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“Like most young women her age,” Ruth says, “Layla wants to go on dates—it’s something she’s never done before. She wants to experience romance, love, the usual things girls dream of. Because of her challenges, it’s not easy for her. Perhaps she does want to take this young man up on his invitation, but she’s afraid to take a chance.” She sighs. “Maybe you could encourage her to say yes. You’ll go along with her on the date, of course. That goes without saying. She can never be left alone with someone who hasn’t been thoroughly vetted.”
Even as I’m nodding, I’m fighting a sense of dread. I knew this might happen. I’m going to be the third wheel on Layla’s dates. With any other client, it wouldn’t be a problem. I’ve actually accompanied numerous female clients on social outings—dates, even. But this is different. This is Layla, and my feelings for her are complicated.
“Certainly,” I finally say, knowing I have to saysomething. And I sure as hell can’t say what I really want to say, which isI’m not really comfortable with the idea of Layla dating.
Fuck.
I am so screwed.
Ruth nods. “This will be an important milestone for Layla.”
“My wife and I try to give our daughter as much freedom as we think she can handle,” Martin says. “It’s never been our goal to keep her a prisoner in her own home. We want her to experience life. We want her to feel as much like a normal girl her age as possible.”
“It’s a fine line,” Ruth says. She looks conflicted as she glances at her husband, then at me. “We want you to encourage her to take acceptable risks. We trust that you’ll keep her safe.”
I rise from the table. “Understood. If you’ll excuse me.” I nod to the parents and take my leave.
After returning to my room and changing into sweats and a T-shirt, I tune into Netflix. I need some mindless entertainment to get my mind off the idea of Layla going out with Reese. I’m still flipping through the options, looking for something to watch, when I hear a soft knock on my door.
I mute the TV. “Yes?”
The door opens, and Layla pokes her head inside the room. “Can I come in?”
“Of course.” I wave her in.
She steps inside and closes the door behind her. Then she just stands there, looking unsure.
“Is something wrong?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “No. I just—I could use some company.” She gestures toward her room. “It’s getting a little too loud over there, if you know what I mean.”
I nod, realizing she’s referring to the voice. Finally, she’s coming to me for help. We’re making progress. “Do you wanna watch something with me?” I nod to the TV.
She smiles as she crosses the room and joins me on the sofa. “What are you watching?”
“Nothing yet. Have you got any suggestions?”
Her eyes light up. “How aboutSupernatural?”
“Sounds good. Which season?”
“I’ve binged them all at least twice. Surprise me.”
Layla sticks a spare pillow behind her back and gets comfortable beside me, propping her feet up on the coffee table next to mine. She’s wearing a pair of light gray socks with smiling avocados on them.
I pull up a random episode ofSupernaturaland we settle in to watch it.
Every once in a while, I sneak a peek at her. I don’t understand her mood swings. She’s been distant with me most of the day, and now she wants to hang out. Maybe I’ll never understand her, and maybe that’s okay. I’m just grateful she’s here with me now. After what I’ve read about how vicious and unrelenting the voices can be, I’m willing to give her a hell of a lot of leeway. Whatever she needs—whatever I can do to make life a little easier for her—I’ll do it.
One TV episode melds into two, and then into three. The next time I glance over at her, she’s nodding off. It’s late, and she’s obviously tired. I should send her back to her room so she can get some sleep.
But first, I check her glucose monitor—it’s fine.
When I turn to face her, her eyes are closed, her head leaning back against the cushions. She looks so peaceful I hate to disturb her.
I allow myself a moment to look at her. God, she’s exquisite. I don’t blame Reese for asking her out. If I were a student in her class, or anyone besides her bodyguard, I sure as hell would too.
Ruth’s words come back to me.“Layla wants to go on dates—it’s something she’s never done before. She wants to experience romance, love, the usual things girls dream of.”
