Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 81867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
But rather than a posh neighborhood, the driver of our car enters the parking lot of a three-story, red brick building.
“Where are we?” I ask.
“I figured you’d want to see your dad before anything,” Callum says, and I notice the sign that says Allegheny Advanced Care.
The surge of emotion that hits me is brutal, mostly because it speaks to the Callum I remember. Always so thoughtful. Right from that very first time we met when Joshua was acting like a jackass and Callum was so gallant. It’s one of the reasons I loved him so much. He always thought of me first.
Always protected me.
Took care of me.
Cherished me.
Until he didn’t when I needed it the most.
It’s a cold wave of water, reminding me that Callum hurt me. It’s utterly confusing since I was just suffused with warmth from his kindness. The push and pull of emotions where he’s concerned are jarring and I wish I could just let the past go.
I look at the beautiful building, which looks very new, the gorgeous landscaping in full summer bloom, and I know the inside is going to be as lovely. Callum took it upon himself to find this place for my father, charter a private jet, and foot the bill.
He expects not a damn thing from me and is doing all this to save me from a horrible life in which I was trapped.
Without thought or hesitation, I reach over and take his hand. I give it a squeeze and I hope he feels how deeply genuine my gratitude is when I smile at him. “Thank you. Yes, I very much would like to see him.”
Callum smiles back. “Good. I’m going to make a grocery store run while you visit him. Everything’s already set up inside… they’re expecting you. Right now, you’re the only approved person on his visitors’ list. I’d like you to add me, if you’re good with that.”
“Yes, of course.” And yeah, some gooey feelings swirl that he’d want to visit my dad too.
Callum exits the car and escorts me up to the door. He glances at his watch. “It’s almost four p.m. How about I pick you up at six? Does that give you enough time?”
“That’s plenty,” I assure him. While I’ll actively talk to my dad and move his arms and legs to help with his therapy, most visits, I just sit in silence with him. But I also want to walk around and check out the place and talk to the care staff.
Callum heads back to the vehicle and after I watch him pull away, I enter the facility that will be my dad’s new home for a while. I’m impressed by how lovely everything is. Nothing looks institutionalized with warm colors on the walls, muted lighting and beautiful art. I know that the décor is lost on many of the patients, especially those like my dad, but it feels like you’re in a home and not a hospital.
The assistant director of the facility is in and she greets me as if we’re old friends. I’m sure having the GM of the Titans make the arrangements ensured a bit of VIP treatment, but everyone we meet as I’m given a tour is genuinely kind and outgoing.
When she finally shows me to my dad’s room, I first check him to make sure he looks good, to see that he’s clean and resting peacefully whether his eyes are open or closed.
He looks good, lying in what appears to be a comfortable bed. Soft music pipes in from a Bluetooth speaker and his eyes are open, blinking periodically—his body’s natural reaction to keep his eyes moist.
“Hey, Daddy,” I murmur as I move to the side of the bed. The walls are a warm shade of gold and the light comes from a bedside table lamp along with windows that overlook an outdoor courtyard. It makes for a peaceful environment, not that my father notices.
I take his hand and start talking. “How are you liking your new home here in Pittsburgh? Did you see the city sort of explode before your eyes when you came through the Fort Pitt Tunnel? It’s like, boom! Mountain, then city. And the rivers are amazing. We’re really lucky that Callum was able to get you into this facility. It’s so nice. You remember Callum, right? Well, I’ll be staying with him for a while until the divorce from Joshua is finalized. I know you never really liked Joshua, so that should make you happy. I feel good about things…”
The assistant director backs out of the room, quietly shutting the door behind her.
I talk to my dad for a while, then I perform a set of arm and leg exercises to keep his atrophied muscles from tightening. I’m a pro at emptying a catheter bag and I have no problem cleaning my father, but a young aide comes in to introduce himself and cares for my dad’s needs while we chat.