Page 105 of The Laughing Game

“I know.”

I glanced over and he was regarding me with a wistful expression. With his nose packed, he looked like a love-struck, accident-prone, kid. My heart about melted.

“I missed you guys, too. My cats, however, were thrilled to have me home.”

“Oh yes. What are their names again?”

“Toff and Rummy.”

“Adorable. I bet you are a wonderful cat dad,” Vihaal stated.

“I mean, lately…I’ve been neglecting them. Because I’ve been so caught up with you two,” I admitted. “Thank goodness they can keep each other company.”

Vihaal hummed. “I hate to take you away from them. But I enjoy having you stay with us. Very much.”

“Yeah?”

He grinned. “Yeah.”

I sat in the waiting room of the ENT’s office for a half hour while they tended to Vihaal. Eventually, he came out of the office with more papers.

At least his nose looked normal now. But his face had gone a bit sallow.

“You okay?”

“I think so. Despite the fact that I almost passed out during that vile…” He shuddered. “Procedure.”

“Oh no!”

“Doctor said it’s not uncommon.”

I gave him a curious glance.

He shook his head. “You really don’t want to know the details.”

“Okay, then.”

“I hope I never have to go through it again.” He held up a small box. “The doctor gave me this spray that I can try if I have another bad one. It might work and it’s a lot easier than going to the ER.” Vihaal put the little box in his pocket and got out his phone. “And I have about fifteen texts from Gideon. He’s mad because I haven’t been answering them.”

“You want me to let him know we’re done?” I asked.

“Thank you.”

Vihaal went to speak to the receptionist while I got out my phone and texted Gideon.

V is done. The packing is out.

Why isn’t he answering me???

He was having the packing removed?

All fucking morning?

He said he almost passed out.

Omg. Shocked face.

Doc said that’s common. He’s okay now. Just a bit grumpy.

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