Illicit Affairs

Chapter 4

With my stomach in knots, I straightened my skirt and tugged at my collar adjusting it to make sure it was completely covering the mark on my neck. I'm usually never nervous entering my grandfather's office, but something in his voice sounded serious.

Maybe he was going to reprimand me again about Alex. Or maybe he found out about Ryan and me. Or Chase and me. Or even worse...Ross. Oh shit. If he knows I slept with Ross Chastain, he would probably disown me, especially considering this was after he had his little "come to Jesus meeting" with Ross after Ross wrecked his golden child Kyle on multiple occasions.

Ignoring the pit in my stomach, and convinced I looked presentable, I entered his office. My nerves eased when he gave me a warm smile. "How are you today, princess?"

Then I cringed. I used to not mind the nickname. Most times I used it to my advantage, much like I did yesterday. Today however, it didn't sit well with me. Maybe it was my little chat with Chase, but it really got me thinking how it's no wonder that no one takes me seriously. They think I'm just another spoiled trust fund brat....a princess.

Before I could say anything, I noticed he had his leg propped up on a chair and his cane, which he rarely used, was resting against the wall.

"That knee still giving you fits grandpa?" I asked, shaking my head, ready to give him a scolding about taking better care of himself.

"Have a seat princess." He said, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes once again. I would address this with him later, as his tone and expression turned drastically more serious.

I took a seat on the opposite side of his imposing desk, crossed my legs, leaned across the desk and gave him my full attention. "What's going on grandpa?"

He took a deep breath and released it slowly. Taking a moment to get his bearings, he finally spoke. "I won't be going to Daytona."

I was confused. We were supposed to leave this evening. "Do you mean you will be taking a later flight?"

"No sweetheart. I am going to have to miss it this year. That knee replacement I've been putting off...well I can't put it off any longer. There's some early infection setting in and I need to have it taken care of now. I will be having surgery in the morning."

I could not believe this. Rick Hendrick had never missed a Daytona 500. There was more going on. I could just sense it.

"What aren't you telling me grandpa?" I asked.

He took another deep breath, then spoke. "During my pre-op, they found a couple of blockages that they need to take care of."

A surge of panic coursed through me. "Your heart? Grandpa...no. I need to be there with you. I'll fly out in a couple of days."

"No you won't. You will leave tonight. I need you there. Don't worry about me. It's not as serious as it sounds. It's a minimally invasive procedure. They are just going to place a stent to open things up, and while I'm still under anesthesia, they will go on and fix the knee. Your grandmother will be with me." He reached across his desk and patted my hand reassuringly.

I swallowed down the lump in my throat. "Okay grandpa. How long will you be out?"

"At least six weeks. I will stay in the hospital overnight, then I will be transferred to a rehabilitation facility. I will need to rehab the knee, but they say I will need more specialized care to monitor the blockages and make sure the stent is doing its job. I also need to avoid stress. Don't look so scared sweetheart. I'm going to be fine. It's just for precaution given my age."

"Alright grandpa. What do you need from me?" I asked.

"Before we get into that, I need to know how everything is going with the whole Bowman situation after your little tantrum yesterday."He gave me a stern look.