Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 48187 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48187 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
Dad has been home for two days, but I can’t bring myself to tell him what’s wrong with me. He’s off having dinner with Landon. I want to tell him, but I can’t break his heart again. He was so broken when Mom died.
My tears soak my pillow as I cry silently. I notice several texts from Daniel, but I don’t have the energy to respond. I already feel horrible for missing dinner with his mom because of my issues. When I hear the garage door opening, I drag myself out of bed and pad downstairs. Landon and Dad are playfully swatting at each other in the middle of the kitchen. They look similar—both tall and handsome. Smiling.
I should go.
Not kill the mood.
But it’s too late.
“Hey, sleepyhead,” Landon says, thrusting a bag my way. “We brought you a burger and fries from Sandy’s. Your favorites.” He waggles his brows at me.
While Landon is amused, Dad’s smile has fallen as he inspects me with intense scrutiny.
“I’m actually going to heat up some chicken and vegetables,” I mutter. Last night, Daniel cooked me a healthy meal that fits within my new dietary restrictions. I brought leftovers home with me.
“Are you sick?” Landon jokes. “Since when do you turn down Sandy’s?”
I flinch at the word sick. Dad’s gaze narrows.
“Honey, come here,” Dad orders, holding his arms open.
It’s then, I break.
At first it was a crack and then I just shatter. Right at his feet. On the kitchen floor with my brother watching in horror. I collapse to the floor, my emotion consuming me like a savage tidal wave of grief. I’m drowning in it.
Strong warm arms envelope me. I’m pulled into my dad’s embrace as my brother takes my hand. I’m choking on my tears, the words unable to find their way out.
“Talk to me, baby girl,” Dad pleads. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
“Yeah, who do we need to beat up?” Landon growls.
I tremble in their arms. “I’m s-so sorry, Daddy,” I sob. “I’m s-sorry.”
“Shhh,” Dad says, stroking my hair. “Tell me what’s wrong so I can fix it.”
But he can’t fix this.
“Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease,” I blurt out.
He tenses, but then kisses my head. “How do you know this?”
I cling to him, crying. “I went to the ER and c-confirmed my s-suspicions. I still need to see a specialist, but my kidneys are a mess.”
Dad scoops me up and carries me into the living room. We sit on the couch and Landon drops on my other side. When I look at my brother, I see that he’s crying too. And that makes me cry harder.
Landon squeezes my hand. “Is this why you’ve been sick for months and months?”
“I don’t want to die,” I tell them, quaking with emotion.
Dad’s body shakes as he cries, but he quickly composes himself. His voice is gruff and firm. “I won’t let that happen.”
“But Mom,” I argue.
“Your mother went years and years ignoring her body until it was too late.” He kisses my hair. “And while you tried to keep it from us, because you’re just like her, it’s out now. We can work toward keeping you healthy. No more secrets, baby girl. From here on out, I want to be apprised of everything. I’ll go to all your appointments.”
“I guess it helps I’m dating a doctor too,” I blurt out.
Dad stiffens, pulling away. His eyes are bloodshot from crying and his cheeks are wet, but anger flickers in his dark blues. “A doctor?”
“The hot ER doctor Winter is always rambling about?” Landon offers.
I sometimes forget his girlfriend is best friends with Winter, who basically introduced me to Daniel when she brought me into the ER that day.
“Yeah, Dr. Venable. His name is Daniel.”
“Daniel Venable?” Dad hisses. “I know him.”
“You do?”
“Well, I know of him. We have mutual friends. Lauren, he’s my age,” Dad growls. “What the hell?”
My spine straightens and I pin Dad with a firm glare. “Don’t start. Not now. He’s kind and caring. Not some monster trying to seduce away your little girl. I’m eighteen and can make my own decisions about who I date.”
He opens his mouth to speak when someone knocks on the front door.
Oh crap.
Daniel had been texting me and I blew it off, which means…
He’s here.
“I’ll get it,” Landon says, hopping up and running off.
A moment later, Daniel strides in still wearing scrubs and a tired expression. When he sees me, he rushes over to us, dropping into the spot Landon vacated beside me.
“I’ve been texting and calling you. I was worried sick,” Daniel chides, grabbing both my hands in his. “How are you feeling?”
Dad practically thrums with fury beside me.
“Fine,” I lie. “Uh, Daniel, meet my dad, Teddy. Dad, this is my boyfriend.”
Daniel’s eyes scrutinize me for a second before he darts his attention to my dad.
“Mr. Englewood,” Daniel says, his voice polite but strained with worry. “It’s nice to meet you.” He offers his hand and Dad reluctantly shakes it.