Page 32 of Love, A Curvy Girl's Guide

Panic gripped Haley’s chest.

“I have to go,” she said suddenly, turning on her heel and marching to her car.

Verity followed hot on her heels. “No. No, you don’t just drop cryptic wolf comments and run away, Haley.”

But Haley couldn’t deal with her mother or Verity. She had to know how her dad was doing.

First things first, she dialed Ian’s number as she pulled out of the driveway, her hands shaking against the wheel.

The phone rang once. Twice. Then?—

“Haley?”

Relief and panic crashed together in her chest at the sound of Ian’s voice.

“Ian,” she whispered, gripping the steering wheel like a lifeline.“I screwed up.”

A pause. Then, dead serious?—

“What happened?”

“I… I might’ve let something slip,” she admitted, the reality of it clawing at her.

Ian’s voice was calm, but there was an edge now. “To who?”

Haley swallowed hard. “My mom… and Verity.”

Another beat of silence. Then Ian cursed, low and rough. “Where are you now?”

“On my way to the hospital,” she said, her voice tight. “My dad was admitted on Tuesday, but my mom was punishing me by not calling. I have no idea how he is. But, Ian… I think Verity might know something’s off.”

Ian exhaled sharply. “I’ll handle it. Go to your dad,and let me know how he’s doing. We’ll figure the rest out later.”

But the thing was…

Haley wasn’t so sure they could.

NINETEEN

Forrest Hills Hospital

Haley sat beside her dad’s hospital bed, the antiseptic smell of the room mingling with the faint scent of the flowers she’d brought earlier. Her father’s chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, his face pale but peaceful. She brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, her fingers trembling as she clung to the memory of the man he’d been—strong, stubborn, and full of life.

The door creaked open, and Dr. Klein stepped inside, her face soft with sympathy. Haley stood, her stomach twisting into knots.

“Haley,” the doctor began gently, “your dad’s stable for now, but it’s time to prepare for what’s ahead. He could still have some good days left, but we’ve decided to call in hospice. We’ll focus on keeping him comfortable.”

Haley’s throat tightened. “How long?” she whispered.

Dr. Klein hesitated, her voice quieter now. “It’s hard to say. Maybe weeks, maybe less. I’d encourage you to focus on the time you have left together.”

Haley nodded, her chest aching with a mix of gratitude and dread. “Thank you, Doctor.”

The room fell silent as Dr. Klein left. Haley sank back into the chair by the bed, her hands covering her face as silent tears fell.

“You know I love you, Don’t you Haley-Bug?” came her dad’s familiar, gravelly voice, “I love you even if you lied about where you were going.”

Haley’s head shot up, her tear-filled eyes meeting his. “Dad, you’re awake.”

---