Chapter 74

Howard walked to the waiting area, grateful that it was empty for once. He grabbed a seat in a corner and put his head in his hands, never one to let others see him cry. A hand patted him on the shoulder and Howard looked up.

“If I tell you something, will you try not to be too mad at Jason? And at Marjorie?” Gene asked, taking the seat next to Howard.

“How could I be mad at either of them?” Howard asked. “Jason is here in the hospital clinging to life, and Marjorie is racing to the airport to get my children. She’ll have to wait there for hours between their flights.

“Don’t worry. She’s got her e-reader, and it’s much easier for her there than here.”

“Because she’s so worried about Jason?” Howard asked.

“No,” Gene said. “Because she’s a horrible actress.”

“What are you talking about?” Howard asked, thoroughly confused.

“He’s faking,” Gene said.

“What?” Howard asked.

“Jason. He’s faking. This whole heart attack thing, Jason’s faking it.”