Granting one last wish

SEB

I feel so terrified to hear from her saying she’s dying. How did her daughter take the news? Where is she, anyway?

“We both agreed not to tell our daughter. Not until tomorrow, at least, but I know she’s going to hate me for this or her father, Seb.” She pauses.

So, am I going to break the news to her? I never met their daughter, and I’ve never even seen her before. Mike and Catie seemed to be good parents, and if their daughter got the looks from both of them, then she is beautiful.

“Seb, I want you to promise me something.” She takes a long deep breath, and my palms turn cold clammy.

I hold my breath when I feel like I’m not going to like the next words will come from her mouth. In my twenty-five years of existence, I’ve never been in this position, making promises to a dying woman, which I know I can’t say no. So I have to do whatever she asks me to.

“Whatever, Catie. I’ll do everything you want.” I start sweating even the room is cold, and I feel claustrophobic.

I open one button of my shirt and loosen my tie.

“I know you’re happy with your life. You’re supposed to be the last person I asked a favor for, but I don’t trust anyone besides my husband. I’ve known you long enough to know what’s underneath that bad boy and playboy image, and you have a good heart, Seb. You have reasons why you choose this life, and you haven’t met the right one for you.” She takes a breath.

So that’s it, and now I’m getting more nervous.

I constantly swallow why a lot of jumbled thoughts pop in my head. Is this what I think it is?

Jesus. Good grace. Hallelujah.

This can’t be happening, and did I just promise?

Can I take it back? No.

I think I’m going to faint before her.

I feel that the worst day of my life is taunting me, and everything is flashing back in my head—it starts from the tabloid that ruins my life, to the meeting that gave me a headache, and to the last words of my dad.

And I’m still in front of a dying woman.

“Before I admitted myself, I finalized my Will, and even my husband doesn’t know most of it. Just me and my lawyer, Atty. Timothy Sanders. I made a copy for myself, and I want you to have it. You don’t have to be there during the reading of the Will, but make sure you secure it safely.” She breathes deeply again. “And you’ll know when the right time to open it, Seb.”

So it’s not that

me.” I want to see her smile at least, so I continue, “So, you will trust me for your daughter, too? You know my reputation, Catie. I mean, I, maybe we can be good friends. I’m not that asshole, and I promise to keep my hands off of her.” I raise

moment for the rest of my life. She motions to the drawer. I stand up and pull the drawer at

a pendant—a tulip, our favorite flowers. My daughter likes red, and I like purple. So don’t you ever give her purple unless you want to annoy her.”

fold the envelope and tuck it inside my

like purple, huh? I keep that

know I can’t repay you anymore, but I know my daughter will. Please take care of her. Promise

pale, and she breaths hard, and I panic and

head. “Tell her I love her so much, and I love you so much,

I promise Catie.

***

energy drained from me. I look down at the delicious food on my plate, and suddenly, I lost my appetite. I push it away, still recalling the

strip all my clothes and head to my bathroom. A long hot shower might help to

a release. I grit my teeth when I think again. For fuck sake, Seb. You just witnessed a woman died in front of you, and all you can think

loss of his wife, and there’s a daughter who just lost a mother, and she

I’m such an

father about the sad news, I dial my cousin and my best friend, Patrick.

left your office early today, and that’s new. ‘sup?”

cool, but I can’t tell him family emergency because he knows

so...” I lost words. He knows me too well, and if something’s bothering me. I’m

wrong?” I can hear the worry in his voice.

long breath, I give up. I know he’s going to find out.

received an emergency call today that’s why I

emergency? Is Aunt Jules okay? Or your dad? I don’t think it’s about work

pass by, and we’ll talk about it. I don’t want to talk over the phone.”

in my lair. I never bring anyone here or throw a party. I stay here on weekdays.

really have sex with her? She isn’t your type, you know. You prefer blonde, tall and long-legged. She just wants your pocket while you’re

my eye, but I know he’s just trying to

up with an idea that I have sex video with her, don’t go there.” I pause. “I’m sure my future wife

minute, I hear a knock. I stand up and walk to the door, and here he is, still in suit one button open, loosened the tie, and wearing a huge grin on his face telling me that

minibar and pour

always responsible when drinking. I sit on his opposite side

me from guessing? I get it. It’s bad news,” he talks while I’m looking at the high ceiling of my penthouse. I can feel his gaze on me like he can