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“Yeah, but you’re going to tell me that I’m insane and—”
“I subscribe to yourhe’s still alivepropaganda,” he reminds me. “What’s going on?”
“He’s anxious,” I mumble. “I can’t explain how I know, but I know.”
He snorts.
“You’re laughing at me, asshole?” I playfully slap his arm.
“No. I’m laughing at myself. I was just trying to figure out if we could add a GPS to your gut feeling and see if we can find him.”
I can’t help but laugh with him because it’s a ridiculous idea.
“If you’re game, I can put my people to work on that,” he continues laughing. “But will you miss your gut if we have to extract it?”
“Stop, I guess there’s not much we can do right now, is there?”
He shrugs. “Not for him, but what about you? Can I help you?”
“It’ll pass soon.” I hope because I can’t go back to the Piper that can’t function just because Archer disappeared during a mission.
“Should I call your parents?”
“Nah, they don’t need to know their daughter is losing her shit—again. I’ll be fine in a couple of days. Promise.”
He nods. “We’ll give it a couple of days, but if you need me, you know where to find me.”
“Thank you for checking up on me,” I say before climbing into the car.
It’snoon when I arrive at the practice. Lang doesn’t love that I want to work but understands that I need to do something before I fall into another cycle of depression. Maybe I should search for another job or try to figure out if anyone in my family needs help. Maybe the St. Jameses have something for me. Myles has been traveling a lot, and Kingston started a business last year, and his father is upset with him. There has to be something I can do for them.
When I enter the building, I spot Derek by the reception desk talking to Greco’s Mom. When the little boy spots me, he smiles.
I smile back at him. Usually, I would get closer and start a conversation with him, but I don’t have any energy left. Maybe I should’ve gone to my place, but then I wouldn’t be able to rest either.
“Bye, Ms. Coop.” Greco waves as his mother pulls him toward the door.
“You guys have a nice day. See you this Friday.” I wave back.
Derek walks toward me and shakes his head. “Are you okay?”
I plaster on my best smile. “Of course.”
He sighs. “Did you have lunch already?”
“I’ll grab something from the snack box.”
Derek nods, taking my hand and dragging me out of the building.
I’m so weak I can’t even fight him. “Umm, what are you doing?”
“We’re going to my place to take care of you,” he says as he locks the door. “We’ll start with food and maybe add some meditation. I still have your yoga mat in my closet.”
“No, I have work to do,” I argue, but I continue letting him drag me toward his place.
“Your first appointment is at three. You have plenty of time to grab a bite and take a nap.”
“I don’t have time for that.”
