He finally lowers himself into one of the chairs in front of my desk and makes a disgusted face as he does.“I raised you better than that.”
Why can’t that heart attack hurry up and kill him?Or another stroke, I’m not picky.Anytime, andnowwould be nice.
Instead of arguing with him, I take another bite of my California roll and stare at him.
“I’ve got cancer,” he finally says.
I’m certain I’ve misheard him.“What?”
“Bone cancer.It’s metastasized.I’m looking at…options.”
For the first time in my life, my father actually looks more than frail, now that I’m paying attention.
He looks…
Like he’s dying.
I put down my chopsticks and sit back in my chair so I can dab at my mouth with a napkin.“What are your treatment options?”
“The doctor wants to discuss them with us.”
I’m certain I misheard him.“Us?”
“You and me.You’re my son and listed as my medical power of attorney.He requested I bring you to my consultation on Monday morning.”
Fuck.I’m mentally rearranging my schedule in my head, then pause.
Father or not, why should I upend my life forhim?“Are you sure you want me there?”
“He strongly suggested I bring you.”
Shit.I guess I’m going.“I’ll need to call Olivia and—”
“No.”
“Excuse me?”
He glares at me.“No one is to be told about this.Not until after I beat it.Not even my…assistant.”
Okay, now I’m…lost.“Why?”
“Do you really think I want to look weak?I’d be replaced in party leadership.I’m not ready to let go of that yet.”
Oh.Of course.
It’s all about the image.
“Fine.I won’t tell anyone.But you’ll need to come up with an excuse why you’re visiting an oncologist, won’t you?I mean, if your ‘assistant’ asks questions?”
“That’s my worry, not yours.I’ll send you the info with the address and time.”He pushes himself up out of his chair.
“That’s…it?We’re done?”
“Yeah.”
I sit forward.“Do you want to talk about this?”
“Not really, no.I know you’ve been hoping I’d drop dead before now, but no such luck for you.I’m sure I’ll beat this, too.”
