Page 24 of Honor

“Some of us get up at the crack of dawn to do good in the world. Other people, who shall remain nameless, do less good inthe world.” She clears her throat. “If I were naming one of those people, it would be you.”

Smiling, I picture her sitting in her condo with a wide grin.

The condo was a gift from me when she broke the news that she was accepted to medical school in Denver. It was excessive, and she fought me tooth and nail on it, but I wanted her to have a place to call her own and a spot where she could study and decompress without the added burden of roommates.

We jointly inherited our late grandparents’ home, so I took the initiative to buy out Melody’s half. I have no clue if she’s aware that the amount that the estate’s lawyer sent her is more than triple what the entire house is worth.

The lawyer was happy to help me calculate what my sister’s education would cost her. I added on an extra twenty thousand to give her some breathing room.

Starting her career without any debt is what our grandparents would have wanted for Melody.

“Your gift is…” her voice trails. “Reid, I can’t even tell you.”

I wish she would since I have no idea what Miss Starling sent to my sister for her birthday today.

“I’m glad you like it,” I say because that feels appropriate.

“Like it?” she snaps. “More like love. A care package like this is exactly what I needed.”

A care package?

That wouldn’t have topped my list of things to get Melody, but judging by her reaction, Miss Starling possesses some insight into my sister that I lack.

“The monthly coffee bean subscription is amazing,” she says. “I’m so excited that fresh flowers will be delivered every two weeks, and I love the two journals, Reid. One for school, and one just for me.”

Who needs more than one journal? Or one at all?

“But it’s the stethoscope, Reid.” Her voice cracks. “It’s perfect, and you had it engraved with my name. Dr. Melody Hunt.”

“Melody,” I whisper as people brush past me on their way to a meeting, or lunch, or wherever the fuck they’re headed.

“I wish you were here so I could hug you,” she confesses. “You always give me the best hugs.”

“I do,” I admit.

Laughter fills my ear. “You’re still as arrogant as ever.”

“I always will be.”

“I know.” She sighs. “I need to get to class soon, but I wanted to call and thank you. I loved the basket all the stuff came in, and the first flower delivery arrived just a few minutes ago. You remembered that my favorite flowers are daffodils.”

I didn’t, but I wish to hell I did.

“I need to run,” she says in a rush. “Thank you again. I love you, Reid.”

“I love you, too,” I tell her. “Enjoy your birthday if you can.”

Her response is to end the call. Before I tuck the phone back into the pocket of my suit jacket, I glance at the screen. “I miss you, Melody.”

I never seem to get those words out in time, but I carry them around with me every day.

I look up to see Baden heading in my direction. He raises a hand in greeting before he curls all but his middle finger into his fist, so he’s essentially flipping me the bird.

I can’t help but chuckle as we near each other. “Right back at you.”

A full day’swork on a Friday will make anyone crave a beer or a glass of something more satisfying than water.

Apparently, that includes my assistant because I can hear her firming up plans to grab a drink after work with Cleo Flannery.

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