Page 94 of Where We Fall

“Marcus, I told you not to worry about that. We both can’t take off work this long. I’m surprised you guys haven’t fired me.”

“FMLA includes taking care of a loved one. You can get up to twelve weeks for that, and it’s not even been two yet. How about you give yourself a break?”

“Yeah, but that only counts for companies with fifty or more employees. You guys could fire me if you wanted.”

“Geez, are you trying to point out that we’re not a big enough company for that? That hurts.”

I hear a laugh on her end, and it feels like a victory.

“It must be the awesome IT Director who has streamlined your software for you.”

I smile. “Of course, she’s smart…and super-hot.”

She chuckles and then exhales. “I miss you.”

“I miss you too, babe. What are your plans for dinner?”

“I was just gonna grab something down at the cafeteria. I’ll probably stay with Mom until visiting hours are over at seven.”

“Remember what the nurses have been saying,” I remind her.

“I know, I know. Don’t burn myself out.”

“Are you listening to their advice?” I ask.

“I’m going back to the hotel at night.”

I’m worried about her. She has so much guilt from her mom having this disease and living so far away that she doesn’t seem to realize what she’s doing to herself.

“You’re deflecting,” I point out.

“And you’re annoying,” she fires back.

I laugh. “Nothing I haven’t heard before.”

“What are your plans for dinner?” she asks.

“I was just gonna order in and relax. Wanna have dinner together?”

“What do you mean?”

“We can video chat.”

“I’ll be in the cafeteria.”

“Good. Looks like I will be able to keep you company.”

She pauses. “People will think I’m crazy.”

I smile to myself. “Who cares what people think? If this is the only way I can share a meal with you, I’ll take it.”

“Ok. It’s a date. What time?”

“You tell me. I’ll be ready whenever you are.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Lexi

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