Page 60 of Dreamscape Therapies

"Thank you."

He gives me a small nod before reaching for his phone.

"I'm calling Shane."

"Your detective friend?"

"Brother, actually."

"Why?"

"Because if your ex is involved, Shane might be able to find out who is helping him infiltrate your dreams."

The phone rings, and a moment later he's speaking.

"Hey, Shane. I need a favor. Yeah, I know. I'm calling instead of texting because I need you to take this seriously. No, nothing like that."

"Remember the weaver situation I mentioned the other day?"

My head snaps toward him.

He told his brother about me?

I shouldn't be as happy about that as I am.

"Yeah, I need you to look into someone for me. My client's ex. His name is…" Jay looks at me, eyebrows raised.

"Trent Mercer. He's an omega gorgon. He works at the florist on Lake Mead Boulevard."

Jay mouths a quick thanks.

"You got that? How soon can you get me the information? No, I don't need you to do anything else. No." His eyes narrow. "I said no."

I can't help smiling.

"Promise. You too." He glances at me before turning away. "Love you too. Bye."

Jay lowers the phone onto his desk with a long sigh. "He said he'll call me as soon as he finds anything."

The idea of encountering the man I once loved, someone I used to trust, who may have spent months tormenting me for leaving him, makes my stomach turn.

"I really appreciate you," I say quietly, because I don't know what else to say.

"You don't have to thank me for doing my job."

"I really do, though." My voice comes out rougher than I intended. "You've helped me so much more than I ever expected."

Jay opens his mouth, probably to argue, but seems to think better of it. Instead, he gives me a small nod and one of those soft smiles that somehow manages to make my chest ache.

Something inside me gives way.

Not in a bad way.

More like a dam finally breaking.

All the fear and exhaustion I've been carrying around, all the pretending that I'm fine when I'm very clearly not, comes crashing down at once.

Before I can think better of it, I cross the room.