AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Is it weird that she talks about me when she’s…”
June laughs. “Oh dear. You’re jealous. Don’t worry. You don’t have anything to be jealous of where Joe and I are concerned. He’s a teddy bear who adores Zara because she gave him a chance to love and be loved on his own terms, but we’re all aware he’s paying for her services and it’s harmless. Don’t stress yourself out. I’m sure there are other complications for a relationship between you two, but Joe is one man you do not have to be jealous of.”
“Tell me about Joe. He seems like a good guy.”
A server approaches and asks if I want anything.
“Just a coffee, please.”
“Are you sure? The cheesecake is lovely.”
I wave a hand. “By all means, bring me a slice, then.”
“Joe has always had a good heart, but when he got injured in Afghanistan, we all thought we’d lost him forever. He was angry—with good reason—and he pulled away from everyone. Then he tried to commit suicide. We tried several therapists and medications, and nothing seemed to work. Then the last therapist we tried was unconventional. But she got Joe to open up and discovered that he was lacking touch, but he didn’t trust anyone to touch him. And also, didn’t believe anyone wanted to touch him. He even thought I was repulsed by him. I’m not, of course, but I am his sister, so having me touch him is probably not the same as having someone who isn’t related. The therapist suggested we hire an escort. I was horrified by the suggestion at first. There are so many stereotypes about the type of women they are. But Joe wanted to try. We went through four before someone recommended Zara. She turned out to be perfect. You know she even spent the money and got her massage therapy license for him so that insurance would cover part of the fee?”
I raise an eyebrow. That is not something I knew.
“That’s pretty incredible, June. And how long has he been seeing Zara?”
June smiles. “A little over two years. And in that time, we’ve all become excellent friends. She tried not to charge us, but we wouldn’t hear of it. It thrills us that she’s met someone who puts a genuine smile on her face.”
The server brings the cheesecake and coffee for me, and I take a bite. June is right, it’s really wonderful.
“How was your meal with Chef Vance?” I ask, making small talk.
June grins. “That was seriously the best food I’ve ever had in my life. I wish he could come cook for me every night.”
I chuckle at that. As I’m about to ask another question, movement catches my eye and then I hear a familiar voice.
“What are you doing here?” Zara asks as she pushes Joe in his wheelchair.
I smile. “I got home early, spotted June in here eating dessert alone and thought I would say hello.”
She looks suspicious at first, but June grins. “It was really nice to meet him, Zara. You weren’t kidding about the way he looks in a suit.”
I raise both eyebrows at her and can’t help but laugh when she turns bright red.
“How was the show?” I ask, conversationally.
Joe manages a smile, though he looks exhausted, and says, “That was so awesome, Mr. Bowden. Thanks for letting Zara join me.”
I smile and wink at Zara before I scoot over and pat the seat next to me. “Are you joining us for dessert?”
Zara shakes her head. “We were going to, but there was a big crowd as we were leaving the show and Joe is feeling a little overwhelmed. We were just going to say goodnight to June before I take him back to his room for a bit of quiet time.”
I finish the last bite of my cheesecake and take a swallow of coffee. “I should get out of here. Thank you for the lovely chat, June.”
“Zara, I’ll see you later?”
She nods, and I resist the urge to lean in and kiss her cheek or touch her. I head upstairs to our penthouse and pour a glass of whiskey in the living room. I rarely watch television, but I turn it on just to drown out my annoying thoughts.
“You made it sound like you were going to be at the club late,” Zara murmurs, making me jump.
“Zara, love. I didn’t hear you come in.”
She comes around to sit on the couch next to me. “Joe was tired. We’re going to have breakfast tomorrow.”
I drape an arm around her and kiss the top of her head.
