"You know us Holloways," I teased, "We can't ever let a Carmichael win."
Although it might have been "too soon", we both laughed and he thrust his hand in mine.
"Say goodbye to your brother then. If you wish, we'll leave tonight."
"I'd like that..."
He let go of my hand and left me to say a painful goodbye to my brother, Jamal. I didn't have much to say to him, but it helped that he was unconscious. I said goodbye to the man I knew, to the boy I'd grown up with and to the business partner who had supported me since college. I kissed my brother's forehead and left the hospital with Rich.
My goodbye to my mother and Donnie was too soon, but they both agreed our departure was the safest move. I left with Rich to his hotel for one last night in New York before forever...
# # END # #