Page 53 of The Star in Room 7

“One day,” he whispers wistfully.

I take his hand, which is slightly sticky from the popcorn—so’s mine—and help him sit. “Let’s go to bed.”

He hugs me instead. “Thank you for believing in me, Daddy. Even though I can’t believe in myself right now.”

I hold him in return, breathing in the citrus scent of his deodorant. “You will be able to again,” I promise.

“When?”

“Soon, sweet boy. Soon.”

15

ZACH

I stare out the window while Nate sees Patrick, my therapist, out.

My therapist.

It’s weird to think I even have one. We’ve agreed to twice-weekly sessions, which feels like a lot, but will hopefully help me sort my messy head out faster. I’m not sure how I’m ever going to repay Nate for this. I know he’s my caregiver right now, but this feels like too much.

Nate puts his arms around me and nuzzles my jaw. “How are you feeling, sweet boy?”

“Drained,” I admit. “It was exhausting.”

“But helpful?”

“Yes, I think so. We talked about what happened and how it made me feel. He’s given me some grounding exercises, and we discussed what I hope to get out of the sessions.”

“That all sounds very positive.”

“It is.” I raise my hand and stroke his beard. “Thank you, Daddy.”

“You’re welcome.”

I gesture to the window. “Do you play?”

“Golf or tennis?”

“Either.”

“I play tennis. I’m not very good, but I play. I tried golf once. One of my clients invited me to play with them.”

“You didn’t like it?”

“No. It was boring.”

I chuckle and lean against his chest. “I’ve never played either.”

“We can go bat a ball around if you want?”

I shake my head. “Not right now.” I turn around and wrap my arms around Nate’s neck, pressing against him. “I just want to be held right now.”

He tightens his grip on me, holding me close. “Whatever you need, baby.”

“I need you, Daddy.”

I press my lips to his, yielding the moment he takes control. I run my fingers through his hair, tickle the nape of his neck, and clutch the back of his shirt. I need to lose myself in him. I need him to be a balm to all the raw wounds the therapy session opened up. I just need him.