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I sniffled and held the tears that threatened. “I love her too.”
He let me go and went to Edith, taking the seat I previously occupied. I quietly backed out of the room as his shoulders shook while he silently cried. I could only imagine how hard this was for him. I wondered where his fiancée was since this was when Austin needed support.
Marc was waiting for me in the hall and put his arm around my shoulders as he led me down the hall. We went to the cafeteria, but I couldn’t eat anything. I had a tight knot in my stomach.
“My father had cancer,” Marc said.
“Is he alright?”
“He died when I was nineteen. It was the worst time.”
“I’ve never had anyone close to me die. This will be the first.”
“Your parents are still alive? You never talk about them.”
“They have other priorities. I’m a disappointment to them.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“To you, it is, but it’s true. They never bother to call me on holidays. It’s like I’m steel and have no feelings.”
“I’m sorry. Is that him?”
“Yes. Austin.”
“You still love him very much, don’t you?”
“It doesn’t matter. He’s getting married.”
“It sucks when you can’t have the one you want.”
“At least I have friends. I didn’t before.”
“You do, and we’ll support you through this.”
He reached over to tuck my hair behind my ear, and I looked over and saw Austin staring at us. He frowned then walked out with his cup of coffee.
I used one of my sick days to spend with Edith. Charge Media was running well and didn’t need my constant monitoring. I was a phone call away if they had anything urgent that needed my attention. I sat with Edith, and she told me stories of when she was young. I expected to see Austin early in the day, but he hadn’t show up yet.
“Where’s Austin?”
“He was here earlier, but I sent him home to get me some things. He still loves you. I know he does.”
“It’s not going to happen. A few more weeks and he’ll be married.”
“She’s horrible. I’m just glad I won’t be there to see him ruin his life.”
She coughed hard and couldn’t stop. I ran out to get the nurse who came in to help. Another nurse came in shortly with a small bin. I stayed outside the room with tears welling in my eyes. Austin showed up with a bag in his hand.
“What’s the matter?”
“She had a coughing fit. The nurses are with her.”
He stood with me, close, too close. I could feel his body heat. When the nurse came out, she told us Edith was sedated.
“When will she be awake?” Austin asked.
“Could be a couple of hours.”
