She doesn’t answer that question. “You can leave the gown on the table. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
I want to laugh. I want to cry. Instead, I ask, “What the fuck is going on. Am I being rescheduled?”
She stares at me blankly, then says, “No.”
“Uh.” I swallow heavily.
“If you have any further questions, comments, or complaints, please use the number on the card.” She pulls a small business card out of her scrub pocket and sets it on the counter. “Have a good day, sir.”
And then she’s gone like she didn’t just save my fucking life. I probably could have kissed her, though I’m glad I didn’t.
I still feel like throwing up, but it’s with relief now. I don’t hesitate, tugging my clothes back on, leaving the robe in a heap on the table, and I bolt without taking the card.
I have questions, but not enough to get in touch with the fucking government. There’s one person who might have some answers, but I’m not making any calls until I’m safely back in my triplex, staring at my front door, knowing Cielo is right behind it.
Waiting for me.
Cielo’s still asleep in my bed when I get inside. I know he’s going to be up soon, and I want to surprise him with the good news, so I decide to wake him with a latte while I call Everest. If anyone knows anything, it’s going to be him.
I feel bad calling his phone so early in the morning, but I can’t wait. My head is still spinning from the near miss of having a strange Vyastil’s mouth on my dick.
I hold my breath while the espresso brews and the milk froths, listening to the line ring.
And ring.
And ring.
Fuck. He’s not going to pick up, is he? He’s not going to?—
“Hey, oh my god. I was just going to call you. I have amazing news for you, dude.”
I stare down at the milk and blink wildly. “Does it have anything to do with why the clinic sent me home this morning?”
He laughs. “Fuck yeah! I’m so glad Eissa came through before you had to do the session. I had a feeling it was cutting it close.”
My stomach twists as I watch the caramel brown foam layer on top of the espresso shot. “You’re telling me. I was strapped down to the chair.”
“Shit,” Everest whispers. “I’m glad Eissa was able to step in.”
I realize I’ve never heard that name before. “Who’s that?”
“He works for the Vyastil government. He’s kind of Rathyn’s boss. I also think he might have raised him? I’m not totally sure. Their whole childhood thing is still kind of a mystery to me. But he’s a good guy.”
“Yeah, no shit. He got me out of today’s session, and they didn’t want me to reschedule.”
Everest laughs softly. “Yeah, I know. Eissa said he’s working on having you permanently removed from service.”
I set the pitcher down with a loud thunk and lean against the counter, relief pulsing through me. Permanently? I know it’s not a guarantee, but it sounds like a promise. It sounds like something worth a little hope. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah, he got you taken off for the time being. But he wants to work on having you delisted. I figured you’d be cool with that.”
This time I really do almost cry. “Oh my god.Yes, I’m fucking cool with that.” I lower my voice. “Cielo was so upset about this. I don’t think he’s mad, but I felt terrible.”
“So, you told him?”
“Yeah, and his ears were all downturned, and he wouldn’t wrap his tail around me.”
“Oh, I fucking hate the ear thing. Brings me to my knees each time.”
