Page 96 of Breached

“Not to be that person,” Mark cooed from behind us, “but the docs are here, so kindly peel away and join us inside.”

We rolled our eyes at each other and begrudgingly followed him. I had already begun to plan for the moment I could get her alone.

The table was set to perfection as always. Dr. Roberts, who had been lying low since the attack, showed up in a snappy red tie, looking more alert than I’d seen him in a while.

“You cancelled my session.” I kept my voice low as I took my seat.

He pushed his glasses up his nose. “And give you time to press me about the new doctors?” He shot me a knowing glance. “Not a chance.” He lifted a brow. “I’ve kept a low profile from all of you for my own sanity.”

“Mm.” I studied him. “That’s fair.”

“Oh!” Mark stopped short when he came into the dining room with Mia, “Why does that man look familiar?” he asked his wife, deadpan, as he looked at Doc Roberts. “I think he works here.” He and Mia took their seats.

“Hey, Doc, I know you’ve been avoiding us, but I think Keith needs some major sex advice.”

“Hey, that cuts deep, Mark.” Keith quivered.

“Too soon?” Mark looked at him with an evil expression.

“Cole!” Keith pointed at Mark. “Rein your brother in, or the new doctors are going to spend two seconds in this place and run the fuck out.”

“That’s a low blow, brother.” Cole smiled to soften his words, and Mark sucked in his cheeks and tried to look innocent.

“Keith could use a little help in that department, though.” Mike grinned at Mark, who brightened up and immediately fired an I told you so look at Doc Roberts.

“You must have something to say to Keith, right, Doc? I mean, you and Abigail got it on and it lasted for years. I mean, you’re practically Mark’s stepdaddy,” Mike added.

“Stepdaddy!” Keith laughed. “What are you, four?”

Mark made a show of gagging.

“Well, I don’t know, the books Cat reads have the word stepdaddy in them, and it’s kinda hot.” Mike grinned when everyone groaned, and Mark continued to gag dramatically.

“And people wonder why I don’t step in.” Doc’s eyes lit up. “I know I just have to wait a few minutes, and one of you will make it weird and shut it down.”

I tossed my head back and laughed—it was so true.

“Well, that was something.” A lady, maybe in her mid-fifties, walked into the room. She had a warm smile and a face that immediately commanded attention. She was fit and moved with a confidence I liked. “You weren’t kidding, Doc. They are pretty funny.” She grinned at us unapologetically. Yup, I like her.

Doc Roberts was on his feet and looked toward the door as a man came to stand next to the lady. They made an interesting contrast, as he was slightly shorter than her and plump, and wore a hat that suggested he was about to go on an Amazon safari.

“It’s Jack Black from Jumanji—the sequel,” Mark whispered, and the lady smirked, but she reined it in.

“Everyone,” Doc Roberts addressed the table, “this is Evelyn and Oliver Dixon.”

We all stood, and Oliver politely removed his hat. They took the seats that Cole and Mike pulled out for them, and we all settled again.

“First,” Evelyn spoke up, “Oliver and I like to keep things informal, starting with our names, please call us Eve and Ollie.”

“We’re so happy to be here,” Ollie added, “and I want to thank Dr. Roberts for referring us to you.”

“We do plan on having one-on-ones with all of you over the next week or two,” Eve added. “However, we understand that you’ve all just been through a lot, so we’ll be as flexible as you need.”

“Thank you. We appreciate that,” Cole replied. “We’ll do our best as well.”

“So,” Mark chimed in like clockwork, “now we’ve been introduced, does that mean we get to ask you guys questions?” He leaned back as his food was served.

Ollie’s face lit up, and I could see he was already under Mark’s boyish charm. “I think that’s only fair. Why don’t you start, Mark?”