“No. No, you didn’t.”

  “After last time…” Monti trailed off, not sure if Athena had told Fallon about that or not. She bit the side of her tongue to try and figure out how to phrase what she was going to say next. “I didn’t think we’d scheduled another appointment, but you never know.”

  “You didn’t. But she needs… fuck.” Fallon scratched her arms again.

  “Okay, seriously, what’s wrong?” Monti touched Fallon’s arm lightly, offering her what comfort she could. But when it came to the two of them, she was never very good at this. That whole baby sister thing really got in the way.

  Fallon closed her eyes and shook her head, staring down at the floor as her cheeks reddened. Whatever this was, it was bad. Fallon hadn’t been this disturbed by something in a long time, at least that Monti was aware. It wasn’t like they talked all that often anymore.

  “I don’t know what happened. I’ve never seen her like that.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like she wasn’t even there. I tried to talk to her, but she was just kind of spouting gobbledygook. I went and got Mr. Brock, but he couldn’t help her.”

  “Mr. Brock?” Monti tried to figure out what was going on, but it was clear she was still missing a good portion of the story. Her stomach twisted hard. What if she’d missed something? What if she’d allowed her own reaction to Athena to get in the way of caring for her? She shouldn’t have forced the conversation the way it had gone last time. She should have stayed to make sure that Athena was okay.

  “Her husband. He’s in town right now. I went and got him, and she started to make some sense, but then she just kind of walked out, and I don’t know, Monti. I’ve never seen anyone act like that before.” Fallon’s nails dug into her upper arms, red marks left in their wake.

  That was a nervous habit she’d always had. Monti was so glad that she hadn’t inherited that one. Sighing, Monti took Fallon by the arm and moved her to one of the empty chairs in the room. She sat down and leaned her elbows on her knees.

  “She seemed more with-it when she left?”

  “Yeah, but she couldn’t even answer a question when I came in.” Fallon frowned.

  Monti nodded, processing what she knew of the situation and what possibly could have happened. “And Kevin came in?”

  “Yeah, but like I said, he wasn’t much help.”

  “How close are they?” It was the easiest way Monti could think to ask that question without setting off any warning bells for Fallon.

  “What do you mean? They’ve been married for over twenty years.”

  She must not have gotten her point across. Monti rubbed her palms together. “Right, but how close are they? He was on a trip when I got here. Does he do that often?”

  “Yeah, but she also goes on trips a lot.”

  “Does she?” Monti furrowed her brow. That surprised her. She figured Athena would be pretty much a recluse, considering she never seemed comfortable anywhere.

  Fallon nodded. “She used to, anyway. He loves her.”

  “Is their marriage a good one?” Monti shifted the topic a little. Love didn’t necessarily make a relationship work or make it healthy, and she wasn’t about to point that out to Fallon who was already upset and clearly needed something to focus on.

  “I think so?” Fallon said it like a question, as if she was digging deep to find an answer. “I don’t see them together all that often except at events or right before events, and Ms. Pruitt doesn’t talk about him all that often.”

  “What about her son?”

  “Simon?” Fallow scrunched her face. “She never really talks about him.”

  “Never?” Monti raised an eyebrow at that. Usually parents were ecstatic about anything their children did. Even if Athena seemed disassociated from life on a good day, Monti had expected her to at least seem like she cared.

  “She’s a very private person.”

  “Right. Okay.”

  “You have to talk to her,” Fallon added, her tone pleading.

  “Talk to her?” Monti’s entire body tightened. She hadn’t come here to help Athena—again. She’d come to have lunch with Fallon to make up for their argument the other day.

  Fallon nodded. “Please. I’m so worried about her.”

  Leave it to Fallon to always worry about her boss, or really anyone in her life. She was the big sister through and through, and she always wanted to make sure that everyone was taken care of before herself. Monti leaned back in the chair. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

  “You’ve gotten through to her. I know you have.”

  “I’m not so sure about that.”

  “Please, Monti. You have to try. Someone has to help her.”

  Fuck.

