~Abuse~

Chapter 161

The entire team was gathered at Molly's, with Hailey working behind the bar.

Jay was sitting on Erin's lap, and Erin was gently stroking his back.

"Are you alright?" Erin asked.

With a smile, Jay nodded.

"I'm going to grab a lemonade," Jay said with a grin.

Erin gave a nod, and Jay headed towards the bar.

"A lemonade, please, Hails," Jay requested, still smiling.

Hailey nodded and topped up the glass.

"Cheers—" Jay began.

Suddenly, Jay stumbled into a table, causing everyone to gasp.

"Whoa! Looks like someone's had one too many beers, huh, Jay?" Hailey teased with a smirk.

Erin rose and assisted Jay back to the table.

"HE'S NOT DRUNK! HE HAS CANCER!" Ashlyn exclaimed.

A collective gasp filled the room, and Hailey fell silent.

Jay looked around at everyone and let out a heavy sigh.

"Cancer?" Gabby murmured softly.

Jay glanced downward before responding.

"Yes, but I'm okay! I'm undergoing chemotherapy, and my recovery is good!" Jay affirmed with a nod.

No one responded, still in shock.

"Erin, can we go now? I'm tired..." Jay mumbled.

Erin nodded and led the team out of the bar.

In the apartment, Jay was asleep on Erin's lap.

Hank came over with the duvet and draped it over Jay's body. "That should keep him warm," Hank said with a smile.

Erin smiled back, lifted Jay's hand, and began to gently massage his fingers. "This will help him stay asleep for a few hours," she whispered softly.

The team acknowledged with nods and sipped their beers.

Erin and Jay entered the district office, greeted by bunting draped across the ceiling and a 'welcome back' banner adorning the walls.

"WELCOME BACK!" Echoed the team's enthusiastic chorus.

Jay offered a grateful smile and settled at his desk.

"Thanks, guys..." He murmured softly.

Sensing the need for calm, the team's excitement simmered down.

"Just a bit quieter, guys. Jay's just had chemo, and he's not quite himself," Hank gently reminded everyone.

Everyone nodded in apology.

Jay headed to the breakroom and closed the door behind him.

"Poor guy," Kim murmured.

Erin sighed and took a seat.

"Should we do something?" Adam asked.

Erin shook her head in response.

"No, Jay missed the excitement and the fun. He doesn't like being sidelined," she elaborated.

Adam nodded, taking a sip of his coffee.

Later, Adam and Kim sang while Jay looked on contentedly.

"You alright?" Erin inquired.

Jay responded with a smile and a nod.

"It's getting a bit stuffy in here. I'm going to get some air," Jay suggested.