“Daniel, I believe you’ve heard the news. The board has voted Kevin in as the interim CEO. There are some serious health issues in my family that require my presence and full attention for the next few months. During that time, I’ll be less and less accessible, but you’ll be in expert hands with Kevin at the helm.”
“After working with him through this issue, Kevin has my full support. Rod, I appreciate the consideration you put into choosing your replacement. I’m sorry to hear about your family member’s declining health, but I fully support your decision to put family first. Kevin, shoot me an email with your contact information. I look forward to working with you.”
We disconnect the call with the usual pleasantries, then I turn to Kevin. “What I just said is the truth, on all accounts. With the recent developments, I think I should take a three-month sabbatical and only remain accessible to you. I’m well aware the average employee doesn’t have this luxury, and it is somewhat hypocritical of me, but it’s best for the company. If the business suffered and we lost clients because of me, that would hurt our employees. I’m trying to find the most altruistic solution, and I think this is it.”
“What’s happened in the last few hours since we arrived in Florida?”
I feel his confusion deep in my soul. I’m getting whiplash from how quickly things change lately. Over the next several minutes, I share all the details with my best friend. He’s been like Juliana’s brother most of her life, so I don’t feel as if I’m telling him anything she wouldn’t disclose herself. When I finish, he covers his mouth with his hand and places his elbows on his knees.
“You’re sure she said ‘when’ she gets worse?”
“Positive.”
“You’re right, it’s not like her to lean to the negative.”
“She knows she ultimately needs a bone marrow transplant to beat this disease. The chemotherapy and radiation can only do so much to keep it in check, but it’s not curing her. The doctor’s office is searching the registry, but that takes weeks to months and longer sometimes. There are so many levels of tests to confirm matches. They also have to get potential donors to go for additional testing, and then the person actually has to go through with the donation. Worst-case scenario, it could take years to identify the right person. Best case, someone already on the registry has the right markers to match her tissue.”
“You’re in a place where you can afford to take time off. There’s nothing wrong with that. You’re passing your baby to me, and she’s giving hers to you. All three of you are going through a life-altering situation on top of worrying about her health. Every step of this process has to be incredibly devastating to Jules. Is there anything Tracy and I can do to help?”
“Nothing you’re not already doing, brother.”
“If that changes, all you have to do is say the word. I’m here for the long-haul.” He leans back and takes a moment to collect his thoughts. “This probably isn’t the best time to broach the subject because of where your mind is, but I wouldn’t be a good friend if I didn’t say something now.”
“You’ve been through the best and worst times of my life with me. Say whatever you need to say.”
“I’ve never been one to lecture you on relationships, mainly because you’ve never really had one. But that’s beside the point. You’re screwing up majorly with Daisy, and by the time you realize how far gone you are, it’ll be too late to make amends.”
“Man, I couldn’t disagree with you more. Jules and Isa need my attention. Right now is the worst time to start a relationship with Daisy. She’d just be one more person I’d let down while trying to manage the shit show that has become my life.”
“Are you kidding me? Today is the perfect time to get your shit together where she’s concerned. If Juliana meant ‘when’ and not ‘if,’ you’ll regret not having Daisy by your side. She’s had a few dates with another man. When he realizes what a catch she is, you’ll never get her back.” He stands and waits for a response from me before leaving the room, but I don’t have one.
Well, isn’t this the fucking perfect storm? Daisy is already seeing someone else, my personal life is unraveling at the seams, and my best friend thinks I’m a complete fuck up.
Wonder where I can get a drink or ten around this place.
CHAPTER THREE
Daisy
Daisy, where do you see yourself five and ten years from now?
Have you considered the possibility of being a single mother to two children with different fathers, neither of whom is involved in the child’s life?
“No, I can’t say I’ve ever considered that scenario. But then, I didn’t orchestrate the first unplanned pregnancy either. But thanks for asking. I don’t feel judged at all.”
I stare into the mirror, clearly coping well with the news dropped like a hydrogen bomb squarely on top of my head.
How do you plan to tell the father of your current baby that you’re pregnant? What approach will you use?
“Hmm… since he has the emotional attention span of a Jack Russell Terrier high on cocaine, I’m strongly considering not telling him anything and hiding my stomach behind oversized sweaters. He’ll eventually find someone else and move on with his bachelor life.”
That’s cute. You don’t think anyone else he knows will notice?
“Listen, now is not the time for you to become all logical and calculating. If you can’t be supportive, don’t say anything at all.”
A knock on my bedroom door startles me, making me jump and yelp out loud. I hope whoever is on the other side didn’t hear me talking to myself.
“Daisy?
