"Irvin, I'm not trying to corner you. I just think... if you tell us the truth now, it won't delay your treatment."
I said nothing.
He stepped closer, reaching out to pat my hand.
"I know this disease is serious. But as your best friend, I would never abandon you." His grip tightened, warm and reassuring. "I'll be right there with you through treatment. Every step of the way."
His palm pressed against the back of my hand.
A chill crawled up my spine.
I had a small cut on my hand.
And his medical report had barely shown a single normal reading.
Kate's eyes lingered on Cedric.
"Irvin, your buddy's a real man."
"Right? I noticed him the moment he walked in—tall, long legs, ridiculously good-looking."
"Handsome and noble."
"Meanwhile, who knows how this ugly one caught that kind of disease. Are there really women out there with a fetish for hideous men? I mean, look at that scarred-up face."
My teeth ground together.
"Cedric." My voice came out low, controlled. "You're sure you want to go to the hospital right now? Get the report? With everyone watching?"
"Absolutely!"