He gives me the name of the hotel—it’s not too far.
“There’s a bench out front. I’ll wait there for you.”
“Okay.”
I head out to my car—relieved I had the sense to not drink more. The whole way my head is full of questions.
Why is he calling me?
I might have given them the number, but I didn’t know if they’d actually call. If anything, I thought I’d still have to track them down. At least I know now she lives in Hamilton.It would have been a good start.
What could he want?
I’m no good to him medically. I thought at one time about becoming an oncologist, but when I saw the difference that cosmetic surgery could make to people’s lives, that decided my speciality. I often perform reconstructions, and I’ve removed melanoma before.
But Mark’s cancer’s far more advanced than anything I deal with.
I pull into the car park and find an empty spot near the door.
As I climb out of the car, a lone figure on a bench nearby waves me down.
I walk toward him, Mark studying me closely as I approach.
He nods. “Patrick.”
“Mark.” I take a seat on the bench beside him.
“I’m sure you’re wondering why I called you.”
Nodding, I knit my fingers together.
“I lied to her. I lied to my girl because she’s already a mess and I can’t tell her how bad it really is.”
My lungs lose all air, and for a second I struggle to breathe. “What are you talking about?”
“The first doctor, in Dubai, said I have six months at best. The doctor here thinks it’s half that.”
I drop my hands. “Oh, shit, Mark. I’m so sorry.”
“How do I tell her?”
“I don’t know. Is there really nothing they can try?”
He shrugs. “He gave me a couple of options, but there are no guarantees and I would lose my quality of life. I want to spend every second I can with my girl and live our lives tothe fullest.” He grips his knees as if he’s steadying himself for what he’s about to say. “I’m glad it was you we ran into. She’s going to need you.”
I shake my head. “She’s never needed me.”
“You’d be surprised.” He pauses. “I know all about you.”
“What? How …”
“I don’t want to talk about the past—I reckon you and Cassie can get into that later. But you were important to her once, and you might just be what she needs in the future.”
I hold up my palms. “I’m lost.”
“You two have history. And I need to know that she’ll be okay when I’m gone. You can translate the medical jargon and be there for her when she needs you.”
“I’m not sure you know what you’re asking of me.”
