Declan looks stunned by the news. “Well, shit, man. If I would’ve known…” He shakes his head and touches Vince’s shoulder. “Doesn’t matter now. We can talk more about it later, but I’m here for you, okay? Whatever you need.”
Vince lowers his gaze, nodding.
I run my hand down his arm to his hand, holding it loosely. He squeezes and doesn’t let go.
Declan doesn’t miss the gesture, attention darting between us with open curiosity. He doesn’t ask questions, though, and I’m glad.
We visit for over an hour, but each sentence seems to drain Vince. He sinks lower into the bed, blinking slowly.
Declan clears his throat. “Well, you have an entire waiting room full of people who want an update, so I’m going to tell themit’s safe to go home and get some rest. Call me when you can, though, and we’ll talk more.”
Vince nods. “You can tell them about the MS, if you want.”
“You sure?”
“It’s probably better if everyone at work knows.”
I squeeze Vince’s hand, overcome with pride and relief that he isn’t hiding this anymore.
“Okay. See ya, Vince.” Declan claps me on the shoulder on his way by.
I turn back to Vince as soon as we’re alone, heart aching. “Want me to go too?”
He pulls my hand closer. “Not yet.”
I exhale hard and lean over him, kissing his forehead. He turns into it.
“No more hitting this head of yours, okay? I like it too much.”
He smiles weakly, then sighs. “They think it’s a… shit, I forget what it’s called. MS flare or something. It’s why I’ve been having so many symptoms.”
My heart sinks. “That sounds scary.”
“Wish they’d get me into the damn specialist sooner,” he grumbles. “I hate waiting.”
I brush a thumb over his hand. “Me too.”
He closes his eyes, clearly exhausted.
A few minutes later, a soft knock comes to the door. I turn to find Sarah and Darren in the entry.
“Sorry. We won’t stay,” Sarah says. “We just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
The relief at seeing her and my brother is overwhelming. “Yeah. I think so.”
Getting up, I hug each of them, thanking them for coming. I can feel their curiosity, but when I look at Vince to see if he is up for meeting them, he’s sound asleep.
“Don’t worry about work tomorrow. I’ll manage,” Darren says.
“You sure?”
He nods. “Stay with your… friend?”
I duck my face. I genuinely don’t know what to call Vince. Friend doesn’t feel right. But neither does boyfriend. We aren’t there yet.
“I’ve told Georgie she’s staying with me for a while too.”
“Thanks, guys. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
