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“You and Emma are more similar than you realize.” His lip curls in a small grin.
I stare at him, wondering what he means by that. Of course, William only tells me what he wants me to know. He’s been like that since high school.
“I was going to press her about it because I’m worried about her. But she scampered away before I could.”
He nods. “Do you mind if I sit?” He gestures toward the ottoman.
I’m momentarily surprised, but I recover quickly. “No, please do.”
“Thanks.” He grabs the ottoman, carrying it closer to my bed, then straddles it.
Did William freaking Anderson just say thanks?What is happening here?
My attention shifts from Emma’s health issues to focusing on William. Biting my lip, worry courses through me as I study his demeanor.Emma’s right. He doesn’t seem like himself.
“So tell me about Emma? Anything else you noticed lately?” He leans forward, listening intently, his face tight from his concern.
This side of him is unexpected, yet endearing.
Clearing my throat, I think about the time she and I have spent together recently. “She has these occasional bouts of shakiness, where her hands tremor. She tries to distract me whenever I notice, turning the conversation around and fussing over me.” I shake my head, an endearing grin pulling at my lips. “I also think she seems a bit paler than normal. I’ve noticed she’s been drinking more water, which is a good thing, but I get the sense that… she’s not quenching her thirst, despite drinking more. If that makes sense.”
William nods thoughtfully. “Very astute observations. I’ve been a bit distracted lately, but I’ve noticed some of that as well.” He hesitates, his gaze dropping to his hands. “She does the same thing to me—deflects the conversation.” He shakes his head. “That’s my Emma. Always worried about others more than she worries about herself.” His head lowers and he stares at the carpet, looking lost.
I watch him for a few beats, seeing real emotion seeping from him. I shift on the bed, turning to face him, my hand wrapping around his forearm. “Will?”
He keeps his head down for a couple of minutes, then finally looks at me, tears shimmering on his face. I was going to ask if I could hug him, but seeing him like this… I simply lean forward, wrapping my arms around him.
His response is instantaneous, his arms sliding around me, pulling me against him, hugging me hard. So hard it nearly takes the breath from my lungs. He sniffs and I feel his tears soaking through my shirt.
But I don’t care. He seems like he really needs comfort and support right now.
When he releases me, I grab the box of tissues from the nightstand, handing it to him. He gives me a weak smile, grabs some tissues, and starts cleaning up his face. “Thank you for that.” He gestures back and forth between us.
Nodding, I say, “You’re welcome.”
I give him a few moments to compose himself, biding my time. I didn’t plan to hug him so I could ask about Max, yet I know he’ll perceive it that way if I do.
He stands, throws the tissues in the trash, then returns to the ottoman.
Choosing a safer subject, I say, “Have you heard anything from the doctor about Emma’s test results?”
He nods, defeat lining his face. “That’s why I wasn’t around much yesterday. I actually stayed in my office most of the day, drinking scotch.”
I raise my eyebrows. “You drink?”
He chuckles. “Rarely. It makes me feel like shit, but in this case, it was warranted. Drinking couldn’t have made me feel worse so...” He gives a slight shrug.
“Do you mind telling me what the doctor said? Is she…” I pause, swallowing hard. My voice cracks. “Will she be okay?”
William releases a long sigh, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not certain.” His hands move to his lap and he stares at them a few beats before he raises his head, his gaze locking on mine. “She has cancer.”
My body sags, my shoulders slumping. I bite my quivering lip, trying not to cry.
William leans forward, grabbing my hand and squeezing gently. “I’m going to make sure she gets the best treatments available. I told her son, Bryan, who works for me, that I’d take care of all expenses.”
“That’s really sweet of you.” I know my face registers my shock. Cancer is expensive and for him to take care of all expenses…
He shrugs modestly. “It’s the least I can do for her—and him. They’ve become my family.”
