“Not to poke a sleeping bear, but Cole is a doctor. A damn good one. He might be able to help. He knows a lot of really talented people in the field, and is one himself. If there’s anyone who could help you, it’s him.”
“I’ll, uh, keep that in mind if he doesn’t kill me for real when he sees me.”
“He might,” E said, his voice serious. “Or he might ask you to partner up in his cat rescue. Honestly, he’s all over the place these days.”
I chuckled at that. Sounded like Cole.
“By the way, congrats on Mayfair and graduating. Doctor Masters.” I smiled at him.
He let out a soft huff of laughter. “Thanks, man. Appreciate it.”
“I’m proud of you. I know I’ve said it, but I mean it. So fucking proud.”
His eyes misted over. “I’m proud of you, too. A movie? Book deals? Truly incredible… Fox.”
My bottom lip trembled.
He leaned in and hugged me. “You’ll always be Fox to me,” he said softly. “I loved Fox. I really fucking hate Evan.”
I laughed and hugged him back. “Noted.”
We broke apart and stared at one another for a moment.
“We’ll talk soon,” I said.
“Yeah. Maybe.” He gave me a sad smile before leaving me alone in the office.
We’d talk soon. I knew we would. It might be rough for a bit, but we’d get there.
I didn’t need to be magical to know that.
6
ANSON
“You good?” I asked E as he walked into the kitchen, where Klaus and I were working on food. Ryder was in the living room with Ellis, playing with dolls.
“Uh… I-I don’t know,” he mumbled. “I’m going to go. I have… I… I have to go.”
“Yeah, man. No problem,” I said gently.
“You’re welcome to stay for food,” Klaus said. “If you’re hungry. I didn’t poison anything.”
“He’s a decent cook,” I added.
E shook his head, looking distracted. “It’s fine. Thanks. I have to get back to Laz. It’s been a rough few days, and he needs me. He’s… having issues at school.”
“Kids can be dicks,” Klaus muttered. “Pay their parents a visit.”
“Considering it,” E said tightly. “Thanks for the offer of food. Perhaps another time.”
“Mister E!” Ellis called out, rushing to him as he made to leave. He paused and stared down at her.
“Hey,” he greeted her softly. “Miss Ellis.”
She giggled. “Mister E, can you please bring Lizard here so I can play with him? My daddy got a new doll for me, and I will let him play with it.” She pointed to Klaus, who had, in fact, picked up a new Barbie for her.
She held the pretty doll out to E.
