“Thankyou, Jessica. We really need the help.” Jack clutched the arm rests of his desk chair as he pushed himself up little by little. Jessica seemed to notice the trouble he was having and caught his arm to have him sit back down.
“This is a great opportunity, and Ellie is a sweetheart. Happy to help you out.” Jessica turned back to me. “See you tomorrow at eight.”
As Jessica made her way out the door, I had the feeling we’d end up working for her. Jack was right, the place was a mess and all the billing was late. If she wanted to take over and boss us around, she could have at it.
“You’re a good partner, Evan. Not that I had any doubt, but you really stepped up. In case I haven’t said it, thank you.” Speaking without getting out of breath was becoming taxing for Jack, along with everything else.
“Yeah, you thanked me, many times. Nothing you wouldn’t do for me. I owe you and your family so much. Without all of you . . .”
“Without us nothing. We offered you a place to go when you wanted to clear your head. A lesser person would have let his life go to shit and used what happened to you as an excuse. You didn’t, because that’s not who you are. Glad I hung around long enough to see you finally get the girl.” Jack laughed and lowered his head.
I let out a long sigh. “Well I don’thaveher yet.”
“Dude, trust me. You do. What’s the sad puppy dog face for? You make everyone around you nauseated with how into each other you both are.”
“I almost proposed on Christmas.”
“Holy shit.” Jack leaned back in his chair as his jaw dropped. “What do you mean by ‘almost’?”
I put my face in my hands and rubbed my eyes. “It sort of . . . came out during . . .”
“Please, I’m too weak to throw up. I told you, bro. I don’t need details.” I laughed for the first time all day.
“Since we’re on the subject.” Jack folded his arms. “What stopped you?”
That was a great question. I loved Paige, so much it scared the shit out of me. But the urge to ask her to marry me during sex was something I’d never expected. Thank God I had bit my lip and stopped myself. What if I scared her off?
“It’s only been a few months.”
“You’ve known Paige since we were kids, and have been in love with her for most of that time. Time doesn’t mean shit when you know what you want. If it’s right, you take it. My aunt is going to make some mother-in-law. Good luck with that.” I chuckled as I nodded.
“I’m going to be short a best man.” Jack nodded in reply as he pulled himself up and trudged over to my desk.
“I’ll be there somehow. I wouldn’t miss it. Maybe they’ll let me turn water into wine for you like Jesus did at that wedding. You’d save on the bill.”
I shook my head. “You would be ballsy enough to ask to do that.”
“Ellie’s coming to pick me up. I’m like Aunt Rose and can’t stay awake at the wheel. Just . . . remember what I said, okay?”
“Yeah, you go ahead, I’ll lock up here.”
Jack smiled and let out a deep breath as he looked around.
“Someone is going to clean all this shit up. I’m so fucking excited.” He turned to me and raised his eyebrows. “Go see your girl. It can wait, all this.”
“Quite the philosopher lately.” I smirked and Jack laughed.
“Yeah. Cancer made me Yoda. Who knew? I mean it, though. Go.”
“I will Jedi master.” I gave him a fake salute.
“I wish I had the fucking Force right now. It could put me in Ellie’s car without having to walk.”
“You need help, man?”
Jack shook his head and put his hand up. “As long as I’m still breathing, I’m living, right?”
“Right.” I returned his sad smile.
