“I know.”
“It’s just happening so fast. What’ve you lost, like, fifty-five pounds?”
He shrugged. “Fifty-six. So what? The treatment’s just doing what it’s supposed to. Dr. Halleck’s not worried, so—”
“Now you trust what he thinks? You didn’t go to the doctor for four years and now you’re BFFs?”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m worried about you, Emmettito. This shit they’ve got you on, it’s not safe.”
“What, and being morbidly obese is safe?”
Lizette’s head rocked back in surprise. “Whoa.”
“Sorry, I just— Thank you for being concerned, but there’s nothing to be—”
Emmett’s phone buzzed. Aaron was calling.
“Take it,” she said.
As he carried the phone away, she called after him, “But I’m having a bite of your burrito.”
He paused on the street side of the restaurant and answered, “Aaron, hi.”
“Hey, Emmett, it’s Aaron. Sorry, you know that. How was your weekend?”
“Good, good. Just, you know…” He hesitated, then spoke over Aaron.
“Yeah—”
“Trying not to stress too much. Sorry.”
“No worries.” He laughed. “I just wanted to follow up on the interview. You did great.”
“So you’re calling with good news?”
Aaron paused. “Ugh. This is so hard.”
Emmett’s hope guttered.
“The panel was really impressed—it was between you and one other candidate—but ultimately that person just looked a little better on paper.”
On paper, my ass, Emmett thought. “I get it.”
“I feel terrible, especially after encouraging you to apply.”
“No. I’m happy I was even considered. Really.”
“Look, I should get back. But let’s hang out again sometime. Text me.”
Emmett heartily agreed, with not the slightest intention of following through.
Appendix L—Health Journal
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