I pushed to my feet, smiling at the man in question. “That I can do. Want us to bring something back for you?”
He shook his head. “Nothing for me. Meds have me feeling a little tired. Think I’ll just rest my eyes for a bit.”
I wasn’t sure why, but I stepped forward and held my hand out for him. “I’m grateful for you, John. You’re an amazing man.”
He smirked. “You’re just saying that because I talked the sheriff out of hauling your ass to jail when you and Lukas got caught drinking at the football fields.”
“That’s certainly high on my list, sure.”
“Go on. Get out of here.” He jerked his chin toward the door. “And make sure to take care of my girl.”
“It’s just lunch. I’m sure I can handle it,” I said, turning for the door. I paused at the threshold, looking back at the man who’d guided me through so much of my life. His eyes had slipped closed in the few steps I’d taken, and his breathing evened out. For the first time all day, he looked peaceful.
The house was eerily silent as I stepped into the hallway,save for some quiet muttering coming from John’s office. I took my time, looking at the memories hanging on the wall. There were pictures of all of us from over the years. Lukas and me after our football team won the state championship. Olivia and Grady when they brought Charlie home from the hospital. The last Christmas we had together right before Lukas and I ran off to college. It was all here, from damn near birth until now. And I was in all of them as a real member of the family.
It wasn’t until I was standing there, looking at Olivia’s ass bent over the table, that I realized I’d made it to the threshold of John’s office.
Even though I knew I shouldn’t have, I couldn’t help but stare. She was rifling through papers, talking to herself in a way that had the filthy curses leaving her mouth seem cute. Though the jeans she was wearing weren’t tight, they hugged her curves every time she moved.
What the fuck is wrong with you, Bennett?
I cleared my throat, chuckling as Olivia whipped around with wide eyes. Her hand flew up, pressing gently to her chest in shock. “Fuck, Duke. I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you come in.”
“Oh, I just got here,” I lied. “No apology needed.”
She leaned back against the desk, arms folded in a way that pushed her breasts up. The little gold necklace she was wearing glinted in the light.
“How’d your visit go? I’m sure he was happy to see you. It’s been a constant parade of unfamiliar faces around here lately. Lawyers, nurses, board members.” She rolled her eyes. “Though I just wish they’d stay away. He shouldn’t be focusing on anything other than his health.”
There was so much I wanted to tell her. The things he told me in confidence were all things she should know, but I couldn’t be the one to say them. John would need to cross that bridge sooner rather than later. I supposed the good thing aboutknowing you’re dying was that you could plan those kinds of conversations.
“It was good. I thought he had some work for me, but I think he just wanted someone to talk to.”
Olivia straightened at that. “I’m excellent company. And Lukas should be home soon.”
I raised my hands, sensing her defensive nature kicking in. “I’m not implying you’re not. But I think maybe he wanted to talk about something other than his impending death and all the goddamn paperwork surrounding it.” I looked around the office at the countless boxes and stacks of paper. “I mean, I understand why you’re doing it, but…” I trailed off, shaking my head. “Look, he asked me for a favor. One I know you’re gonna fight me on.”
She narrowed her eyes. “What is it?”
Taking a deep breath, I said, “He wants me to get you outta the house for a bit. Take you to lunch or something.”
Shit. Suddenly, this felt so stupid. I mean, I had no idea what to do. And what were we going to talk about? Other than the bar, this was the most time we’d spent together without the kids. Maybe this was a bad idea.
“He wants me… out of the house?” she asked slowly. A little line formed between her brows, one I wanted to wipe away. “Why?”
“You want the truth?” Olivia nodded. “He says you’re driving him crazy.”
I waited for a rebuttal, a tantrum. For her to tell me to get the fuck out of his house, but she didn’t do any of that. Instead, her luscious lips parted, and she threw her head back in laughter. I was swept up in the beauty of it, unable to do anything but join in myself.
She looked around the room, nodding. “Honestly? I could use a break. And,” she checked her watch, “the girls will be outof school in a few hours, so I’d need to leave soon anyway to run a few errands. Maybe we could pick them up together and get ice cream?”
The way she effortlessly included Harper and me in her plans was monumental. Like my coming in didn’t completely ruin or derail her day. Sarah would’ve thrown a fit if I’d done that to her. She would’ve called me selfish or asked why I hadn’t asked her sooner. For a woman desperately seeking something new and fresh, change was something she hated.
“Yeah, that’d be great,” I said, shoving my hands in my pockets. “I’m sure they’d love that.”
“Honestly, so would I. Ever since we went to Lucy’s diner the other day, I’ve been craving another milkshake. I just want to stop by John’s room and tell him bye.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do. Whatever you want.”