Page 46 of Timelessly Ours
I’ve used up all my fake smiles at my therapist's office and have zero left for the rest of the day. It’s Friday, thankfully, and I get a two-day break from the ugly glares from Rory’s teachers and the moms at the playground.
They act like I can’t read their minds—or their lips when they whisper to each other.
Rory has been quiet too, but strangely obedient.
We’re finishing her homework when we hear the back door open and Rover appearing out of nowhere, barking and racing past the kitchen to the back door.
“Hey, boy. Yeah, I missed you too.”
I curse my thumping heart at the sound. For that part of me that melts a little when I hear that mature, gravelly voice.
I quietly wonder which tone of his I’ll get tonight. And which one I want. Whether it’s the gentle one I’m used to… or the hard one he introduced me to last night.
I stand as Rory runs to the door with her arms spread.
I can’t do this again tonight. I can’t argue with him. He’s still my boss. As hurt as I am that he’s giving up on me, that he’s expecting me to fail so gave himself an out from this arrangement, I have to respect that he’s just looking out for his daughter.
I don’t blame him. I’d do anything to keep this little girl safe too. But the fact that he wants to keep her safe from me hurts to the core.
Needing some distance, I hold my hand out to Rory. “Come help me fold laundry upstairs while your dad cooks.”
She hops off the stool obediently and follows me.
An hour later, I’m both famished and nauseous with nerves as we head down to dinner. I take Rory to wash hands with me and we sit at the table.
“Everything looks delicious,” I say flatly, my eyes scanning the table dryly. I’m still not smiling. I’m no longer bothering with pleasantries with this man.
“If you hate it, I do have plenty of celery sticks,” he says, with a smirk.
Rory chuckles.
I turn to her, the first hint of a smile touching my lips. “Don’t laugh at me, I’ll make you eat them.”
I do well to avoid Royce’s eyes on me throughout dinner, which is quiet for the most part.
“What about you, Nicole? Do anything interesting today?” Royce finally asks when I’ve avoided every other topic of conversation.
I know he’s making a show of including me for Rory’s sake, but I’m not interested in chatting. Hell, the way he spoke to me yesterday, I feel like I shouldn’t even be eating at this table.
Atta girl, Nicole. Be offended, not turned on.
“Not much,” I answer.
“Didn’t you say you were going to the doctor this morning?” Rory asks.
Royce shifts uncomfortably. “Rory, it might be personal.”
“Did she give you a shot?” she asks, practically horrified.
“No,” I answer softly. “This doctor just…talks to you, mostly.”
Rory’s brows knit and she almost looks sad. Her voice drops. “Because you have no one else to talk to?”
I turn to her and still don’t bother with fake smiles. “No, she’s just very smart and tells me things I can do to feel better.”
Royce’s eyes are on me again. “How’d it go?”
I glance up but don’t respond.
