“Which I’m getting,” I say, though it’s more like assuring Vesper before she decides to change her life drastically when we can just hire people.
“I can stay with him.”Ves glares at me, as if offering help is bad.
Philippe reaches for her hand.“I don’t want you giving up your life.”
Vesper’s laugh comes out brittle.“My life is currently ...editing footage in airports and pretending I’m fine.This is not exactly a sacrifice.”
Philippe watches her like he knows that’s a lie.
Dr.Aldridge turns toward the door.“I’ll send in the nurse with instructions and supplements.And Philippe?”
“Yes, Doc,” he grumbles.
“Eat breakfast,” she says.“Every day.”
Philippe grunts again.
Vesper squeezes his hand.“You heard her.”
The doctor leaves.
Philippe takes a deep breath.“Well,” he says, “apparently I’m not invincible.”
Vesper’s eyes shine.“No, you’re not.”Her voice breaks on the word.
Philippe reaches up and touches her cheek with two fingers, like he’s grounding her.“I’m okay, kiddo.”
Vesper nods too fast.“You’re not allowed to do the thing Mom did.”
Philippe’s face tightens.“I’m not your mother.”
“I know,” she whispers, and her voice is wrecked.“You’re worse.When did you stop eating breakfast?I bet since she left us.”
Monty moves closer, not touching her, but close enough that she can lean on him if she wants to.It’s subtle.It’s him offering support without forcing it.
I hate him for being good at that.
I also respect it, because Vesper needs every option right now.
Philippe clears his throat, forcing the mood lighter because that’s what fathers do when their daughters start cracking.“Who’s driving me back?”
“The same guy I hired to drive you here,” Monty answers.“We need to see what the camp needs to pass inspection.”
“Harvey will be here tomorrow with a crew,” I let them know.
“Thank you for doing this,” he says in a low voice.“For looking after my girl.”
Monty and I nod instead of saying that he doesn’t need to ask.We’re here to serve her.Not that I would say that out loud to him or anyone, but I live for her.Though I’m not exactly sure how this works or if it’ll work at all.
The nurse arrives with a list of supplements and recommendations.We leave the room so he can get dressed.
“So ...when were you two going to tell me that you were traded to the Orcas?”Philippe says as we’re heading to the exit.
“You know?”I arch an eyebrow because this man might have a hand in what just happened to us.
He shrugs a shoulder.“Mills Aldridge came to ask if I had any good rookies for the team.I always have a guy or two in my camp that has a chance to become a star—like you two boys.”
I notice Monty cursing under his breath.Me?I have to ask, “Did you tell him to put us on the same team?”
