Pride and Consequence by Altonya Washington

she would never treasure anything as much.

    Edwina’s hazel stare narrowed as she stared at the phone on the bed stand. She debated on whether to answer its ringing, since she was in the middle of reading a patient file, but realized it could be an emergency. Tossing the file aside, she answered the phone by the third ring.
    â€œHello?”
    â€œMay I speak with Edwina Harris?”
    The deep, unfamiliar voice immediately grabbed her attention. “This is Edwina Harris.”
    â€œEdwina, this is Trekel Grisani. We were introduced the other day by your stepsister, Zakira.”
    Eddie couldn’t suppress her surprised gasp when Tree identified himself. “Uh…yes, yes I—I remember you. I’m, uh, sorry for asking, but how’d you get my number?”
    Tree reclined in his desk chair and chuckled over the question. “Zakira gave it to me. She asked me to tell you she and Malik have gone away for a long weekend.”
    â€œMmm, that sounds romantic.” Eddie replied, in a dreamy tone.
    â€œYeah…romantic,” Tree murmured, his easy mood vanishing.
    â€œI wonder why Z didn’t just call me herself. She didn’t have to bother you with this.”
    Tree smiled at her perception. He enjoyed the low, soothing quality of her voice and believed he could talk to her all day.
    â€œTree?”
    â€œIt was not a bother, Edwina.”
    â€œUh, call me Eddie, please.”
    Tree chuckled. “Anyway, Eddie, I got the feeling from Zakira that it was a spur-of-the-moment thing.”
    â€œSo where did he take her?”
    Tree sighed. “I’m not sure. I told Zakira to have Malik call me when they got…wherever.”
    â€œIs there something wrong?” Eddie asked, catching on to the sour tone in his words.
    â€œNothing” was the short reply.
    Eddie frowned slightly and pressed the receiver closer to her ear. “Listen, I know we don’t know each other, but I can tell something’s wrong.”
    Again, Tree laughed. “Are you psychic?”
    Eddie smiled. “No, I’m not psychic, but I am a psychologist.”
    â€œWell, there you go, then,” he said, his words tinged with laughter.
    Eddie pulled off her glasses and sat up. “All right, then. Since you think I’m such a psychic, I’ll tell you that it sounds like you’re not happy about Malik taking Zakira away for the weekend. Am I right?”
    Tree was silent for a moment. “Zakira thinks Malik’s taking her away for romance but there’s a lot more to it.”
    â€œSounds ominous,” Eddie slowly replied, a frown coming to her face.
    â€œIt is, Eddie,” Tree confirmed. “Malik was diagnosed with cancer. I think he’s gonna tell Zakira while they’re away.”
    Eddie’s grip tightened around the receiver and she sat perfectly still for a moment. “Malik…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
    Hearing the shock and despair in Edwina’s voice, Tree regretted his decision to say anything.
    â€œEdwina? Eddie?”
    Softly, she cleared her throat. “Yeah?” she replied, trying to sound normal.
    Tree wanted to kick himself for upsetting her. “Honey, I’m so sorry.”
    Eddie sniffled. “That’s all right, Tree. I’m glad you told me. I don’t need to fall apart in front of Z when I see her.”
    Tree smiled, impressed by her attempt to be strong. “I’ll let you go, all right?”
    â€œMmm-hmm…thanks for calling,” she said, staring at the receiver for a moment before hanging up.

    â€œNo…” Tree groaned, when he heard the phone’s low, yet annoying ring. Massaging the tight muscles in his neck, he headed back toward his desk.
    â€œTrekel Grisani.”
    â€œHey, man, it’s me.”
    â€œWhat’s up?” Tree asked, sitting on the edge of his desk.
    â€œHave you had a chance to get started on the arrangements