a fever, and—”
“And you need to take the afternoon off?”
“Yes, please.”
He let out a sigh. “Listen, Grace… I know you’re dealing with a lot. I know about Ollie’s health condition, and I feel for you. But we are incredibly short staffed since Katie went on maternity leave and Louise retired. You were the only one scheduled, and I don’t think I can get Pamela in on short notice again.”
“I know, I’m sorry. I really don’t have any other choice.”
“You’re out of personal time, it will have to be unpaid.”
“I know, I know,” I said, clenching my eyes shut to prevent the tears from falling.
“Alright, I guess take the time off, and take care of Ollie. Keep me updated.”
