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I return my attention to the files from today’s visits. Blake taps the counter with one long finger. “So, when are you having dinner with me?”
“I wasn’t aware that I was,” I reply without looking up.
“How about tonight?”
“Sorry, I have plans.” Thanks to Maya and Tom, it’s true.
“Tomorrow then. Have lunch with me.”
“Plans,” I repeat. I’ll do something with Lila so it won’t be a lie.
“Sunday afternoon,” he insists.
I shake my head. “Sorry, Blake. I have something going on already.” Sundays are when I clean the house and go grocery shopping.
Without warning, he reaches across the counter and strokes my cheek. I freeze as my blood turns to ice and iron bands grip my chest.
“One of these days, I’ll wear you down,” he murmurs, oblivious to my panic. He straightens up just as Tom comes around the corner.
“Hey, man, I thought I heard you out here,” Tom says. “Come on back, I’m almost done.”
Blake walks away, unaware of my distress. My breathing grows rapid and shallow, and I squeeze my eyes shut, dipping my head and pressing the heels of my hands to my forehead.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Slow and deep.
“Gimme a minute. I’ll catch up to you,” I hear Tom say, and I sense his approach.
“Charlie?”
I don’t open my eyes. My fingers fist against my forehead.
Tom squats down but doesn’t touch me. “Hey, Charlie. It’s okay. You’re safe. I won’t let anything happen to you. Take some nice deep breaths.”
I nod, my eyes still closed.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
“Do you need Lila?”
I shake my head no and focus on slowing my breathing.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
It only takes a minute or two before I’m able to unclench my hands, and another one until I’m calm enough to open my eyes. Tom’s worried brown eyes are the first thing I see.
“Thanks,” I mumble, my face growing hot.
“Anytime.” He gets to his feet, his eyes lingering for a moment before glancing questioningly across the room.
That’s when I catch sight of Blake’s curious stare. Embarrassment turns to complete humiliation as I realize he’s just gotten a front-row seat to my shitshow of a life, all because he innocently brushed his thumb over my cheek.
