Page 34 (1/2)

Turning, I squat back down in front of Olivia and press the wet cloth to her forehead She sighs in relief and murmurs, "Thanks"

"No problehten the mood "That was quite a show you put on for me"

She rewardsto push you out the door I didn’t want you to see that"

"Sto like that," shea hand up, I touch her cheek and find it hot to the touch Really hot "I think you have a fever, Olivia And based on how badly you’re trying to throw up, "

"It’s not flu season," she says dismissively "But I’ll be fine I’m sure this will pass soon"

"Yeah, well, I’m not so sure While I think you are like the hottest woman I’ve ever known, frankly…you look like death waro to a doctor"

"No, I’ood, Olivia," I say in frustration, and I reach a hand out to her "Coet you up and dressed and I’ll take you rits out, grabbing the cloth fro it in her fist

"Yes, you are, stubborn girl I bet you have the flu," I say confidently, digging this new role of coddler and art I take her hand so I can get her up, but she jerks away fro flu," she snarls, and I flinch slightly froently…soothingly "Letto help"

"You can’t help me," she says, her voice broken and sad Her eyes raise to ive her a reassuring smile "Oh, yeah?…Why can’t I help you?"

She takes a deep breath in and blows it out forcefully Her voice is tired and resigned when she says, "Because I have cancer, Garrett I’m sick today because I had , and I’m sick from that"

Her words physically punch into th inMy jaw drops while ht on the tiled floor I look at her in disbelief "Cancer?"

"Yes…cancer," she says resolutely

We sit in her bathroo moment I feel sick to er as well…that I’ out about this

"I don’t understand," I say slowly

Because I’m confused as fuck

"I have a lymphonosed just a few days before weof our first date Today wasstarts to dawn on me "The bruises"