“I can’t say I know how you’re feeling because I don’t. But I’m here to listen if you need to get those emotions out. Kind of like an outsider looking in. I know you probably feel bad burdening Theo with how you’re truly feeling.”
She vigorously nodded in agreement.
“Well, that’s what I’m here for, to take the burden off you and Theo.”
“Oh, Jillian.” She cried. “I feel so lucky to have gotten to know you, and I’m so sorry.” She pulled me into a hug, letting her tears flow onto my shoulder.
“Don’t be sorry because I feel the same way. I feel like you and Theo came into my life for a reason and that’s why we became instant friends, and friends stand by each other through good and bad. We’ll get through this bad, Kate, I promise.”
She tried to catch her breath through her cries while I rubbed her back in small circles. It was a promise I intended to keep. I would help Kate and Theo get through this as long as they wanted me to. I was being realistic in knowing that Kate might not get through it alive, but I would do whatever I could to help make whatever time she did have left the best it could be.
CHAPTER 14
THEO RETURNED AROUND dinnertime with more than enough Chinese takeout to feed an army. Kate had been suffering with bouts of nausea all day and was only able to handle a few spoonfuls of the plain white rice. So instead, I made her some dry toast with a cup of tea.
Thomas had warmed up to me throughout the day, and soon it was as if we were old friends. I couldn’t get enough of his deep belly laughs when we would play a game of peekaboo. I had a great time cuddling with him on the couch and watching his train videos while Kate had gone to take a nap in the afternoon. I felt a closeness with him as well as a sadness. This little boy would probably never get to know what a great person his mother was. He would be left parentless, with a father who was living his life, not even knowing he existed.
I couldn’t help but wonder if Kate would at least try and contact his father, to let him know about Thomas, given the circumstances. In a small way, I was hoping she would. Thomas would have Theo in his life, who would be a great role model, but I still felt as if his father deserved to know the truth about him as well. I shrugged that thought off, reminding myself that was completely none of my business. I was sure Kate had her reasons if she chose not to, reasons that didn’t concern me in any way.
“I feel like I’ve been such a drag today. Jillian’s come here to see the sites, and so far all she’s seen is Thomas’ train videos.” Kate grabbed the blanket from the back of the chair she was sitting on, wrapping it around her tightly.
“It’s fine. Thomas and I had a great time. I can’t get over how much he loves to draw. I think you may have a future famous artist on your hands.” I looked at Thomas, as he lay on the couch fast asleep with his stuffed rabbit.
“Yeah, Kate knows how much he loves to draw. Remember a few months ago when he got a hold of the red marker and drew all over the walls?” Theo laughed.
“And himself!” Kate balked. “That’s because Uncle Theo left the maker where he shouldn’t have.”
Theo stood up and walked over to the couch, picking up Thomas and cradling him in his arms. As he went past where Kate was sitting he bent down ever so slightly, so she could give Thomas a kiss on the cheek.
“Good night, sweet boy,” she whispered. As Theo ascended up the stairs with Thomas, I saw Kate’s eyes welling with tears. “The things I used to take for granted like carrying my son up to bed. Now I can’t even do that.” I gazed at her thoughtfully, not knowing what to say until we both startled at the knock on the front door. “Who on earth could that be?” Kate asked, bracing the arms of the chair with both hands as she steadied herself on her feet.
“I’ll get it,” Theo called from the top of the staircase, sounding as if he was coming down two steps at a time. Kate sat back down and focused her attention in the direction of the front door. The only sound that could be made out was the muffled voices of Theo and a female.
“Oh my God!” Kate threw her head back and let out an agitated breath.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Theo’s stalker is here.”
“His stalker?” I asked in shock.
Kate laughed over the panic in my voice. “Phoebe.” She rolled her eyes. My mind rewound to the car ride this morning and the phone call Theo was trying to avoid. Why the heck would she show up after he had told her Kate wasn’t up for visitors? Maybe she was borderline stalker. “Great!” Kate said in a loud whisper as their footsteps and voices drew nearer.
“Kate, how are you doing?” the tall redhead dressed in black with killer curves asked when she appeared in the living room. Her tone sounding anything but genuine.
“I’m well,” Kate replied as the woman turned her attention to me before Kate could hardly even get her reply out. It was like Barbie meeting Raggedy Ann. She was beyond gorgeous. Smelling of some delicious perfume I couldn’t quite make out, her long hair hung around her in loose waves, and I was certain that the designer shoes she was wearing weren’t a clearance find from Neiman Marcus. Then there was me, my hair still wet from the shower I had taken just a short time ago, wearing my cotton pajama short set. Not exactly the way
