Page 11 of Playing With Secrets
She keeps me in a hug. “That’s what the doctor is for. If anything is of concern, she’ll be able to help you. You’ve got to trust that.”
I nod as my insides twist. I don’t know why, but I have a weird feeling in my gut. The pain isn’t something I’ve experienced before.
I could be sick with a disease.
What if I have a tumor?
What if I have something life-threatening wrong with me?
This is the most out of control I’ve ever felt, and I can’t do anything to stop my world from spinning off its axis. The elevator doors open and we get on.
I wipe away my tears. “Thanks for being here for me. If you ever need me, I’m happy to return the favor.”
“Good to know, but I don’t plan on ever being in your situation.”
How did I let myself get into this mess?
I mull that over for a moment. “Do you think I’m an awful person?”
She rests against the back wall. “No. I think you need to continue working on addressing some of your issues with a professional, but that conversation can wait until another day.”
I shrink into myself. “Therapy is hard and doesn’t seem to be helping.”
“Like I said, we can talk about that some other time.”
The doors open, and we make our way to the sidewalk. We head in the direction of my place.
She hooks her arm with mine. “Everything is going to be fine. Once you get the answers you’re looking for, you’ll know what you need to do next regarding Hunter and Jami.”
“That’s another issue entirely. I can only deal with one thing at a time. First, I need to find out what’s wrong with me.”
“Understood.” She steps away from me. “Since you’re in this emotional state, I’m coming up to your loft and finding you something to eat. I’ll even cook for you.”
My stomach roils at the thought of food. “Ugh. Nothing sounds good.”
“I’ll find something because you need to have dinner.”
“Suit yourself.”
“I will because I’m hungry.”
There’s nothing I can say that will get her to change hermind, so there’s no use in arguing with her. She’ll only sink her heels in, so I drop the subject.
When we arrive at my place, she immediately rummages through my refrigerator. While she does this, I organize the advertisement schedules for our different casinos. It’s a mindless activity, and I welcome it with open arms.
She holds up a box of rice and a bag of frozen vegetables. “What sounds better?—”
There’s a knock on my door. I spin her way, wide-eyed. “Nobody comes here except you and… That’s either Hunter or Jami. I don’t want to see either of them.”
She’s already got her hand on the doorknob. She shrugs and peeks out the peephole.
“You’re only half right.” She starts to open the door.
“What does that mean?” I sprint to stop her and trip over my bag, stumbling toward her.
I’m trying to stop myself from taking a face-plant when four feet come into view. A fleeting thought makes me think it’s Hunter and Jami, but as I lift my head and get steady on my feet, my brother’s open arms take away all my fear.
“Aiden! What are you doing here?” I jump into his embrace. “How did you get them to clear you?”
