Chapter 193: I Just Need To Hear Your Voice

I'm on the phone before I leave the office. It only rings twice before he answers.

"Hello."

His voice is tired, and he's unhappy in a way I've never known him to be.

"Hi," it's almost a whisper. I don't know what the right thing to say is.

"Where are you?" I ask automatically.

"Just left Maya at my house with Jake. I'm going to the hospital."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"You don't have to."

"I know, but I want to be with you," there's silence on the line, and it's enough to make me reconsider, "unless there's something else you need?"

"No!" His response is sharp. "I want you with me. I'll pick you up. Give me ten minutes."

"Okay. I'll speak to you in a moment."

"Don't go." He almost sounds desperate.

"Okay."

"I just need to hear your voice," he says as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. "Just talk to me..."

"What about?" I'm at a loss.

"Anything..."

"Work?" I offer.

"Sure."

I sigh, "Landon is really happy with the advert for Lorrell Labs."