My staff knows about the spondyloarthritis, but they’re the only ones, so I appreciate his caution. Even so, it doesn’t keep me from rolling my eyes. “You don’t have to ask me every time you see me.”
“Yes. I do. We’re in this together. I’m part of your treatment plan.”
I snort out a laugh. But he does have a point. He’s a very important part of the plan—and not only because of the orgasms.
We’re still walking together in the evenings. But I don’t know how much longer that will last as his deadline draws closer. His book is due to his editor in just under two months.
“Okay, Mr. Treatment Plan. It’s a six.” This is a big improvement over what it used to be, before my diagnosis and lifestyle changes, which has included making sure I eat healthier, cutting out highly processed foods, and following the Mediterranean diet.
“What was it yesterday? Since you ignored my text last night.”
“The same. And I didn’t ignore your text. I just didn’t see it.”
The truth is, I did see it. I didn’t respond because I knew he needed to get back to his novel, after his weekend excursion in the mountains. Coming to my apartment to give me an orgasm wouldn’t help him with the deadline.
I fetch the drinks for him and put them on a tray. “How did play therapy go?”
“Not bad. It would help if Peony could tell her therapist what’s going on in her head. Today, she played with the sandbox again, and like with the first appointment, she buried all the plastic characters who were men.”
“Does the therapist have any idea why she did that?”
Garrett shakes his head, the movement slow, too many unknowns rusting the movement. “Not specifically. She has trust issues with men, but Jada doesn’t know why. It could be related to Kenda’s death. Or it might have a deeper root.”
“What did Athena say about that?”
“She didn’t say much. She agrees it could be because Peony witnessed her mother being shot.” Garrett puts his hand on the countertop.
I give it a squeeze, telling him without words that I’m here for him and Peony. “Why don’t you take the drinks, and I’ll bring the treats.”
I grab the two cupcakes and walk with him to where Peony and Athena are sitting next to the window. I don’t get to spend enough time with Peony, so I’ll steal whatever precious seconds I can, even if it’s just delivering her food.
“Daddy!” Peony says from her highchair, her toothy grin directed at him.
“Oh, that’s so sweet. She called you Daddy.” I swear I’m smiling at him as much as she is. My eyes mist, and I blink the tears away.
Pride beams on his face, and the warmth of it pours into my heart like a ray of sunshine. “She started calling me that this morning.”
“I’m so happy for you. You two have come a long way.” I put her plate on the table in front of her. “Here you go, Princess Peony.”
Excitement rounds her eyes as she takes in the adorable cupcake, with its closed-smiley eyes and a sugar-cone horn in the fringe of rainbow curls.
She reaches toward the cupcake. “Uni-corn.”
“So, this is your little girl,” a male voice says from behind me, a Southern drawl to his tone.
I turn to see who it is but don’t recognize the tall man with dark, military-shaved-short hair.
I might not recognize him, but he seems to know Garrett. The man smiles at him like they’re old friends.
“Hey, Joffrey.” The amusement in Garrett’s tone is equally friendly. “Yes, this is Peony.” His gaze shifts to Athena, and then to me. “Joffrey was one of the Army veterans who joined us on the climbing trip this weekend.”
“One of the best climbs I’ve done in a while.” The man turns his smile on me. “You have a beautiful daughter, ma’am.”
On instinct, I glance at Athena. Her complexion has paled to almost the same shade as the white-washed table, but she’s also scowling at the man.
“She’s not my daughter,” I hurriedly point out.
Athena ducks her head and begins peeling the paper from Peony’s cupcake. But her reaction isn’t what has me worried.
