Page 10 of Falling Inn Love
EVAN
How about sixty days? That’s all I can give you.
* * *
I head back to my office and close the door for my mid-morning break.It’s been a few days since I’ve checked in with Allie, and with everything she has going on, I want to make sure she knows I’m here if she needs me.
She answers after a few rings. “Hey, Ev. How are you?” Her voice sounds tired and weary.
“I’m good. What’s going on with Caleb? Mom told me about his transplant.” I run my fingers through my hair as I pace.
When Allie first moved out to California, she was in college, pursuing her dreams. Once she got pregnant, she moved in with me and started working to save money. She was able to fast-track her degree and completed it with flying colors, but it wasn’t easy. Once Caleb was born, I helped out as much as I could when I was home from deployments. That time I spent with my sister and nephew brought us all close together. Now, her job is what is keeping her in California because of its benefits, which she needs for Caleb’s health issues. I understand why she’s staying, but that doesn’t mean I don’t wish they could be here with us.
Caleb’s father, Chris, was essentially a sperm donor for all the involvement he’s had in their lives. He’s never helped Allie or even acknowledged Caleb’s existence. I changed diapers, babysat when I wasn’t working, stayed up late with him when he was sick, and helped Allie when she was exhausted from being a full-time working single mom. She’s been through a lot.
I hear her take a deep breath and then sigh. “It’s not good. He’s so sick.” Her voice cracks and she starts to cry.
My chest tightens. “Tell me everything that’s going on.” My stomach sinks. “Talk to me.”
“I took him in to get tests done because he’s had pain and swelling. His kidneys aren’t functioning right and since he’s gone downhill so fast, they’re putting him on dialysis. We have to get him a donor kidney as soon as possible before he gets worse.”
“I’ll get tested,” I say immediately. “We don’t need Chris to be involved. I don’t trust him, especially with something this important. He’s not reliable. He doesn’t deserve to be around Caleb.”
“He’s not answering my texts, emails, or phone calls, and neither are his parents. I even had the doctor reach out, but they ignored his calls, as well.”
“I’m not surprised,” I bite out. “They’re heartless.”
“It’s disheartening,” she says, her voice full of defeat. “I don’t know what to do. I’m upset. He’s my baby, he’s not supposed to be sick.” She starts crying again.
“Mom wants to come out and help you. I’m going to get tested. Just tell me what I need to do.”
She sniffs and says, “If you’re sure, I’ll give your information to our patient coordinator. I love you, Evan. Thank you.”
“Keep me updated. Love you, Allie. Call me anytime, day or night. We might not live together anymore, but I’m always here for you,” I reassure her.
I’m not ready to go out there and face Beth at the front desk or to be friendly and upbeat with the guests right away. I rub my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to get it together. I just met her, and what kind of man will she think I am? One who can’t keep his family business together? That definitely doesn’t make me look like a catch. I want to impress her and make her want to stay, not run. Hell, the stress I feel right now makes me want to run away, but I can’t. I will do whatever it takes for my family and our inn.
The past two years have been awful. When I took over, the finances were shaky, but now they’re downright scary. We’re in trouble. We need to generate more profit if we have any hope of recovering.
I can’t be the one who fails this legacy for everyone. I bury my hands in my face.What the hell am I going to do?
A soft knock sounds. Beth opens the door and sticks her head in. “Evan? Oh, no. I’m sorry.” She eyes me for a second then comes in and shuts the door behind her. She sits in the chair opposite my desk. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I say, standing. I start shuffling through my folders, trying to appear busy. “How’s it going out there?”
I can’t explain it, but just having her around me is soothing. When she’s in a room, you can’t help but feel her warmth.
“It’s good. I just wanted to see if you wanted me to bring you a plate from the back?”
I gaze at Beth. Her eyes meet mine and lock there for a long while. Damn. Her kind, green eyes are comforting. She’s beautiful, yet she carries herself like she doesn’t even know it.
I take a deep breath and say, “Yeah, I think that would be great. I have some things I need to take care of, so it will be better for me to have lunch in my office today. Thank you.”
“No problem.”
After she leaves, the overwhelming feelings come back again. I lean back in my chair and link my hands behind my head. I scan my office, which used to be my dad's. I haven’t been able to bring myself to get rid of his stuff. His hat and jacket are still on the hook by the door. His faded, decades-oldWorld’s Greatest Dadmug still holds sharpened pencils and pens and old coffee stains. If I could be half the dad he was, I’d be great. He really set the bar high. So many important and memorable conversations took place in this office. This is the very chair he sat in when I told him I was joining the Marines. I can still remember the full-of-pride look on his face when I told him.
My phone rings with a number I don’t recognize. Thinking it might be for business, I answer.
