Page 31 of Resolute

“Breath, baby. Take deep breaths.”

Her eyes fill with unshed tears as I breathe along with her, trying to keep calm as well.

“Maybe you want to watch a show while we’re here?” I suggest.

Her eyes light up.

“A YouTube video?” she pleads, eyes hopeful.

There’s no way I’ll say no right now. I don’t usually let her watch YouTube, but one day she caught me watching ASMR videos, and she became obsessed.

By the time we’ve chosen a video, Nurse Smith is finished. She pats Ava’s hand and leaves the room.

Ava’s eyes are glued to my phone screen, while mine check everything around us, making sure she’s comfortable for the couple of hours this process takes.

By the time we’re back home, Ava is asleep. I carry her to my room, and after changing into my pajamas, I lie down beside her.

Days like today are draining, but I’m grateful she’s getting the treatment she needs.

We’ll have to go back next week to check her iron levels, and if they’re high, she’ll need chelation.

I hope she doesn’t.

The fewer treatments, the fewer needle pricks—the better.

Chapter 9

Vicente Godoy

For some reason, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Camila and her daughter. It has never crossed my mind to become a father. I’m definitely married to my job, but having a sick kid must be nerve-wracking.

Why am I wasting my time thinking about Camila? I should be thinking about finding a wife to satisfy my father’s expectations.

A knock on the door brings me back to reality.

“Come on in,” I call out.

Juan Carlos's face peeks through the narrow gap. “Hey, Mr. Godoy. Do you have a minute?”

I nod, and he steps inside my office. “I've been talking with some of the employees, and we think we owe you an apology.”

I raise my eyebrows but don’t say anything as he shifts back and forth on his feet.

“We truly enjoyed having you down at the employee hall for breakfast the other day. It's not something Mr. Gonzalo would do, but he bonded with us in other ways.”

Taking a deep breath, he pauses, and I’m deeply curious to know where he’s going with this.

“Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that you were trying to make a connection with us, and we really didn’t know how to react without the situation becoming awkward and uncomfortable.” He chuckles nervously, and I nod, smirking.

“We would like to make it up to you and would be honored if you decide to join us tonight at the bar downtown.”

That definitely catches me off guard. I don’t think I’ve been to downtown Alamo Peaks in almost seventeen years. But if I say no, the little progress I’ve made with the employees will vanish.

“I’d love to. What time should I meet you all?” I finally say.

Juan Carlos puts his hands together, as if in prayer, then he releases a deep breath. “We’ll be there around ten. Is that okay with you?”

I nod and get up from my chair. As I approach, I extend my hand, and he shakes it vigorously.

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