I leaned my head against his shoulder. He didn’t move, just sat there solid and present; neither of us needed to say anything else.
Chapter twenty-three
Noah
Mika showed up on Wednesday morning with a container of lemon bars. I’d mentioned how much I liked them the other day, and he’d remembered. I’d noticed Mika did that. Made special things for people based on what they liked.
“Hawk said Jackson’s at camp today,” he said. “And Julius is at the salon.” He opened the container and set it on the coffee table. “So it’s just us. I thought we could do something fun.”
“Like what?”
“No idea, but we’ll figure something out.” He sat down on the couch and looked at me. “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay,” I said, which was true. The days since the Gala had been quieter. Nothing was resolved, but here in this apartment with Jackson by my side, I’d managed to find some semblance of peace. I was sleeping anyway.
Mika smiled. “Good.”
I looked at the open container of lemon bars. “Those look so good. I think I’ll make myself a cup of tea and have one. Do you want a cup? Or I can make a pot of coffee if you’d rather have that.”
“Tea is perfect,” he said. “What kind do you have?”
I opened the cabinet. “I have a variety that Jackson had at the cabin that we brought here with us, but Chamomile is my favorite.”
He sat up straight and looked at me. “If you like tea, I know exactly what we should do today. We should go to The Chrysalis Moon. It’s a metaphysical shop over on the north side of town. My friend Mars makes all his own teas and incense.” He tilted his head. “Have you been?”
“No. I didn’t really go many places when I was here before.”
“We should go today. Mars is wonderful, and his shop is the most calming place I’ve ever been. I think you’d love it.”
I looked in the tin of tea bags Jackson had given me. The selection was getting pretty thin, and I thought it would do me good to get out of the apartment. “I want to, but let me check with Jackson first.”
Mika smiled at me and nodded. “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.”
I took my phone to the bedroom and called.
He picked up on the second ring. “Hey, baby boy, what’s up?”
“Hi. Mika wants to take me to a shop on the north side of town. A tea place. Is that okay?”
“Which shop?”
“The Chrysalis Moon. He says his friend Mars owns it.”
“I know it, but take someone with you just to be safe.”
“Okay.”
“Noah.”
“Yeah.”
“You don’t have to ask permission to go places.” His voice was even. “You’re not a prisoner. But I appreciate you calling me first.”
I leaned against the bedroom doorframe. “I know, Daddy.”
“Wear your watch and have a good time. Text me when you’re back.”
“I will.”
