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.”

it’s not that bad after all.

after all. I finally find words say, “Thank you for the trust you gave me, Catie. I promise you to keep it safe, and I will make sure you won’t come to haunt 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

the lamest joke that I can come up with because I will never forget this moment for the rest of my life. She motions to the drawer. I stand up and pull the

it to me. It has a pendant—a tulip, our favorite flowers. My daughter

and I don’t know why. I fold the envelope and

I keep

anymore, but I know my daughter will. Please take care

too pale, and she breaths hard, and I panic and shout for

I can hear is her last words in my ears and my head. “Tell her I love her so much, and I love you so much, my love.”

promise Catie.

***

my 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

Catie gave me, I strip all my clothes and head to my bathroom. A long hot shower might help to calm my nerves. I stand under the showerhead until I can’t take

pick a willing woman for 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

I feel ashamed. My good friend is mourning for the loss of his wife, and there’s a

such an ass.

After calling my father about the sad news, I dial my cousin and my best friend, Patrick. After the third ring, he finally picks

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

but I can’t tell him family emergency because he knows I’m lying.

run, so...” I lost words. He knows me too well, and if something’s bothering me. I’m not good at lying, and

I can hear

know he’s going to find out. I already told my

why I had to leave

dad? I don’t think it’s about

don’t you pass by, and we’ll talk about it.

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

did you? Did you really have sex with her? She isn’t your type, you know. You

know he’s just trying

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

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

I can even say a word. He sits on my black leather couch, while I make my way to my minibar and pour ourselves

I’m always responsible when drinking. I sit on his opposite side and rest my head

It’s bad news,” he talks while I’m looking at the high ceiling of