He Gave Her My Eyes A Story of Final Sight novel Chapter 23

A knock sounded at the door just then.

“Lawrence, Aaron’s here,” Susan called out. “He said he tried calling, but you didn’t pick up.”

Lawrence remembered his phone had buzzed earlier, but he’d been too angry to care about anything else. He didn’t say a word. Susan hesitated in the doorway, clearly confused and a little nervous, then slipped away without another word.

After a long pause, Lawrence pressed a gentle kiss to Theresia’s forehead, looking for all the world like the perfect, loving husband. “Your birthday’s coming up. Think about what you want as a present. I need to go out for a bit.”

He stepped out, leaving the room in a rush. Theresia waited until the sound of his footsteps faded before finally letting her body relax. She’d almost forgotten her birthday was right around the corner. And after that, she’d be gone.

She stared off, lost in thought, whispering to herself, “Lawrence, I’ll make sure you never forget this day.”

A faint, mocking smile played on her lips.

Lawrence joined Aaron in the study. Aaron couldn’t help but notice how dark Lawrence’s mood was, brow furrowed, jaw tight. Had he and Theresia just fought? It didn’t seem likely, not with Theresia’s gentle personality. Maybe he was imagining things.

Still, Aaron pushed aside his curiosity and got straight to the point. “Lawrence, I’ve got news. Moses will be in Harrisburg next Monday.”

Lawrence seemed distracted, leaning against the window with his hands in his pockets. He lit a cigarette, barely glancing over. “Alright. No matter what, we have to meet him.”

Aaron nodded. “Got it.” He hesitated, then asked, “Should Patti be there?”

Lawrence took a drag and looked thoughtful. “We’ll see. Depends how she’s doing.”

Aaron watched him carefully. He knew Lawrence better than most. Everyone knew Lawrence loved Patti, but after three years of marriage, could he really feel nothing for Theresia at all? Aaron wanted to say what was on his mind—Theresia was a good woman, and if Lawrence didn’t treasure her, someday he’d regret it.

Outside, Theresia stood with a tray of fruit, having heard every word. Moses was a legend in the art world. Artists everywhere would kill for a chance to study with him. It was obvious Lawrence was trying to open a door for Patti.

All the warmth vanished from Lawrence’s eyes.

“Theresia, there’s a line. I’d stop now if I were you.”

He left the room without looking back.

Theresia faced the door where he’d disappeared and smiled. A line, huh? For Lawrence, that line was Patti. Theresia could do whatever she wanted, as long as it didn’t involve Patti. Patti was his everything.

She closed her eyes, blinking away a tear. Then her face hardened. Without a word, she dumped the entire fruit platter into the trash.

…

No one brought up Patti’s trip to the hospital again. At least, Lawrence never mentioned it to her.