“Just dogs and cats. Their dander, same as me.”
“Okay, we’ll get out of your hair and get together among us and come up with a plan.”
“Do you need money?” He reached for his wallet.
“Do not offend us,” Mary said sternly. “We’re friends and family. Is there anyone at her work we can contact?”
“I don’t know. I know her partner is a man named Brian, and her assistant is Beth. I know that because she showed up at the meeting for your party.” His friends left and Lincoln slowly made his way to recovery and found that Addison was still there. He was allowed in and he went up to her bed and stood there and watched her sleep. He reached up and lightly ran the backof one finger down her soft cheek. He didn’t like the dark circles beneath her eyes.
Addy slowly opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was Lincoln’s face. “Lincoln.”
“Addison.” He leaned down and kissed her lips lightly. “The procedure’s done. You’re in the recovery room. You’re going to be sore for a while.”
“I don’t feel anything.”
“That’s because you’re on pain medication. You’ll be going to your room shortly. The doctor said it’s a waiting game now. I’ve never held anything back from you, we’ve always talked about stuff. I’m not going to stop that now. I won’t coddle you, I’ll be as honest as you want me to be. I’m saying that, because the doctor mentioned that if it’s cancer and you have to have the mass removed and start chemotherapy, there may be a problem.”
“And that is?”
“You need to gain at least seven pounds before he can start any treatments.”
Addy giggled. “Not on your cooking, I’m not.”
Lincoln threw his head back and laughed. “You’re right about that. Last night at the clubhouse, I turned in my colors. I retired from the club. My time is yours now. I’m here for and with you through this. Everyone from the club was waiting with me while you were in surgery. They heard the doctor discuss your weight and wanted to know what your favorite foods were. Greaser, well, he and I let the cat out of the bag.”
“Meaning?”
“You’re a junk food junky.”
“You didn’t. Lincoln, that was our little secret. Well, ours and Greaser’s. You two swore on secrecy.”
“We did, but this is your life, Addison. All bets are off when it comes to your life. Mary’s asked me to talk to the nurse and doctor about them getting food in here to fatten you up.”
“Okay. I really could go for some wings.” She grinned at him, then moaned when she realized the pain meds were wearing off.
“Is there more?”
“Yes, last night on the way to the clubhouse, I swung by your place and packed you a bag. I grabbed t-shirts and shorts. What you sleep in. When we leave here, you’re moving back into the house with me. Greaser and the guys have your address and key and are doing it as we speak.”
“I don’t want to be a bother.”
“In sickness and health, Addison. I’m here for you. Now I can see you’re about to fall asleep again. Is there anyone that you want to know what’s going on? All club members men and women know.”
“Brian, he’s my partner, business partner. In voice only, not on paper. And everyone should know that I’ll be out of work for a while.”
“Would you like me to go tell them? I can do that while you’re getting settled into your room, and I can bring back some wings.” He grinned at her snort, then she moaned and he felt bad.
“Medium, extra bleu cheese.”
“No Ranch?”
“Please, you know better, Ranch dressing is for pussies. I want the good stuff, you know, with the chunks of moldy cheese. That’s the only way to eat wings.” She tried to smile, but it turned into a wince as she adjusted herself in the bed.
“Gotcha.” He smirked when she only mentioned the food, not him talking to her workers.
“Lincoln,” Addy said as he turned to leave. “Be nice to Brian.”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
