Page 179 of Halo

Then they leave.

And the door closes softly behind them.

Chapter 46

Nick

Itighten my tie in the bedroom mirror, then loosen it because apparently I’ve forgotten how ties are supposed to work.

“Looks fine.”

I catch Leah watching me from the bed. “You’re heavily medicated. Your opinion is compromised.”

“I’m not that medicated.”

“Yesterday you cried because Grady brought you pudding.”

“He brought me the chocolate one.”

“Exactly my point.”

I cross the room and check the little setup on the nightstand for what has to be the fourth time. “Phone?”

“Right here.”

“Charger?”

“Plugged in.”

“Water?”

She points to the giant cup beside her.

“Pain meds?”

“Nicholas.”

“What?”

“I survived cancer. I think I can survive three hours without you supervising my water intake.”

“I’m being thorough.”

“You’re being annoying.”

“Same thing.”

Grady comes barreling through the doorway with his backpack hanging off one shoulder. “I found it!”

“Good job, partner. Shoes next.”

He looks down at his socked feet.

“Oh.”

He disappears again.

I turn back to Leah. “You sure you’re okay here?”