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“Forgive me if I’m wrong but, you like this woman. Not only because she is in a certain level of danger that calls to your core. She’s brought something out in you. When you speak about her, it’s different from the way you talk of your family. It’s okay to like someone, Gage. You just have to make sure it is for the right reasons and not a matter of circumstances.”
• • •
Dr. Vail’s words bounce around in my head as I take the steps to the door of The Bluebird. With one quick knock on the door, I let myself in. Joan pokes her head out of the kitchen. Her expression is solemn as she points to the stairs. Slowly I make my way up to Sophia’s room.
If circumstances were different, I would have called her last night and again this morning. I would have checked on her more than once via text message. Since that isn’t a possibility, I’m in front of her closed bedroom door.
After the second knock without a response, I call out to her. “Sophia? It’s Gage.”
The handle turns and I take a step back, not wanting to crowd her. When the door opens, any hope that she is okay evaporates. Standing in a pair of leggings and an oversized shirt, Sophia looks exhausted. And sad. Her eyes are red, likely from crying and a lack of sleep. Guilt tugs at me as I take her in. I should’ve come in with her last night. I should have made sure she wasn’t alone. The list of “should haves” is long.
“I’m not up for company, Gage.”
Her voice is meek and so unlike the woman I was with yesterday. “I understand. How are you? Can I do anything?”
Sighing, she opens the door farther and moves to her bed. Scooting to the top with her back against the headboard, she holds a pillow to her chest. I take this as invitation to enter and step into the room. Scanning, I see a pile of tissues on the nightstand and floor.
“Have you been outside today? It’s a nice day.”
“No I haven’t been outside. I haven’t left this room since you dropped me off last night. As much as I’d like to say I’m not feeling sorry for myself, you’re a detective. I’m sure you’d figure out that was a lie.”
“I don’t have to be a detective to see you aren’t okay. Would you like to go with me to Rod & Reel? Grab a drink and split some wings?”
The look she tosses my way says that was a really dumb question. “No thanks.”
“Right.” I shift on my heels awkwardly. “Look. I know yesterday was tough, and it may take you some time to process everything. If you need to talk it out, I’m here and have two good ears. But today I was speaking to my therapist—”
“Therapist?”
“Yeah. It’s a requirement. Well, kind of. Anyway, she gives me these stupid tasks that are supposed to help me. One of those is to spend time with people and stay active. I thought about doing a hike this week and remembered you mentioned you also enjoy hiking. Would you like to come with me? It would be an all-day kind of thing up the backside of the ridge. Unfortunately, it’s too soon for huckleberries, but still, the view is great.”
She stares at me with her brows furrowed. Maybe I’ve overstepped. Everything I said is true and if Dr. Vail thinks these things will help me, perhaps they will Sophia too.
“I don’t know, Gage. I’m not sure I’m up for something like a major hike. It’s been years.”
“We’ll plan on the day and see how things go. If it’s too much or you want to head back, we will. Come on. Getting out of here and being in nature may do you some good.”
“Why are you doing this, Gage? I know you said Detective Randel asked you to check in on me, but this goes above and beyond.”
A spark of annoyance in her tone gives me hope that this bout of sadness is temporary. I think of what Dr. Vail said and, while I will admit to liking Sophia, that’s as far as I’m willing to go.
“Can’t a friend check in on a friend?” I ask.
She snorts “Friends? We’re friends now?”
“I hope so. I told you I go to therapy. I wouldn’t just share that with anyone.”
Rolling her eyes Sophia throws the pillow my direction and it falls at my feet. I take that as a yes to a hike.
Chapter 30
Gage
It takes all of my self-control to suppress the laughter settling deep in my chest as I approach the side door to The Bluebird. Sophia is sitting on the stoop with a cup of coffee in her hands while using the beam for a pillow. Her eyes are closed and I’m pretty confident she’s asleep. I almost feel bad. Except I know this is a day we both need.
I clear my throat and she stirs. Eyes wide and scanning the surroundings, she seems to relax when they fall on me. But instead of a smile in greeting, I receive a huge yawn. She lifts the cup to her mouth and takes a long drink.
“Morning.”
