“That’s sweet,” Esme says. “Do you and your sister still collect together?”
“Not lately,” Jordan says quietly, then quickly changes the subject. “Ash, who’s your favorite superhero?”
“Spider-Man, obviously. But I know you like Iron Man because of the science stuff.”
“The technology is fun,” Jordan agrees, seeming more at ease discussing fictional characters than his real life. “The idea of using advanced engineering to solve problems, to help people… I like that.”
“Sounds like what you do as a doctor,” I observe. “Using science and technology to help people.”
Jordan considers this. “I never thought of it that way, but you’re right. Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to Tony Stark’s character.”
“Plus, he’s rich and good-looking,” Ash adds with a grin, making everyone laugh.
“Those are definitely bonuses,” Jordan agrees, ruffling Ash’s hair.
“What about you, Alexa?” Esme asks. “Any secret superhero preferences?”
“Wonder Woman,” I say without hesitation. “Single mom, incredible strength, saves the world while looking amazing. What’s not to love?”
“Single mom?” Jordan looks confused for a moment.
“In some of the storylines,” Ash explains seriously. “She raises her daughter, Fury, all by herself while being part of the Justice League.”
“Ah.” Jordan nods, but there’s something thoughtful in his expression as he looks at me. “That does sound like someone to admire.”
The conversation flows easily after that, moving from superheroes to Ash’s latest book he’s reading, to Esme’s upcoming Alaska trip with her family. But I catch Esme watching Jordan carefully throughout the meal, her expression thoughtful in a way that tells me she’s picking up on the same undercurrent of stress that I’ve noticed.
Jordan helps clear the table despite my protests, and then reluctantly gathers Henry’s things.
“Thank you for dinner,” he says as I walk him to the door. “This was exactly what I needed after today.”
“Bad day?”
“Just… complicated. But this helped. Really.”
I watch him cross the yard to his house, Henry in his arms, noting the tired slope of his shoulders. Whatever he’s dealing with, it’s wearing on him more than he wants to admit.
“Okay,” Esme says as soon as I close the door and Ash is in his bedroom. “What’s his story?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re right. Something is definitely bothering him.” She settles back on the couch, crossing her legs. “He’s charming and clearly adores Henry, but there’s something underneath it all. Something he’s not talking about.”
I sit down beside her, relieved to finally have someone else acknowledge what I’ve been sensing. “You noticed it too?”
“Hard to miss. He gets this look sometimes, like his mind is somewhere else entirely. Somewhere not happy.” Esme studies my face. “Do you have any idea what’s going on?”
“None. He disappears every afternoon for hours without saying where he’s going. He never mentions Henry’s mother. And yesterday, he looked like someone had run over his dog.”
“Have you asked him about it?”
“It’s not my place. I’m his employee, not his friend.” Even as I say it, I’m not sure it’s true anymore. The lines have been blurring since that first day.
“Well, employee or not, he’s clearly going through something difficult,” Esme says. “And you care about him.”
She’s right, and we both know it. But admitting it out loud feels like crossing a line I’m not ready to cross.
“He’s going through something,” I say finally. “Something difficult. And I wish I could help, but I don’t know how.”
