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“Oh God. Of course. Please, take your time. See you soon.”
“See you soon.” I tap the red button to hang up the call, place the phone on the counter, and turn the scalding water back on so I can finally get clean.
Twenty-five minutes later, I walk into the dojo, smelling much better and no longer encrusted in phlegm.
Jake is fighting a platform punching bag, and George is correcting his form. They are playing so nicely together, much better than when Jake first came to train and didn’t bother to hide his contempt for George or the fact that I am the Guardian. I almost don’t want to interrupt them—almost.
“Hey guys,” I call as I approach.
They both turn to me, but neither speaks. George looks annoyed I interrupted, and Jake looks like he can barely breathe, much less speak.
I continue to cross the room to them while I convey my discontent with the morning so far. “I’m good, thanks for asking. My new buddy, that dragon turtle thing, didn’t hurt me too badly when he knocked my ass into the Hudson River. Oh! That reminds me. George, are you sure this dude is supposed to live in water? Sure, his feet looked like giant flippers, but he didnotlook like he wanted to get into that river.”
George furrows his brow. “Really? Are you sure?”
I widen my eyes in response. “Yeah. Pretty fucking sure. He cried when he realized I wanted him to go back in.”
George crosses his arms and studies the floor. “That’s fascinating. I’ll have to look into it.”
I nod, “Sounds great,” then look at Jake. “Hey Babe. I’m going over to Maria’s to talk about the panic attack yesterday. Want to come along? I would love for you to be part of this.”
His jaw is set, and his eyes squint with skepticism. “Am I allowed to be there? I mean, are you sure you don’t want George to come instead, seeing as how he’s known about the attacks longer?”
That may have been remotely deserved. Jake only found out I’ve been having panic attacks yesterday. George, who has been with me when most of them hit, has known about them for weeks. Jake was less than thrilled when he learned both of these pieces of information.
I want to tell him to grow up, but I know that will be counterproductive to the work we’re trying to do for our marriage. Especially since he’s not entirely wrong to be angry. Instead, for once in my life, I swallow my pride.
“Please come with me, Jake. I want you to be a part of this process with me.”
He sulks for another minute before nodding his agreement. “I’ll go change quickly, and we can go.” He disappears into the back hallway toward the bathroom.
As soon as he’s gone, George clears his throat. “So, if you’re both going to be done for today, I’m going to get cleaned up for my date tonight.”
My eyes almost pop out of my head. “I’m sorry, a date? I didn’t know you were seeing anyone!”
He rolls his eyes. “I’m not. It’s a first date. My first date since Evan, in fact. I doubt it will go anywhere though.” He looks away, shaking his head.
I rest my hand on his shoulder. “Hey there, now who’s being hard on himself? You need to believe in yourself. You’re a catch! I’m proud of you for putting yourself out there. And even if it doesn’t go anywhere, that doesn’t diminish what a huge step this is for you.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve been pretty lonely here.” He’s looking down at his feet.
I try to ignore the unintended sting of that statement. After all, he’s here only because he had to give up his life with Evan in Colorado to be my docent. But I’m not supposed to be his friend, just his Guardian, so I get it. Still, I give him a quick hug anyway. “Well, have fun!”
Jake walks back into the room, and I turn to him while speaking out of the corner of my mouth to George. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
George looks confused and mutters back, “Says the woman who slept with an incubus.”
I smack his arm, but I do allow myself a smirk when I realize Jake didn’t hear.
“All ready?” Jake asks politely with a tight-lipped smile.
I nod, and we head out to Jake’s car, leaving mine behind to pick up on the way home. We already have one strike against us for breaking Maria’s drive-to-your-appointments-in-the-same-car rule.
I’m glad he agreed to come with me. I am sure I will need his help to get through these panic attacks.
Chapter 2
Jake
