“How is Evie liking the hospital?”Oscar asked.
“I think pretty well.She’s exhausted.Said she doesn’t know how people work full-time.”I smirked at the laughter that followed.
“She’ll learn,” Coach said.“I worked full-time, coached almost full-time, and had a family.I loved every minute of all of it.”
“Not everyone can do all of that,” Oscar said, clapping Coach on the shoulder.“You’re a little bit of a nut.”
Coach laughed, sending himself into another coughing fit.
Christy dropped everything in the kitchen and rushed to her father’s side.She rubbed his back as he coughed, whispering to him until he calmed down.
“Thanks, Chris.I love you.”Coach smiled at her.
She kissed his cheek, then hurried back to the kitchen.
I shared a look with Oscar and followed her to the kitchen while he kept up the conversation with Coach.
“How long has he been this bad?”I asked.
“Every day is worse,” she whispered.“He’s fading fast.If he lasts another month, I’ll be surprised.”
“Fuck, Chris.I’m so sorry.”
She gave me a tight smile.“Thanks.I know there’s nothing that can be done, but it’s so hard watching him slip away.”
“He told me he’s ready.He wants to see your mom again.”
She nodded, wiping a tear from her lashes.“He told me the same thing.”
The door opened behind me, letting us know Evie was there.
Christy pulled herself together, wanting to put on a brave face for Evie.I took over chopping vegetables while she greeted my kid, waving with the knife when Evie walked into the room.
“Hi, Dad,” Evie said, waving back and making a beeline for Coach.“Hi, Uncle Oscar.”She hugged Oscar, then leaned down and hugged Coach.“Hi, Coach.”
“Oh, Evie.It’s so good to see you.I hear you’ve been working hard,” Coach said.
Evie chuckled and took the seat I’d vacated.“I’m trying.I really like what I’m doing, but it’s hard.”
“Life is hard.But you have a great dad who’s always going to be there for you.”
“Just like I had,” Christy said softly.She looked up at me.“You should be really proud of her.”
My chest swelled with emotion.“I am.She’s a damn good kid.”
“Despite her mother,” Christy said low enough that only I could hear her.
“Mm hm.”
Christy took the knife back from me and gave me another task.Before long, dinner was ready, and Evie asked if we could stay to eat instead of going out.
“Don’t let us keep you,” Coach said.
Evie shook her head.“I’m leaving in a month.I want to spend as much time with family as I can.”
The four adults in the room were speechless as we fought our emotions.
Coach recovered first, not bothering to hide his tears.“Well, damn.If that doesn’t make me the happiest old man ever, nothing will.I want that, too.”
