Page 94 of Waiting Game

I can’t stop myself from reaching into my pocket for my phone as other guys wade in, throwing questioning looks my way.

I don’t say dick to them though.

Ruben’s pain shouldn’t be a source of gossip.

Me: You there?

KillerCatQueen7: Hey! Yeah, I’m here. Everything all right? You need to reschedule?

Me: No, I wanted to check in.

KillerCatQueen7: Check in?

I grimace at the stupid urge that I followed through with.

KillerCatQueen7: You okay, Kor?

Me: I’m fine

KillerCatQueen7: Can I help?

Me: Not really. It’s a co-worker of mine

Me: His wife has cancer.

KillerCatQueen7: :( I’m so sorry to hear that

Me: Yeah.

I wanted to touch base with you. Wanted to make sure YOU are all right.

I can’t say that though. Not without sounding like a lunatic.

Me: I wanted to say hi.

Well, that just makes me sound like a fucking loser.

I slam my phone on the table and resume eating my orange.

That’s when she texts back:

KillerCatQueen7: Do you want to talk about it?

KillerCatQueen7: It helps sometimes.

Me: I don’t even know the guy but his grief was so raw. It was like I could feel it somehow.

KillerCatQueen7: I understand. I was that way when my mom passed.

Ah, shit.

Me: I didn’t mean to rake up the past for you. I’m sorry.

KillerCatQueen7: Don’t be. I was a kid. I’m definitely not that anymore lol. I can handle talking about her.

KillerCatQueen7: My dad, less so. I still struggle with his loss.

Me: Do you mind me asking why?

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