Page 116 of No Fear

It was obvious Sophie cared, and Donnie considered how much he should tell her.

“She will be OK. There was a misunderstanding, and I have not been able to speak to her about it. Sam ordered me back to base, so I can’t go see her, and she won't answer my calls.”

“Oh, shit. I’m sorry, Donnie. When we went out, Charlie told us everything.”

“Everything?”

“Yes. Everything. She thinks the world of you. But if you hurt her again, I am going to have Ryan kick your ass.” There was no humor in her voice.

“I did, but not intentionally. I was trying to protect her. Like I said it’s a misunderstanding. I have no intention of letting her go. I will fight for her. Whatever it takes.”

“Good. Because we all really like her, and we want her here with us.”

Donnie smiled. That’s exactly what he wanted.

“Would you mind if I called her? I don’t want to overstep, but she opened up to us and I feel like I want to check in on her.”

“I don’t mind at all. If you do speak to her, please tell her I’m sorry, and I miss her.”

Sophie squeezed his arm again. “Of course.”

Once Donnie had gotten more eye drops, Steve drove him home.

“Man, I am so fucking happy for you. This was great news about your eyes,” Steve said as they made their way toward his condo.

“It was.”

“You don’t sound too thrilled.”

Donnie sighed. “I am. Really. Just got a lot on my mind.” He hoped Charlie did talk to Sophie. Maybe it would help.

The rest of the drive went by in silence. Steve saw him up to his apartment. It was getting easier and easier to navigate everything.

“Want to order in some food or something?” Steve offered.

“No. I’m good. I appreciate you coming with me but go home to your family.”

“I’m OK to stay.”

“Steve, Diane is a few weeks from giving birth. You might be spinning up any day. Go home. I’m fine. I have Mackie on speed dial, and I’m sure he will swing by later like the mother hen he has become lately.”

Steve laughed. “Are you sure? Doesn't seem right leaving you alone.”

Donnie chuckled. “I’m a big boy and I can handle it for a couple of hours.”

“You’re not going to do anything stupid are you? Like call someone to take you to Albany?”

“No, I’m not,” Donnie said. “To be honest, I wouldn't mind a little time alone. I haven’t had any since this happened.”

“I guess not. I’ll leave, but you better not be screwing with me. If you so much as step foot outside this apartment I’m going to be pissed.”

“Yes, Dad.”

“Alright, alright, I’m going. Do you need anything before I go?”

“No. I’m set.”

Once Steve left, Donnie made himself comfortable on the couch with his phone. He called Mackie first to tell him what the doctor said, then he called Dex to tell him the same. Good old SIRI helped him to make the calls.