Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
She sets a folder down on the island, then says, “Everything’s in there.”
Pulling the folder closer, I open it and begin to read through all the documents. When I look at the scans and reports, a fist grips my heart in an unforgiving hold.
Seeing the actual growth in Rachel’s brain makes it all terrifyingly real. In one of my movies, Unhinged Minds, I played a CSI agent who was dying of glioblastoma, so I know enough about the illness to understand what the reports are telling me.
Fuck, it’s bad.
Again, my mind rebels against the thought of losing Rachel, and I search through all the documents for any sign of hope.
Rachel places her hand on my shoulder, and her tone is soft as she says, “I don’t think seeing more doctors will make any difference.”
I shake my head hard while my eyes snap to her face. “I’m not giving up, Rach.”
There’s a knock at the door, and Sylvia calls out, “Easton?”
“In the kitchen,” I reply.
My manager comes rushing in and makes a beeline for my sister. I watch as they hug each other, which makes Rachel cry again.
“I’m so sorry, Rach,” Sylvia says before pulling back. “I found a specialist in tissue pathology and diagnostic oncology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia who’s had success with some glioblastoma cases. I’ve reached out to his office, and as soon as I hear back from them, I’ll let you know.”
As Sylvia pats my shoulder, I ask, “Who’s the doctor?”
“Professor Anthony Fox,” she answers. “One of his patients has been cancer-free for two years.”
Hope soars in my chest. “I don’t care how much it costs. I want him to look at Rachel’s case as soon as possible.”
Sylvia glances at her wristwatch. “I’ll give them a call once their offices open. It’s only four a.m. in Sydney.” Her attention turns to Nova, and moving closer, she holds out her hand. “Sylvia Sloane. I’m Easton’s manager.”
“Hi,” Nova replies, looking awkward while she shakes Sylvia’s hand. “I’m Nova Allen, Rachel’s best friend.”
“Nice to meet you,” Sylvia says. “Are you from Verona?”
Nova nods and starts to fidget with her empty coffee mug. “Yes. I’ve known Rachel and Easton my whole life.”
Sylvia smiles at Rachel. “You have a whole team of people who love you and will stand by you.”
Rachel only nods, her face way too fucking pale.
I can kick myself for not asking sooner. “How do you feel, Rach?”
She lifts a trembling hand and presses her fingertips to her temple. “I have a headache that’s making me feel nauseated. I need to eat a slice of toast before taking my meds.”
“I’ll prepare it for you.” Nova jumps up from her stool. “Anyone else hungry?”
I can’t think about food right now, so I shake my head. “I’m good.”
“I ate on the flight home,” Sylvia replies.
We all watch Nova as she toasts a few slices of bread, and the air grows heavy again.
Sylvia is the first to break the silence by saying, “I’ve spoken to Tim. He’s not happy. We’ll have to sit down for a meeting to discuss how to proceed.”
“There’s nothing to discuss,” I mutter. “Rachel is my priority now.”
“I know.” Sylvia gives me a sympathetic look but still says, “The meeting has to happen. I’ll ask for a postponement of a month or two. I also left a message for Bobby, so you can expect a call from him. As your agent, he needed to know not to look at any other scripts.”
Christ, I can’t think about work at all.
My temper flares, and I level her with a look of warning as I snap, “We can talk about work later. Now is not the time!”
Nova drops the butter knife, and the sound draws my attention to her. She gives me an apologetic look, and her voice quivers as she whispers, “I’m sorry.”
I notice how tense she is and the trembling in her hand and assume it’s because she’s upset about Rachel.
Sylvia pulls my attention back to her as she agrees, “Okay. I’ll take care of everything at work. You take a few days to process the news.”
The only thing that matters is Rachel. Once she’s receiving treatment, I’ll think about work again.
“Uncle Easton!” Lainey suddenly shouts, and as I glance over my shoulder, I see her running toward me.
I quickly get up and give her a hug before pressing a kiss to her cheek. “How’s my princess?”
“This is the best day ever. I didn’t know you were coming home, and Nova is here.”
“I’m going to head out and do some damage control,” Sylvia interrupts us.
I nod, staring after her as she walks away from us. “Thank you for taking care of everything.”
“Of course. I’ll call once I have news.”
I turn my attention back to Lainey. “I missed you, so I came home early.”
Her face is filled with excitement. “We’re taking Nova shopping and sightseeing today. Are you coming with?”