Gwen reached for his hand. “Think about your first time grooming Roisin. What did she do?”
Troy’s lips quirked up. “Kyle was so focused on me, he didn’t pay attention to the horse. She leaned in, gave me a lick and backed Kyle into a steaming pile of poop.” He laughed.
Gwen scooted up, using her good leg to make herself look taller. “All day, every time you feel anxious, think of that. Touch base with Brandon Finch. He told you he’d be available until you settle in with your new therapist.” Gwen squeezed his hand.
“I’ll reach out. I’ll talk to Tim about this tonight.” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“Can you tell me about why you’re going to the psychiatric facility?” she asked.
“New investigation. Our client is inpatient. I want to get more info about it, and then I’ll bring you up to speed. I need to head to work. Email me what you’d like for lunch.” Troy stood. “Please rest, Gwen.”
He wanted to run the calls about Gwen with Julian before he read Gwen in.
* * *
She watchedTroy leave and pressed the button to lower the head of the bed. She rolled onto her side, reached for her phone, and dialed Eleanor West, head of the Equine Therapy Program and Wes Crockett’s fiancée. Wes was the Executive Director of the Chase Center for Training in Leesburg, Virginia.
“Gwen? Is Troy alright?” Eleanor answered.
Gwen pressed the speaker button to make herself more comfortable. “Ellie, he’s anxious but working through it. It’s me I’m worried about,” she whispered.
“I’m here. Tell me,” Eleanor prompted.
Gwen told her what happened with the dog bite.
“Can I tell Wes that much?” Eleanor asked.
“It will be part of the branch report. But, Ellie, there’s more. I don’t think I can be Troy’s XO. I care for him,” Gwen sighed.
“I know. Ah, Gwen. Talk to Troy. You know what he’ll say,” Ellie commiserated.
“How, Ellie? The job part is easy. When we were in Virginia, the night you almost bled to death, I went to Troy. I was a mess. He took me in his arms and kissed me—and I kissed him back. After, he apologized for taking advantage of me, said he couldn’t be the man I deserved. He was wrong, Ellie. I can’t be the woman he deserves.” Gwen’s voice quivered.
“Whatever it is, it’s hurting you. Tell me what you need,” Eleanor comforted her.
“I… I… years ago, I was hurt. My breasts, my nipples—they’re gone. The reconstruction failed—an infection. I guess I’m prone to them,” Gwen said with a touch of sarcasm. There was so much more she didn’t say.
Eleanor blew out a breath. “I can’t imagine how you’re feeling. Have you ever spoken to anyone about this?”
“Since I recovered enough to think. 2013.” Gwen swallowed hard.
“Are you up to telling me what happened?” her friend asked softly.
“I don’t know if I can. I thought I’d dealt with this,” she sniffed.
“Let me help you. I can reach out to Pete Walter. We can find you a discreet therapist. Someone you can grow to trust.” Eleanor sighed. “You know how much I care about you—wish I could be there myself.”
“Thank you. Oh, Ellie, I’m such a mess. You can tell Pete.” Gwen wiped her eyes on her sheet. Pete already knew her story.
“I can stay on the phone with you,” Eleanor offered.
“Ellie, I’m exhausted. We can talk later, okay?” Gwen yawned.
“Later and, Gwen, you’ll get through this.”
Chapter 7
“Andorra? Ski injuries? It’s May,” Troy said as he walked toward Tower 1 with Julian.
