Just One Night Together (Flatiron Five Fitness #3) - Deborah Cooke Page 0,34
we reach this point, Mr. Perez, sooner is always better.”
“I understand.” Damon struggled to think clearly. “And if you don’t continue with the next phase of chemo, what happens?”
“I think you know what happens, Mr. Perez, although I don’t think chemo is going to make any difference to the end result. Or even, really, to the timeline. The main difference will be in your mother’s comfort.”
“Will she come home?”
“Would someone be with her all the time?”
“No. I have to work.”
“You could have nursing staff come in. Those services can be arranged.”
“I’ll talk to her about it when I visit tonight.”
“She could also remain here, Mr. Perez, although you’ll also need to decide if there should be a DNR on her record.”
DNR. Do Not Resuscitate.
Damon took a shaking breath. “No more chemo,” he said in a rush, knowing it was the right choice but hating that he had to make it. “No more radiation. I’d like her to be comfortable. I’ll sign the DNR tonight.”
“I’ll ensure that everything is ready for you.” The doctor paused. “I’m sorry, Mr. Perez.”
“Me, too.”
“There are some research programs, but I don’t believe your mother is a good candidate in her current condition. The choice, however, is yours to make and I can make some recommendations...”
“No. I agree with your advice. I think this is the right path.”
“So do I, Mr. Perez, if that’s of any consolation. I’ll leave all the paperwork with the nurses for you to sign and continue as you’ve decided.”
When the call was over, Damon braced his head on his hand and let futility sweep over him. His mom was leaving him soon, and he didn’t know what he was going to do without her.
He certainly shouldn’t be having a fling with Haley.
Two nights would have to be enough.
This time, he’d say thanks with a handshake.
Haley smiled when she saw Damon’s silhouette in the foyer of her building.
She paid the fare and got out of the cab, almost tripping over her feet in her hurry to get to the door. Damon held open the door for her, but his expression was grim.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, fearing that something had happened to his mom.
“Nothing. I just can’t stay.”
Haley had been putting her key into the lock of the security door, but she stopped to stare at him. “If nothing is wrong, then I’m an iguana.”
Damon didn’t smile. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
The very fact that he’d taken the trouble to come to her apartment hinted that he did want to talk about it. “You could have just called to tell me you’d changed your mind.”
He shook his head, more emphatic than he should have been. “No, because it’s not just tonight. It’s the whole thing.”
“What whole thing?”
“Us. This. It can’t happen any more.”
“Okay,” Haley said, because he seemed to expect a fight from her. His gaze flicked to hers. “So, you’ll say thanks by shaking hands and we’ll just part amiably?”
Damon exhaled. “Sure.”
He was really upset. Compassion welled in Haley and she knew she couldn’t let him go home alone just yet. She put out her hand and he shook it, quickly, but when he tried to let go, she tightened her grip. “What happened today?” she asked quietly.
This time, his words were more clipped and his eyes flashed. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Haley guessed. “Things got worse for your mom?”
The fight went out of his stance and she knew she’d guessed right. “There’s no improvement from the chemo and radiation.”
“I’m sorry,” Haley said and meant it.
“I signed the DNR tonight,” he admitted heavily. “There won’t be any more treatment.”
If he’d known or suspected the truth before, the reality was hitting him now. Haley waited and watched, more than ready to listen.
Damon hauled his hand out of hers and shoved it through his hair. He swallowed and she was shaken by the anguish in his eyes. “But it’s not your concern.”
He wanted to put distance between them so badly, but he’d made the effort to come and see her. Haley had to think that he needed to talk to someone—and she was the only one in the vicinity.
“You know, I’m starving,” she said lightly. “Instead of saying thanks your usual wonderful way, why don’t you come up for something to eat instead? I’m not much of a cook, but the world always looks better after scrambled eggs and toast.”
“Scrambled eggs and toast?” He looked skeptical and Haley smiled a little.