She tightens her hug on me, nodding into my chest.
The doctor walks with me to the front, and we bring Ellis back with us. He sees her, and tears fall. Immediately he pulls her into a gentle hug, kissing the top of her head. She sobs into his chest like a baby, and I kiss her cheek before letting them spend some time together.
“I'll be back next Sunday. Unless you want me to come by sooner?”
She nods, her head on Ellis’ shoulder. “I’d like to see you sooner, Colt. If you can.”
“Okay, I'll try for Wednesday.”
I walk back out to the main lobby and nearly startle when I see Joaquin waiting in the chairs.
He sees me and stands, coming over to me directly. He puts his large, callused hands on my shoulders, touching his forehead to mine. “I didn't think you should be here alone. You said she's had a couple of bad days. How is she?”
“You came here for me?” I ask, confused about the tears that threaten just because someone sees me.
Well, not just someone.Joaquin.
“Of course. This is really stressful. You shouldn't have to do this alone.”
I blink back tears. He pulls me into a hug, his warmth and support radiating through me.
“Thank you so much. I didn’t realize that I needed it until I saw you.”
He holds me for a few moments until I can gather myself. “She’s so thin, Joaquin. And her doctor explained to me that she’s lost her appetite. I didn't realize it, but she's been dating Warwick's brother, and they had a rough counseling session together.”
Joaquin grimaces, and I step back. “You knew?”
“I just found out from Sparrow.”
Oh, I’m going to talk to Sparrow and Wick about that.
Refocusing on Joaquin, I explain, “Ellis was the one who first noticed that she was going off track, so I’ve got nothing but gratitude for the guy. He showed up today, even though she kicked him out yesterday. They’re talking now, actually.”
“Are you going back to see her again today? Do you want me to sit here with you?”
I shake my head. “No, I'll come back on Wednesday. I just wanna go home now.”
He nods, kissing my temple. “That sounds like a great idea. I think our friend has another date tonight, and Abel went out again with Oliver and Taylor. If you want, we can binge-watch something on Netflix, and I'm happy to hold you. You can even spend the night in my bed. No funny business, I promise.”
I laugh and tighten my grip on him. “You know what? That sounds amazing.”
We get home, change into our pajamas, and then make our way to the couch. Leaning up against each other, we watchYellowstoneand laugh about the inaccuracies. Actually, it's a great show, and it feels good to watch it in Joaquin’s arms.
Just as I'm about to fall asleep on his shoulder, Warwick comes rolling in. He looks sad, which is weird, and he freezes a bit when he sees us cuddled on the couch. After half a beat, his expression shutters, and he walks upstairs without comment, closing his door a little harder than seems totally necessary. Grimacing, I pull back and look at Joaquin, who appears equally concerned.
“He hasn't been himself lately,” Joaquin observes.
“He's definitely off. I get the feeling he didn't like you and me playing around yesterday, which is weird.”
“Itisweird, isn't it?” Joaquin confirms.
We have to lean in and speak softly to one another because sound travels in this place. Our tilted heads and hushed whispers seem rather intimate.
I nod. “If I didn't know him better, I'd say he was…nah. That’s stupid.”
Joaquin nudges me. “Say it.”
I hesitate, then plow forward. “I’d say he’s jealous. Probably of me. I mean, you'reamazing. Even if he isn't serious, I can see him not wanting to share his toys.”
