Keith nodded. “Yes, I know. I just don’t want to dump all of this on you.”
“Let’s set up a few days where I can take Faith so that you can have a few consecutive days of relaxation. I’ll look at my schedule, and we can set something up, okay?”
He finally smiled. “I would be so grateful.”
“Okay, I have to go, but let’s get together on the weekend to figure it out,” I said as I went to the door. “Give Faith a bear hug for me.”
“Will do,” Keith said, giving me a hug. “Thanks, brother.”
* * *
Another dayof the Ice Queen.
I’d gotten used to her new personality, so it was less of a shock each day as I went to work. I was still ignoring all her requests of not going to her office and using email instead. I figured the more she saw me, the more she would start to soften. It wasn’t exactly working as I’d planned, but I wasn’t giving up.
I was on my way to her office when I heard the most wretched sound coming from within. When I went to investigate, I found Marilyn on the floor beside her desk, heaving into her garbage can. I rushed to her side and rubbed her back. I was surprised when she didn’t wave me away. When she was finished, she straightened up, and I handed her some tissue to wipe her mouth with. I then handed her the bottled water that was on the edge of her desk.
“Drink slowly,” I told her.
She sat there for a moment, then I helped her back into her seat. I rounded her desk and sat across from her.
“Are you ill? Do you need me to take you home?” I offered.
“You’d love that, wouldn’t you? Taking care of me while I’m vulnerable,” she said, popping a mint into her mouth.
“Yes, I would, because it would mean you’re taking care of yourself instead of over-working,” I shot back.
“I’m fine,” she said as she picked up her pen.
“You’re clearly not fine. How long have you been throwing up?”
“A few days, maybe a week,” she answered hesitantly like she didn’t like the idea of me knowing that.
“Call your doctor, Marilyn, please,” I said.
“I said I’m fine. You can leave now.” She glared at me.
I stood up and proceeded to walk to the door. She wasn’t fine. Something was physically wrong with her. She was starting to look thinner.Why won’t you talk to me? What happened?
“Please take care of yourself, Marilyn,” I said with as much concern as I could muster.
“Enough already, please. I don’t need you to worry about me, Chris. I’m a big girl and can handle my own life, thank you.” She turned her attention back to the document on her desk, so I left.
I managed to get some more work done, despite the fact that all I could think about was Marilyn. Memories kept gnawing at my brain, and it made me more and more annoyed with her for being so stubborn and private. I’d break down the wall she was trying so hard to build around her heart.
On my way home that night, I stopped by her favorite fast-food restaurant and ordered her favorite meal, green curry chicken, and put it on her doorstep. I then texted her to let her know she should look on her front porch before making dinner. I didn’t get a response, but I knew I wouldn’t. I could only hope she ate it. I was sure she wasn’t eating properly, and something was really bothering her. I wouldn’t stop until I found out what that was.
ELEVEN
MARILYN
“Enough already,” I yelled to the walls of my bathroom as I was slumped over the toilet. I’d been retching periodically and was really starting to worry something was terribly wrong. I felt so tired and run down. At first, I thought it was the flu, but I had no fever. My breasts were a little sore, which made me worry it might be breast cancer. A very dear friend of mine got breast cancer a few years before and died recently, so I was terrified to go to the doctor and get it checked out. I hoped if I just rode it out long enough, the symptoms would go away, and I could carry on in my plight to become a partner.
Chris badgering me about going to the doctor was not helping. I knew he meant well, but it was getting rather annoying. It was my body, and as a grown adult, I would do as I saw fit. And right now, going to the doctor was not something I wanted to do. Unfortunately, I knew it was inevitable. I was just trying to work my nerve up to it. It was ironic. I was so fierce in the courtroom, but in this instance, I was being a weeny.
I made it to the office before I was sick again. I tried to drink some tea, but my stomach was upset. I’d bought a bagel on the way in but hadn’t eaten it yet. Perhaps I would give it a try now. After a few hours, I felt my eyelids getting so heavy. I crossed my arms on my desk and rested my head there, thinking I would just rest my eyes for a few minutes.
“Marilyn?” I heard in the distance, and then something was shaking me. I sat up quickly and turned to see Chris standing beside me, looking very concerned.Oh, no! What just happened?