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When they entered the lobby, the clerk stood at the counter. He offered a genuine smile and asked if they needed any help. “Actually.” Kent stopped in the lobby. “We’d like to order from McDonald’s. Is there one near us that’s still open?”
The clerk nodded and wrote down the address. “All the food apps will deliver, and if not, let me know and I’ll arrange with the concierge to get it.”
Kent assured him that wasn’t necessary but thanked him for his generosity. They continued on to the elevator, and Palmer pressed the button for their floor. “He seems nice.”
“He’s outstanding,” Kent said. “We’re going to leave him a very nice review. He went above and beyond.”
“How so?”
“You’ll see.” Kent hit the button for the top floor and waited next to the chair. “So, nuggets? Anything else?”
“Maybe a cheeseburger.”
Kent fist pumped and shouted “Yes!” with so much enthusiasm that he startled Palmer. “Sorry,” he muttered. “I’m excited.”
Palmer gave him a dirty look. “I think you’re tired.”
She had no idea. “Nothing a nap won’t cure.” He needed about ten hours, but he’d hold off as long as possible if it meant spending time with her.
The elevator doors opened, and he pushed her toward their room. After swiping the key card, Palmer opened the door. Kent secretly loved how she tried to keep as much independence as possible. She might have been slowly dying, but her spirit wasn’t. It was going to take death to dim her shining light.
“What in the banana sundae is going on here?”
Kent stood behind her, speechless. They had a view of the Mall and could see the Capitol. “Wow.”
“How much did this cost us?”
“It’s free,” he muttered.
Palmer stood, turned, and placed her hands on her hips. “Say what?”
Kent nodded and moved the wheelchair off to the side. He took her hand and led her over to the window. The lights from the Mall and the monuments cast the perfect glow into the night sky. “The clerk and I had a conversation about bucket lists, and I told him not to wait to do his. I also told him what we’re doing and why. He comped this room for us.”
“I don’t want to use this”—she pointed to her head—“to get free stuff.”
Kent looked at her. “I know you don’t. It wasn’t my intention. It would’ve been rude to tell him no.”
Palmer sighed and nodded. “I know. Remind me to thank him.”
“I will.”
Kent left her at the window to go back downstairs and retrieve their luggage. He placed an order for their food, grabbed their bags, and headed back to the room. He fully expected to find her in the same spot, but she wasn’t there.
“Palmer?”
“In here,” she called out. He searched for her, with his arms still full, and found her sitting on the edge of the tub with water coming out of the faucet. “I’ve never been in a jetted tub before.”
“And you thought now was the time to take a bath?”
Palmer beamed. “I’m awake.”
“Are you still hungry?”
“I am.”
He wouldn’t argue. “There’s only one bed,” he said. “At least it’s a king.” Kent went into the bedroom and set their stuff down. He unpacked his clothes and put them in one half of the dresser, and made a dirty pile. They would do their washing tomorrow and forgo some sightseeing. Palmer came into the room and sat on the edge of the bed.
“Your tub will overflow if you don’t watch it.”
“I’ll be quick,” she said. “Can I use your phone?”
He checked the delivery time on their food order and handed his phone to her without question.
“I want to email my aunt or sister—whoever she might be.”
“I think that’s a great idea.” He went into the bathroom and shut off the water. It was fuller than it needed to be, and he was thankful she hadn’t seen the bubble bath, or they’d have issues on their hands.
“Our food should be here soon.”
Palmer gave Kent his phone. “I hope I get a fun toy.”
He laughed and wondered if she’d ever had a Happy Meal before. “You should go get into the bath before the water cools.”
She looked surprised, and he suspected she’d forgotten about filling the tub. Forgetfulness was another side effect they’d have to deal with as the tumor progressed. Kent pulled up a music app on his phone and handed it to her.
“Play some music while you’re in there.”
“Okay,” she said, taking his phone again. “Aren’t you going to ask about my email?”
He sat down next to her and rubbed his hands down his legs. “If you want to tell me, then yes, but I don’t want to pry.”
Palmer bumped her shoulder into his arm. “You’re not prying. I feel like this is as much your journey as mine, and besides, you’ll end up meeting whoever it is.” Kent nodded, and she continued. “I introduced myself and told them I’d recently done a test, although that was a lie, and said I’m interested in meeting members of my family.” She paused. “I thought about going into the whole foster care thing, but it’s hard to write about sometimes.”
