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Lincoln
I can’t stop worrying about Kate. My thoughts went to her often after we left. Lily has her fears to share with me, which keeps Kate in the forefront of my mind. Lily has concerns about what happens with Jake now that his parents have passed. The concern isn’t only for her friend’s loss but if she will lose him now. I know it’s a possibility he’ll go live with his grandmother in Georgia or even Jeff’s parents in Michigan. None of Jake’s relatives live in Chicago aside from his aunt, and I’m not sure if Kate has any rights to be Jake’s guardian if Julie didn’t express those wishes in her will.
I hold my daughter as she mourns the loss. They are young, but I swear to her they will make their friendship survive this. For now, she needs to be there for him as much as he needs it. We will support Jake and Kate but stay back until they reach out so we don't intrude. It’s the hardest thing, but I’d only met Kate this week and things are so new between us.
I don’t understand this connection I’ve formed so early into a friendship. My parents raised me to fall into things with a quickness most don’t. My mother was always open and loving, and my father was the same. They lived without restraint and embraced everyone the same. I knew my mother would know what I should do about this situation so I call her. After only two rings, she picked up, and her familiar voice washes over me. “It’s about time, son. I thought you’d never call me.”
“Mom, we talked last week about the economic crisis and why breakfast burritos are, and I quote you here—epic.”
She let out a slight chuckle. “Oh, I know, son. I don’t have Alzheimer’s yet. Though, maybe your father does. He forgets that it’s the Walking Dead tonight. The zombies are so gruesome, but I enjoy how he looks as if he might vomit.”
Both of my parents are in their late fifties, but they are full of fun and happiness and it makes me miss their presence. I haven’t had time off to make the trip to Ohio to see them. “You’ll give him a heart attack.”
“Oh, please, he’s good. So how’s everything going there? How’s my Lilybug?”
“That’s what I’m calling about. We’re doing okay, but you remember Lily’s best friend Jake, right?”
“Yes, of course. Jake’s the cute one she’s always talking about. Are they boyfriend-girlfriend these days? Our little Lilybug is growing up so fast.”
I sigh because she sounds excited about that fact when I’m stressed about it. “No, Jake’s parents died last night.”
My mother gasps. “Oh, God no. He’s so young to be going through this.”
“Exactly, and I’m telling her to be there for him, but I’m not sure what else to do or say. She’s worried about what will happen to him since he has no family in Chicago but his aunt.”
“I’ll fly to Chicago and visit her. She’s mourning for this loss and it will be hard for her.”
I adjust my phone on my shoulder and sigh then shift back in my seat. Admittedly, it would be nice for my mom to come up but that wasn’t my intention when calling her. “You don’t have to fly to Chicago. Her mom will be back soon. Though I’m not sure if Morgan grieving for her friend’s death will help Lily much either.”
“That’s right. Well, son, I’m coming anyway it’s been a while since I’ve seen you guys. I’ll be there late tomorrow night.”
“Sounds like I won’t be talking you out of it, so I’ll see you soon.”
“Yes. Now get some rest. I love you.”
After hanging up, I glance at my phone, debating whether to call or text Kate to see if she needs something. Problem is, I don’t have her number. There’s no use. Kate will have to call me first.
***
I PACED FOR HOURS LAST night and still hadn’t heard a response from Kate. I passed out late into the night, and Lily stayed hidden in her room. There was nothing I could say, so I let her rest without my constant hovering.
She went to school this morning and didn’t talk on the ride over. Again, I didn’t press, considering I made it worse last night with my honesty.
Dennis steps into my office and lets out a deep sigh. He passes over some presentations for me to look at, so I bury myself in work. It saves me from glancing at my phone to see if Kate has tried to reach out yet.
“Most of the team sent me their ideas over the weekend. The only one who hasn’t is Kate Alverson. Are you sure about having her on stage? I didn’t argue during the meeting.” Dennis pauses and looks my direction with questioning eyes.
“She had something come up this weekend. I’ll talk to her about it when she comes in next time.”
“How do you know she had something come up? You never work with the development department, and since when do you let that type of thing matter, anyway? I checked with Brad, and she’s downstairs working on codes right now.”
“She’s here?” I shut the folder and walk around my desk. The thought of seeing her has me moving without thought. Not only have I missed her, but I’ve been worried about how she’s handling her sister’s death. I need to see her, touch her, and comfort in any way I can.
Dennis grabs my arm before I make it to the door. “What’s going on with you?” His brows lower, and there’s a question in his eyes. “There’s a buzz going around that they’ve seen you downstairs and that you’ve been hooking up with that level designer. What’s gotten into you?” His constant questions about our relationship, which hasn’t even formed a true friendship yet, has me on edge. I don’t want to talk about Kate, I want to see her.
“Not the time to talk about this.” I step out of my office before he can add anything else or ask more questions. I can’t believe she’s here and working today. She should have taken the day off, but the distraction is helpful and the escape from her mother necessary, I’m sure.
I make my way downstairs and toward Kate’s desk. Jefferson is standing nearby with a frown, staring at Kate’s work. When I approach, he looks up, and his worried eyes widen in response as he watches me. Kate’s sitting in front of her computer with her headset on, her purple hair pulled up in a mess on top of her head. Her monitors are black and colored lines of intricate coding scroll across the screen. She’s typing in swift strokes and so lost in whatever she’s working on that she hasn’t noticed her growing audience.
Four other guys are standing nearby, their gazes turned her direction with concerned expressions. No one dares approach, though. My desperation to check in with her has me coming forward and placing a hand on her shoulder. She jumps and spins, and I have to reach out to stop her drink from pouring over her keyboard.
“Shit. Sorry.” Kate grabs the to-go coffee cup from my hand and tosses it into the trash nearby. “It was empty anyway.” Her hand slips the headset off, and she looks up at me with a longing and desperation to escape written on her face. That’s why I’m here.
“Come grab lunch with me?”
She looks around at the guys and Brad standing nearby. Her boss nods his head, having heard my request, and she stands up to join me.
“Sure.” Kate snags the brown messenger bag she wears, wipes her eye with a quick swipe of her right hand, and whispers to the guys she’ll be back soon.