AllFreeNovel
Share Us
For the next twenty minutes, I told Jake the whole story—about her surgeries, diagnosis, and the heart attack she’d had out in Utah.
“Damn. And there’s nothing they can do? She’s so young.”
“I’ve had consults with six doctors, world-class experts in their field. They all say her only shot is a heart transplant. But the wait is long, and the survival rate post-op is short for someone with her illness. When I made the appointment, I’d hoped Nora would be the one talking to the doctors, but she’s like Gram. She’s made the decision to enjoy the time she has left and not have any more surgeries or treatments.”
“Man…” Jake shook his head. “I’m really sorry. I knew you liked her a lot, and she and Gram seem really tight.”
I looked my brother in the eyes. “We’ve been seeing each other. I’m in love with her.”
“Oh fuck.”
We sat quietly for a few minutes. Jake needed time to let it all sink in, and I needed time to suck back my emotions.
“Anyway,” I said. “She’s blowing me off now. When we got back from Utah, she started pulling away. She thinks she doesn’t have much time, and she doesn’t want to hurt me. I’ve been giving her space because I’m afraid if I don’t, she’ll cut me off completely. But I don’t know how to handle things. I mean, if she’s right and she doesn’t…” I paused and swallowed. “If she doesn’t have much time, I want to spend what’s left with her.”
“So why the hell are you sitting here?”
“I just told you. I’m afraid if I push, she’ll close the door on me completely.”
“When was the last time you saw her?”
“Four days ago, when the car dropped her off at home. I tried to get her to come home with me. She’s still weak. But she wanted to go to her place. I called her the next morning, and she told me she was busy catching up on work. The next day it was a different excuse. The last two days she hasn’t even returned my calls.” I yanked at my hair from the root. “I’m going out of my fucking mind.”
“It sounds like she’s already closed the door. So what do you have to lose by pushing?”
He had a point. I nodded.
“You know what I think?”
“What?”
“You’re way smarter than me. You know the only answer here is to push. But you’re afraid that if you do, and she still doesn’t budge, it will be the end. Sitting here miserable, you don’t have to face that possibility. You can pretend it’s not over.”
Fuck. He was right. Of course I knew what I needed to do. I was just too chicken because I was afraid she’d confirm my worst fear—that it was over.
My brother watched my face and then smiled big. “You just figured out I’m right, didn’t you?”
“Shut up.”
He chuckled. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
My brother leaned forward. His face grew solemn. “I’m sorry, man. I was happy to see you actually interested in someone. If there’s anything at all I can do, just name it. I’ll step up with Gram more so you have time with Nora. You’re the golden grandchild and all, but I’m more entertaining anyway.”
“Thanks, Jake.”
On his way out, Jake stopped at the door. “Between Gram and Nora, it’s not going to be an easy road coming up.”
I nodded. “I know. But those two are worth every rough day coming, and then some.”
***
I stood outside Nora’s brownstone, looking at the names under the buzzers. Thankfully, Google knew where she lived, because I certainly hadn’t. The West Village brownstone seemed more fitting for her than my grandmother’s high rise.
Shaking my hands out, I took a few calming breaths. I’d always hatedthe drop-inand couldn’t remember ever doing it to someone in my adult years. But I’d called Nora twice more after my talk with my brother, and she’d left me no choice. I wasn’t even sure if she was home. Worse, I wasn’t confident that if she was, she’d let me in.
Nevertheless, I pressed the bell for 2D. A flood of adrenaline pumped through my veins as I waited.
“Hello?”
