There is much trouble in Paradise

Chapter 26

"Valerie?" Doug answered the door. He returned from the hospital after lunch and wasn't in a good mood since then.

"Doug! I came to see you!" Valerie smiled at him.

"Val, look...I'm kind of busy...and I can't give you very much attention... I'm sorry."

"Oh...it's OK...hey, wanna go out tonight?"

"Ummm, I'm not very keen on the idea to be honest."

"Oh well, at least won't you join us for dinner at my place?"

"Look, I really have a lot of work to do. I'm sorry. Maybe next time?" Doug tried not to upset Valerie.

"Oh...umm...if you're that busy...it's OK,  I'm fine anyways..." she said before turning away and leaving. She could swear Doug would've called her, but he didn't. She heard the door lock behind her without any other word. Starled, she left home.

Doug sat on his couch and gazed at the paperwork he had to do. He took his phone out.

"Hey Ethan, you up?"

"Sup, boss! What's it?"

"I'm taking the day off tomorrow. I came down with a nasty cold and I don't want to share it with any of you." Doug lied.

"In the middle of the summer? Are you sure it's just a cold?"

"Yeah, you know, fever and sneezing and stuff."

"Very well, take care. And don't hesitate to call me if you need something."

"No, it's OK. I just need some rest. I'll be back before you know."

"Whatever you say, boss."

"That's all. Bye Ethan."

"Bye! And get well soon!"

Doug put his phone away. He clearly wasn't in shape to command his company. Garret was such a kind man. He died surrounded by family and friends. Doug couldn't help but think if he will face the same situation when the time comes.

Valerie reached home in a bad mood.

"Mom? Didn't you say you're going to Doug?" Sean asked. "Why you returned so early?"

"He shooed me."

"What? How? Why?"

"I don't know. He said he's busy. He declined my invitations. It was clearly he didn't want me."

"Mom! Cheer up! Maybe he had a bad day. Maybe he was only tired. Maybe he really had work. How can you know."

"You haven't seen the rush he left in the morning. He was desperate."

"You told me. It was an emergency."

"I don't know Sean. Maybe I'm too naive."

"Mom!" Sean said grabbing his mother's shoulders. "Doug loves you, but he needed to do something. Just because he couldn't stay with you doesn't mean he doesn't like you anymore. I'm sure, if he could he would."

"Where is Bryce?" Valerie said after a big sigh.

"He texted me he's coming home. Oh and he said he has some big news. Prepare for the worst."

"Oh gosh. Well, no one can help him now!" Valerie chuckled.

"GAR-" Bryce stopped mid-sentence as he entered the house and saw his mother. "Mom! Weren't you supposed to be at Doug's?" He said in surprise.

"What's the big news?" Valerie immediately asked.

"Oh...Ummm...aaammm...I..."

"Spit it out. What were you saying?" Valerie rose from her seat.

"Girlfriend! That's it! I have a girlfriend!" Bryce lied.

"What?" Valerie asked in shock.

"And...I need Sean's advice. Come on bro! Let's go to the park!" Bryce took Sean and almost dragged him out of the house leaving behind a shook Valerie.

"Be back for dinner!" She shouted as Bryce took off running.