She purses her lips and shakes her head. “No, however thanks.”

I am unable to shake the sensation that one thing is flawed, however I do not know what to do. Opening up my telephone once more, I determine that perhaps it is time to change techniques. I obtain an app whereas whistling the little tune that is enjoying on repeat in my coronary heart.

There may be nothing I need greater than for her to know that I care and that I am right here for her. If she needs issues to maneuver gradual between us, that’s completely high quality with me, however I am not about to let her really feel like I’ve forgotten about how I really feel about her.

“You appear completely happy,” she says, and I stop whistling.

“Sorry, not attempting to disturb you.”

She smiles at me. “You didn’t. I used to be simply making an statement.”

“I am about to have lunch with a really beautiful woman; what’s there to not be completely happy about?” I’m certain the phrases sound tacky, however I really feel tacky and I need her to understand it. Both she’ll assume it is cute or she will not. So it doesn’t matter what, I will have a solution.

“You’re cute,” she says, her stunning eyes glowing.

“So are you,” I say, choosing up my telephone as a notification chimes. The bouquet of white Chrysanthemums, and pink and purple daisies will arrive at the moment; one for work, one for residence. And each single day for the subsequent month she’ll have extra flowers to get pleasure from. I used to be cautious to make it possible for the playing cards for the work bouquet are ambiguous to anybody else however can have which means to her. Right this moment’s will point out that I need a second together with her underneath a willow tree. And I don’t even imply the kiss – the second had been wonderful earlier than that, and I need her to know that she’s on my thoughts.

In fact, I’ve additionally arrange some which can be jokes, compliments, and foolish. However each single one is heartfelt. I can solely hope that no person figures it out and that there’s no bother or suspicion right here at work. I don’t wish to expose our secret, and if I used to be a betting man, I’d assume that her worry for her status is perhaps a part of the rationale she’s been so cool these days.

I simply wish to see her smile, know that I’ve made her day, and I can’t get the second she’d advised me that she purchased her personal flowers out of my head. Bringing a splash of colour to her day may also make her completely happy and make her really feel beloved.

When lunch arrives, we each cease working and eat our meatball subs and it is virtually like we’ve gone again in time to earlier than my dad’s accident. We share jokes, laughter, and smiles, in addition to tidbits of the circumstances we’re engaged on round bites, and I maintain onto the best way these moments make me really feel. She makes me really feel alive, amplifies my happiness, and brightens my day.

I really feel a flash of disappointment when lunch ends and it’s time to get again to work. However I’ve different plans; I’ll go go to my father within the hospital. Letting her know the place I am going, I slip out of the workplace earlier than making my method to my automotive.

On the best way over, all I can take into consideration is the animated pleasure in her face as we shared lunch.

Once I open the door to my father’s hospital room, I am struck by how a lot he is modified. Though he is grown stronger, he has misplaced weight, leaving his face gaunt. He brightens up when he sees me, and I’m wondering how for much longer he’ll need to be right here. The bruises on his face have almost pale, and the areas the place the stitches had been put within the aspect of his head have healed over. He appears higher, however I do know the issues we are able to’t see are the place the concern is. I can hear his voice that he is stronger, that he is doing higher, recovering, and the optimistic, hopeful sound of his voice brings a smile to my lips.

“Clifton, it is good to see you.” As he says the phrases, I understand I do not doubt he means them, which is a pleasant and painful feeling all of sudden. During the last couple of weeks we have grown a lot nearer and gotten to know each other higher. We have even shared fond reminiscences of my mom and I discovered issues I by no means knew earlier than – like that she’d labored in a bakery earlier than I’d come alongside.

“So have you ever met anybody but?” His query comes out playfully, however all I can take into consideration is Emma.

“Dad, all I do is figure, eat, sleep, and repeat.” As I say the phrases, I fear that he’ll really feel responsible, like he is the rationale I have not met somebody, versus the fact… that it’s simply an excuse.

“Life goes to go you by earlier than you understand it.” He sounds certain, and unhappy. “Simply promise me that if you happen to discover love, you will maintain on to it.”

“In fact.” I’ve no plans of letting her escape, except she needs to go.

“Life is simply too brief to carry a grudge, to be alone or sad.” I sense he is reliving previous reminiscences as he speaks. “Life is unpredictable and fragile. It may all be gone within the blink of an eye fixed, so dwell it to the fullest and revel in each second.”

Given how shut he’d come to just about dropping his life, I understand he is proper. In fact, as wonderful as his recommendation sounds, payments nonetheless need to be paid and empires should be saved intact.

“Have you ever ever considered promoting the agency?”

I look sharply at him, questioning if he is studying my thoughts. “What?”

“Have you ever ever considered promoting it? Taking a giant chunk of cash and simply strolling away. Retiring early. Going someplace the place you may dig your toes within the sand and really feel the nice and cozy sunshine in your neck.” He drifts off once more and I’m wondering as soon as extra if that is him or the ache meds speaking. In fact, it may be the traumatic mind damage… however this man does not sound like my father. He appears like a person who has modified his thoughts about what’s vital and not needs the identical issues.

He’s additionally providing me a neat means out that permits me to maintain Emma.

He blinks at me, his eyes stuffed with knowledge. “I do not need you to overlook out or waste your life working like I did. The factor that I remorse probably the most is just not spending extra of my time together with your mom earlier than she was gone.” Tears sparkle in his eyes. “And, in fact, for pushing you away. I will by no means get these years again.”

I do know he’s proper, however how would he really feel if he came upon that I need Emma? How would he react? Would he be indignant and judgmental? Would he fireplace me for breaking firm guidelines and insurance policies?

I am unable to think about he would not be indignant, disenchanted, and shocked. All of my life he is been a really by the books form of man.

Some little a part of me hopes, as I sit down beside his mattress, that he’d be completely happy for us. However proper now, I wish to concentrate on my time with him, simply in case.

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