Page 78 of Beyond Oblivion

I gave him a reassuring smile, which probably looked more like a grimace. “It was just some weird lab results, guys. Nothing to freak out about. Doc wants to be extra cautious, run a few more tests. No biggie.”

Susan wasn’t convinced. “I’m not trying to make a fuss,” she said, clearly about to make a fuss, “but doctors downplay things sometimes. Just makes me nervous.”

Chase’s wife, Shannon, nudged Susan gently. “If they said it’s okay, maybe we should trust that. I mean, they’re the experts, right?”

Clark chimed in from across the room, giving one of those shrugs that made you want to shake him. “Yeah, but doctors also speak in a weird code whereyou’re fineactually meanswe’re mildly panicking, but we’re not gonna tell you that.”

Anna, Clark’s wife, was shifting uncomfortably on the chair in the corner, one hand on her belly, her face full of concern but, as always, determined to stay positive. “If they’re running more tests, that’s good, right? It means they’re just being cautious.”

The twins, Jessica and James, were watching us with wide eyes. Travis’s wife, Abby, smiled at them, probably thinking of a way to spin this into a life lesson. “I’m just glad they’re checking everything. It’s probably nothing, but it’s comforting to know they’re not just brushing it off.”

Camille forced a smile, clearly trying to keep things light for everyone else’s sake. “It is. I just don’t want you guys stressing over something completely normal.”

Taylor, carrying Hollis on his back while Hadley fidgeted beside him, raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you think a cease fire on the day of surgery should be taken more seriously? I would, if it was Falyn. I don’t wanna be an alarmist, but nothing about that screams normal.”

“I just think they—” Camille began. She opened her mouth to say more but couldn’t find the words.

“Hey, I get that you’re all on edge,” I cut in, sensing Camille might be feeling a bit cornered. “But honestly, it’s nothing serious. Just a couple of blips on the radar. Doc thinks it could be something as basic as dehydration or stress.”

Coby shot me a look. “So, basically, a couple of pre-midnight cocktails and an unexpected bill, and suddenly we’re canceling surgeries now? I’m gonna keep that in mind.”

Susan glared at him. “It’s not funny, Coby.”

He held up his hands. “I’m just saying, if they’re not concerned, maybe we’re blowing it out of proportion.”

Camille’s expression brightened into an appreciative grin. “Exactly. They just want to be thorough, so we don’t have to worry down the line.”

Two lines formed between Susan’s brows. “Worry about what? They weren’t specific?”

Camille shrugged. “No,” she said with a weak chuckle.

I knew she was thinking the same thing I was; we should’ve gotten our story straight before inviting everyone over.

Anna nodded thoughtfully. “Maybe this is just a chance to pause, you know? To pray for which direction God wants you to follow. It could be a sign.”

Shannon raised the glass of wine she’d poured before entering the bedroom. “To divine delay for peace of mind.”

Camille raised her ice water with a little laugh. “I’ll drink to that.”

Jessica and James tugged on Abby’s arm, whispering something, and she leaned down, nodding along with their excited little voices. “They want to know if you’ll still be up for game night this weekend,” she said, looking at Camille.

Camille’s eyes sparkled. “Absolutely! Surgery or no surgery, I wouldn’t miss that. You’d have to trap me in a giant bubble and roll me all the way to Canada to keep me away!”

Travis laughed, ruffling Jessica’s hair. “See? Aunt Camille isn’t going anywhere.”

Taylor leaned over, smirking at Camille. “Just don’t use this as an excuse to cheat, all right? I know how you get.”

Camille laughed, rolling her eyes. “No promises. I might need a handicap this time.”

Falyn crossed her arms as she watched their kids play in the corner and muttered, “If you’re on her team, I’d say she already has a handicap.”

Taylor shot me a pleading look, his face tense, and I quickly jumped in with a laugh. “Oh, look at that—Falyn’s got jokes tonight. Just trying to keep you humble, Taylor.” I flashed a grin around the room. “Guess that’s what good teammates are for, right?”

A few chuckles broke the tension, and the family’s attention drifted back to Camille, sparing Taylor any extra glances.

Olive giggled from her spot by Dad. “Did you hear that, Cami? You’re so good everyone thinks you cheat.”

“I guess so,” Camille said, appreciative of the defense.

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