Leveled

When the mother made her way back into the room, I had the little girl on her stomach on the exercise ball and her brother holding her legs as she rolled forward and he pulled her back. She had her arms out like she was Superman even though she was supposed to be using them to pull herself forward. I saw the woman open her mouth to say something to her kids, but she changed her mind and looked at me instead.

“It’s like how it was before. Like they are just playing around and can’t even feel how tragic and horrific all of this is.”

“Because to them it isn’t tragic. She’s still here. She still loves him and they will find a way to adapt. So will you if you are open to it.” They still had a long way to go but if they all followed the little girl’s example they would make it there.

After running through some exercises I thought would be fun for the kids to do together during the week when I didn’t see them, I was headed back to my office when one of the other therapists came and found me to tell me a cop was waiting for me in my office. I tried to keep the chill out of my blood because I knew Dom had his last test with the department today and had no doubts he would pass, but ice still slid through my veins.

When I pulled open the door, I was surprised to see the pretty redhead he had introduced me to at the bar standing by my bookshelves looking at the pictures. She was dressed in the standard police blues and should have looked dowdy and frumpy but didn’t. The girl was a stone-cold knockout and even a stiff and basic uniform couldn’t hide the fact.

“It’s so weird to see pictures of the other brother. It’s like looking at Rule if he was from an alternate universe.”

“That’s how I feel when I spend time with him, only he seems like an alternate Remy to me. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Royal?” I walked over to my desk and took a seat behind it while motioning to the chairs across the way for her to take a seat in.

“Dom passed his department physical today. He’s getting his badge back.” She pinned me with dark brown eyes that looked like melted chocolate but held a hint of displeasure in the warmth.

“I knew he would. I was with a difficult case all afternoon. I spent more time than I normally would with her, so I haven’t looked at my phone. I’m sure he sent a message with the news. I’ll call him and tell him congratulations.”

She didn’t say anything for a minute, but she did tap her fingers on the top of the hat she had propped in her lap. “It’s a big deal for him. He’s been working really hard to get to this point.”

I narrowed my eyes a little and felt a scowl settle on my features. “I know. I’ve been there every step of the way right next to him.”

She blew out a breath and it made some of the dark red hair that curled across her forehead dance. My boy obviously had a thing for gingers.

“Then why weren’t you there today for him?” It was a simple question, but the answer was complicated. To start, he hadn’t asked me to be there, probably because he knew how hard it would be for me, but seeing the censure on his best friend’s face made it clear that I had been selfish and handled things with him all wrong once again.

“I should’ve been. I fucked up. I keep fucking up with him.”

“He’s in love with you, ya know? He’s never really cared about much beyond his shield except for me and his family, but today…” She shook her head and bit down on her lower lip. “It mattered that you weren’t there. He should’ve been thrilled. He wasn’t.”

I swore again and leaned back in my chair until it squeaked in protest. I ran both of my hands over my face and sighed. “I just had a twelve-year-old show how shitty I’ve been living my life the last few years. I should have been there for Dom but if I had been, I would’ve missed the moment that made me realize I need to get my head out of my ass. I’ll fix this, Royal. I promise.”

She nodded again and a lopsided smile crossed her face. She was a stunner, but she also had a really kind heart. I could feel it envelop me as she told me, “You can start by following me down to the Bar for an impromptu surprise celebration party. He was obviously bummed you weren’t there and took off for home as soon as he was released from the test. I sent his little sister to drag him out so we can give him a proper congratulations. Some of his buddies from the force will be there and so will his family. I also rallied my people, so the Archers will be there as well. He deserves more than a phone call, Lando.”

Guilt and shame slithered down the back of my neck. I put my hand to the shivering skin to try and stem the sensation. “He deserves everything. I’ll be there. I just need to finish up a few files before I head out for the day. It seems like it’s the day for inspiring women to hand me my ass.”

She tossed her head back and laughed. “Glad to be of service. Ari won’t get out of class for another hour, so you have some time. Bring him some flowers or balloons or something. That would be adorable.” Her dark eyes twinkled.

“I’d bring him a six-pack of beer before flowers, but since this shindig is at a bar, I don’t think that will fly.”

She gave a wistful sigh as she climbed to her feet and situated her hat back on her head. “You love him, too. I’m so relieved. I was stressing out over all the ways to ruin your life if you didn’t. I was going to ask Asa for help and that would have been bad news for all of us. My man has trouble down to an art form. I’ll see you later.”

She swept out of the room and I was left feeling properly chastised and impressed by her visit. It was easy to see why Dom was so fond of her.