“It’s far from sad, Elias. I think it’s the opposite. We’re never too old to learn and grow, to recognize new things about ourselves or the world. You’ve had a good reason for your decisions. I don’t fault for you for that.”
“And now, he’s back, needing a piece of my damn liver because he knew he can’t get on the donor list. He doesn’t have that much time.”
“He would have to be sober for six months.” It dawns on Winston. “He doesn’t have that much time?”
“Dr. Washington said three months, but that’s generous. When I saw him…I’d be surprised if he made it that long.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I got tested. I’m a match. I’m going to give him part of my liver, and I said I was done with him. That after that, to never contact me again because after being at Warrick General, after meeting so many amazing people, I want happiness for myself.” It’s the first time I’ve admitted it out loud. “I want it so bad, Winston. I want happiness. It’s been so long since I’ve allowed myself to experience it and—” I can’t help but smile at the possibilities. “And I feel like I’m really close to having it if I allow myself. I’m so close, and I feel like the only way I can do that is if I send my dad on his way with a piece of my liver. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t give it to him. He’d die, and I won’t live with his death on my shoulders too.”
“Too? There are no deaths on your shoulders, friend. That’s the first thing you need to truly comprehend if you want to move forward. It doesn’t make you a bad person to draw a boundary for yourself when it comes to your father. He’s had plenty of chances. If that’s what it takes for you to finally be happy, then do what’s best for you.”
My shoulders sag with relief. It feels good to get that all off my chest, talking with someone else who isn’t just my own damn thoughts. I’ve never had a true friend before. It’s different. Not abad different, and it will take some adjusting to get used to, but having Winston in my life is a relief.
“Thanks, Winston. That means a lot. Really.”
“It’s no problem. I’m here when you need or want to talk, Elias. That’s a lot to carry on your own and you aren’t on your own anymore.”
I’m not on my own anymore.
That’s something I’ll never get used to.
Winston’s eyes drift over my shoulder and a bright smile graces his face. “Hey, Olivia is here. And she’s on a date!” He taps my shoulder a few times to get me to turn around.
He didn’t have to hit me to get me to move. I’m already turning, looking over my shoulder to see where he’s pointing. Jealousy rears its ugly head in my chest, a burning fire spreading through my veins when I see her with another man.
I have no right to be upset. She isn’t mine.
Yes, she is. She just doesn’t know it yet.
She looks stunning. My eyes trail down her figure, my breath catching in my chest when I see her bright red heels, a gorgeous contrast with the deep purple dress that hugs her body, slipping like silk down her curves and endling mid-calf.
Her long red hair is loosely curled and the side I’m able to see is slipped back, exposing her shoulder. God, she’s fucking beautiful.
“I’m happy she’s dating.”
I squeeze the glass so hard, I’m worried it will shatter. “Oh?”
“Yeah. She works so hard. She’s the best damn assistant I’ve ever had, which is why I needed to promote her before she found a better job. There’s no way my day-to-day would run smoothly without her. She’s a good person too. I thought about setting her up with my brother, Wyatt, but he isn’t ready for a woman like her. She’s always wanted a big family. I know it’s important to her. I want her to have what she wants.”
I want a big family too. I want my house to be full of children’s laughter. I don’t see it in my future, not at my age, yet I still can’t stop myself from wishing for the dream I had so many years ago. Not even my ex-wife could handle how closed off I was.
“How long have you known Olivia?” I ask him.
He shuts his eyes for a second to think. “Gosh, I don’t even know. She’s been with me for years. She’s a lifesaver. Seriously, she could run that entire hospital and have everything in order. Selfishly, I don’t want that to happen. Selflessly, I want her to have that more than anything. She deserves it. But I don’t think she’s ready just yet. She needs a little more experience.”
An idea dawns on me. “That’s why you gave her a promotion. You’re preparing her for more.”
“I am. I’ll miss her. I’m hoping when that day comes she’ll still be my assistant. I don’t want anyone else. Hell, by that time, I might retire. I don’t know. Olivia deserves good things. She’s a great person, smart, driven, and she’s found what she’s good at here. I want to help her achieve whatever she wants.”
“You’re a good boss. Not many would give so much help or direction to their employee.”
His eyes search for her again in the bar, grinning from ear to ear. “She’s like a daughter to me. I mean, I am old enough to beher father.” He chuckles as a caring expression drapes over his features. “I’ll make sure she gets to where she deserves to be. I refuse for her to have anything less.”
I admire Winston Warrick. Not only as a doctor, but the kind of man he is.
My gaze fixates on Olivia, longing to me the man on the other side of that table to appreciate a beauty so magnificent as hers.
