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“Kaitlin…”
“Last night was fun; we should never do it again.” With that she storms out of my house, leaving me standing there, feeling more alone than I have in a long time.
I run a hand through my hair, letting out a deep sigh. This isn’t going to be as easy as I’d thought. My phone buzzes on the kitchen counter, pulling me out of my thoughts. I see it’s a call from Lionel, an old friend. He works at a stem foundation, and I gave him the task of finding a donor for Kaitlin’s brother.
“Leonardo,” Lionel’s voice comes through the line, warm and familiar. “I’ve got good news.”
“Go on,” I say.
“We’ve found a donor for that girl’s brother,” he says. “It took some work, but we matched him with a compatible donor.”
“Perfect. How soon can you get it to him?”
“We’ll have to reach out to the hospital where he’s admitted, and we’ll work out the details.”
A surge of relief washes over me. This is exactly what Kaitlin needs right now. “I want it scheduled as soon as possible. Thank you. Make sure everything goes smoothly. I want the best care for him.”
“Of course,” Lionel replies. “We’ll take care of everything. You know you can count on me.”
“I know. I appreciate it,” I say sincerely. “And Lionel, thank you for doing this. I know it wasn’t easy.”
“Anything for you, Leo,” Lionel says. “You saved my ass more times than I can count. Consider this me returning the favor.”
We end the call, and I stand there for a moment, processing everything. Knowing that Kaitlin’s brother will get the help he needs lifts a weight off my shoulders.
As I sit in the kitchen, finishing my second cup of coffee, my phone buzzes again. I glance at the screen and see my sister’s name flashing. A small smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. Lucia and I’ve always been close, especially since our relationship with our parents has always been strained.
“Hey, Lucia,” I answer, my tone softening.
“Leo! It’s about time you answered,” she chides playfully. “I’ve been trying to reach you for days.”
“I’m sorry, I’ve been busy,” I reply, a touch of weariness in my voice. “You know how it is.”
“I know, I know. But you better not be too busy for your sister.” Her tone is light but serious.
“True,” I respond, nodding even though she can’t see me. “How are the wedding preparations coming?”
She’s getting married to Donald, the CEO of a luxury goods company in Toronto. They’ve been dating for the past two years, and I have no doubt he truly loves her.
“Very well,” she responds. “I hope you won’t be too busy to attend?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I assure her. “I’ll be there, I promise.”
“You better be,” she says, her voice softening. “How’s the acquisition coming? Has Mark Barbeau caved yet?”
“Almost, I’m working on it.”
My family owns an oil refinery in Canada, Sinclair Energy Inc., where I serve as the CFO. We’re planning to expand our operations to New York, and once the deal is finalized, I'll lead the new company.
“I know you’re always swamped with work, but this is important to me. Please don’t miss my wedding, Leo. You’re the only family I have that I can count on.”
“I know, Lucia. I’ll be there,” I repeat, more firmly this time. “You have my word.”
There’s a brief pause on the line before she continues. “You know, I wish things were different with Mom and Dad.”
“Yeah, me too,” I admit, feeling a familiar pang of sadness. “But it is what it is.”
Our relationship with our parents has been distant for years. Ever since the incident that drove a wedge between us, our interactions have been limited to business discussions with my father. And obligatory birthday calls from my mother. Lucia has been my rock through it all, and I’ve been hers.
