Quincy

What do you get the guy who can buy himself anything he wants for his birthday? That’s the question I’ve been asking myself since I found out Cohen’s birthday is this weekend. He didn’t tell me, but his parents are throwing a big charity birthday event for him—and Shane, who turns three a few days later. Hard to hide your birthday when the world will be watching. Or when your mom sends an invite to your girlfriend.

I was happy to learn the charity they’re having everyone donate to is one who specializes in concussion research. Ken and I have been talking about using the technology Scott developed for Cohen to help others. Neither of them know it yet, but we’re going to be able to “cure” him because of that helmet. And yes, I’m scared he’ll go back to diving. I won’t hold back on healing him just because I want him to myself. I kind of want to, but I love him too much for that.

I’m ready to take a break from my online search when our head nurse Liz knocks on my door. She’s got a giant cookie bouquet in her arms, making me smile.

“Cohen’s putting every other man in this building to shame,” she tells me.

“Don’t tell him that.”

“Jake was down here when some of us were talking about your deliveries. He looked upset, but left like a man on a mission. I can only imagine what Isa and the other Studkateer wives are going to start coming home to.”

I’ve come home to a row of stuffed animals chilling on my couch, a bubble bath, emerald earrings, bikinis, leggings with stethoscopes on them, signed copies of my favorite books and more. Not to mention the flower, cupcake and cookie deliveries here. And breakfast in bed more than once. Cohen’s definitely been romancing and spoiling me over the past week. We haven’t had a date night out yet, but I thought we’d have one soon. Until I got that invitation this morning, and realized he didn’t want me to go.

“It won’t last. He’ll get bored or start forgetting.”

“I wouldn’t count on that, Quincy.”

“I’m not counting on it, just trying to set realistic expectations.”

“For what?” the man himself asks, looking smug.

“I’ll talk to you later,” Liz says, closing the door behind her. That wasn’t obvious at all.

“What’s going on? Did I mess up somewhere?”

“No. I love the cookies. Thanks.”

I push an unruly curl behind my ear and move the cookies around on my desk. Cohen puts his hands over mine to stop me.

“Talk to me, Quince.”

“I’m just wondering when you’re going to get tired of this—of me.”

“Never.”

“You didn’t tell me about your party this weekend. I didn’t even know it was your birthday until your mother sent me an invite.”

“Fuck. I can explain.”

“Okay.”

“Last year, I was in a charity bachelor auction. The highest bidder won the honor of being my date for my birthday gala this year.”

“You’re going with another woman?” I ask, grabbing the desk as everything starts spinning.

“Not because I want to.”

“Here I was, trying to find the perfect gift for you. Trying to keep you somehow. And, I didn’t even know I’d have to see you with another woman on your arm.”

“You don’t need a gift to try and keep me. I’m yours. I didn’t know we’d be together when I did the event last year. I’ve already turned down this year’s auction.”

“I picked out a dress. I got the invitation and ran right upstairs to Stella like a lovesick girl on prom night.”

“I can’t wait to see you in it.”

“With my date?”

“Excuse me?”

“I can’t show up alone like some pathetic woman pining after a man who isn’t completely hers. What if she kisses you when the cake comes out? What will I tell Bianca about why I can’t stand next to you?”

“Calm down, babe. Please. My family will be having a private party after the big one. The next day. We’ll be together then.”

“I wasn’t invited.”

“I’m inviting you now.”

“Only because I found out about the other party. You can’t expect me to believe this was just planned today.”

He looks away and blows out a breath. “I knew I’d have to tell you about the big party if I was inviting you to the little one.”

“I thought we weren’t doing this anymore. I thought we were telling each other everything.”

“We are. We will. I will. This is no big deal.”

“If you thought that, you would’ve told me.”

“I’m sorry. I should’ve.”

“Yes. Right now, we need to go down the hall and see Ken and Scott.”

“And after?”

“You’ll have fun with your date. I bet she’s curvy and blonde.”

“Quince.”

“Let’s go.”

I brush by him because I can’t say anything more without crying. Ken takes one look at me when I walk into his office, and pulls me into a hug.

“What’s wrong?” he whispers in my ear.

“I let myself believe in the fairy tale.”

“Damn him. We don’t have to heal him.”

“Yes. We do. Tell him.”

“Very well.”

“So, what’s up doc?” Scott asks, smirking.

“Because I’ve never heard that one before.”

“Just messing with you Kenny.”

“Per usual. As I’m not interested in wasting anyone’s time, I’ll just get right to it. With the information from the helmet Scott designed, as well as input from Ainsley’s medical team and Caleb, we’ve found we can heal you, Cohen. We can reduce the swelling on your brain.”

“He can dive again?” Scott asks.

“If that’s what he wants to do, yes.”

“No.”

My head whips around and I face him for the first time since we entered this room. “Why?”

“Because the woman I love made me realize I don’t need it anymore.”

“Don’t do this because of me. You’ll hate me later.”

“I’m doing it because it’s the right decision for me—and for us. What if I hit my head again and again? How many times could you heal me without it all causing permanent brain damage?”

“We do not have that data,” Ken tells him.

Cohen nods, never taking his eyes off mine. “It’s not worth the risk. I’ve foolishly risked too much already.”

* * *

Cohen

“How’s my favorite son?” my mom asks. I’ve just left the Ken’s office and I’m heading to the daycare to see Shane. My son always makes things better.

“I’m your only son.”

“Why do you sound angry?”

“How could you invite her without telling me? Or asking me?”

“Who? Are you talking about me inviting Quincy to your party?”

“Yes,” I grit out, fighting to not cross the line into disrespect.

“Why wouldn’t I invite her? You told me it’s serious with her. I knew she’d be your date, but she deserved her own invite to frame. Or put into a memory box.”

“No one else does that but you.”

“Men. You simply don’t understand our ways.”

I ignore the dig. “She can’t be my date, because I have a date already. Or did you forget the charity auction?”

“You haven’t dealt with that woman?”

“How exactly would I deal with her?” I ask, rolling my eyes, even though she can’t see me.

“Call her and tell her you have a girlfriend. Explain she’s still invited and can bring a date of her own.”

“Like it’d be that simple.”

“If you give her no other choice, it would be. Come with her own date, or get a refund. You can certainly dip into your trust for that.”

I was planning on dipping into my trust for something else, but it looks like I won’t be needing a ring. No. I still need a ring. I’m not giving up.

“I don’t suppose you’d be willing to make that call for me?”

“No, but I will make a different one.”

“I don’t think she’ll listen.”

“You let me worry about that.”

“Thanks Mom.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. They found a way to reduce the swelling on my brain. I’m going to be okay.”

I hear a sob before she speaks again. “Thank God. I won’t ask you about diving, because I already know that’s off the table.”

“It is.”

“You make your call and I’ll make mine. See you on Friday.”

“Can’t wait.”

I hang up with her and promptly look up the email from last year. Taking a deep breath, I dial the number.

“Hello?”

“Hi. It’s Cohen. Covington.”

“Oh. Hi.”

She doesn’t sound happy to hear from me. Interesting. “I was calling to talk to you about this weekend.”

“About that. I’ve got a boyfriend now.”

“Good, because I’ve got a girlfriend. Do you and you boyfriend want to come to the party?”

“Really? That’s great, and yes. Thank you.”

“See you on Saturday.”

I should’ve called her sooner. I could’ve avoided all of this if I had, but nothing about me and Quincy has been easy. Why should this be any different?