I never realized how far my office is from the residence. Pretty far to limp along with a cane. The meeting went as well as I expected. But I didn't really expect the staff would go through a box and a half of tissues. I just hope Leo got my point across that I do not want to be fussed over. I have my doubts. Monday morning will come soon enough, we will see then.

Abbey's not in the bedroom when I return. She left a note saying she was in her office trying to clear up some things so she can spend some time with me. I take that to mean "fuss over me". I guess I can deal with it from her, maybe even Leo, but not the entire staff. I call her and tell her I'm back and not to rush.

A hot bath sounds like a nice idea. But just throwing myself on the bed sounds even better. Although I will never admit this to Abbey I take my temperature before I crawl into bed. I can't figure out the stupid ear thermometer. Guess I will have to do it the old fashioned way. That gives me three minutes to grab something to drink and find the remote. I take it out, 100.1. I'm not surprised. I don't feel so great at the moment. A quick trip to the bathroom for some ibuprofen and I am sprawled out on the bed. I vaguely recall turning on ESPN to catch the football scores.

I wake up and realize the sun is starting to set. I squint at the clock, 5:15. Nothing like a 3 hour nap. I'm covered up with the quilt. Since I don't remember grabbing the quilt or turning off the TV I assume Abbey is around somewhere.

"Abbey, you in here?"

"I'm on the balcony, I'll be right in"

She comes in through the french doors. She's still wearing my sweater. I can't help but give her a goofy grin.

"Have a nice nap. How are you feeling?"

"I feel OK, a little weak and dizzy but nothing like last night."

"Any fever" She sits next to me on the bed and kisses my forehead.

"Pretty cool, can I get you something."

I motion to the drink on the nightstand she reaches over me to grab it. All of the sudden I realize I am really thirsty. I start to drink when she reminds me,

"Take it slow. We don't want to have any repeats of last night"

I start laughing and tell her about Leo's tossing cookie comment.

Abbey props herself up on the pillows and I lean back on her so she can hold me. I can feel her breath on my hair. I start to talk and she just puts her fingers on my lips. She wraps her arms around me and holds me tight. There's no place in the world I would rather be. We stay this way for a good half an hour. The room grows dark.

There's a knock on the door and in walks Zoey. I reach over to turn on the light.

"Hi, how ya feeling Dad? Mom told me you had a bad night"

"I'm doing better sweetie, thanks for asking. Why don't you climb up here with us for a minute."

Zoey grabs a pillow and curls up next to us. I can't believe how grown up she has become.

Zoey asks for my version of the staff meeting. "I heard you made the whole room cry."

"That's not true, your Uncle Leo didn't cry. OK, so he couldn't look me in the eye either, but that's not the point."

"I would love to stay and hang out with you guys but I have a date with Charlie tonight. We're going to the movies."

"You know you can watch movies here"

"Dad, it's not the same. I promise I will not try to lose my agent."

"Good girl"

She leans over and kisses Abbey and I. On her way out she says, "No funny stuff, Dad's still recovering"

I throw a pillow at the door as she closes it behind her.