  She hated when Fallon used that tone on her. She was powerless against it. It was the same tone of voice she’d used when she called the first time to see if Monti would give her sleepless boss a massage to help her relax.

  “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

  “Helping someone isn’t a good idea?” Fallon fired back. “Who are you and what have you done with my sister?”

  “Damn it, Fallon. I don’t want to be a therapist anymore.”

  “This is different!” Fallon was back to pleading. “This is someone I care about, and she’s hurting.”

  Monti narrowed her gaze. She sat in silence, contemplating her options. Fallon wasn’t going to give this one up, and if Monti didn’t agree to it, she knew Fallon was going to be angry with her for a long time. If there was one thing that Fallon did well, it was hold a grudge.

  “Fine.” Monti clapped her hands together. “Fine, I’ll help. Where the hell is she?”

  “Library, I think.”

  “Of course.” Monti should have known that, and if she’d thought about it, she would have. But she’d wanted to avoid Athena and the awkwardness that had come between them the last time they’d been in a room together.

  Standing up, Monti looked down at Fallon. “Lunch another day then?”

  “Yes.”

  “Fine.” Crossing her arms, Monti walked to the library.

  When she got there the door was shut, but she could feel Athena’s presence on the other side. She had that understated power that drew Monti to her at every turn. Licking her lips, Monti pressed her palm to the door and steadied herself.

  She could do this.

  She could go in, figure out what the hell was wrong, get Athena back on even ground, and extricate herself from the situation as fast as she’d gotten into it.

  That’s all she needed to do.

  Reaching down, Monti turned the knob and pushed the door open. But it didn’t budge. Pushing harder, she stopped when Athena grunted and the door finally gave way. Furrowing her brow, Monti slipped inside and stared down at Athena, curled up into herself, sitting on the floor, wide eyes staring up at her. Immediately, Monti dropped to her knees.

  Fuck.

  This was bad.

  Fallon hadn’t lied.

  Monti shut the door, and Athena shifted back to lean against it. Her shoulders were so tightly drawn that she looked like she was trying to crawl in on herself. Monti shifted to lean against the door as well, stretching out her legs in front of her and staring at the window.

  Instead of saying anything, she stayed there in silence. She was going to have to approach this issue delicately. And it was going to take every ounce of patience and strength she had to keep Athena on the right track.

  “I love this room,” Monti finally said, keeping her tone light and calm. The last thing Athena needed was to feel her own anxiety pulsing. “I think it might be my favorite room in your house. I haven’t seen your whole house, but I imagine this would still be my favorite.”

  Athena took a deep breath, her lungs expanding and collapsing as she blew the air out. That was at least a good sign.

  “It’s mine, too,” Athena murmured before reaching up and brushing her eyes. The tear stains were clear, but they were already dry. So it had been a while since she’d stopped crying.

  Monti wondered if Athena knew how long it had been.

  “Why? Why do you like it in here?” Monti scooted a little closer, hoping that Athena wouldn’t pick up on just how close she was.

  “It’s calming.” Athena dragged in a deep breath and let it out slowly, her eyes fluttering shut as she pressed her head into the door. “No one else comes in here.”

  “So it’s only for you?”

  “Yes.”

  They fell into a comfortable silence. Monti watched Athena carefully while Athena sat there quietly with her eyes closed. Monti moved her toes in her shoes, biding the time as she waited for Athena to calm down even more.

  “Are you okay that I’m here?” Monti finally asked. “I know we didn’t end on the greatest note last time.”

  The question hung in the air, the tension taut from finally being asked. Monti was seeking permission and forgiveness, needing it before she could move forward with anything else. She shuddered and waited.

  Athena didn’t answer her. Instead, she released her knees and straightened them out, mimicking Monti’s posture. Athena rubbed her thigh, the heel of her palm pushing hard into the muscles three times before she stopped. She lifted her hand and reached over, setting it on top of Monti’s. Athena curled her fingers around Monti’s hand. She relaxed, her shoulders dropping even more.

  Curious, Monti scooted a little closer. “I take it that you’re not kicking me out of the room this time.”

  Athena turned her head, looking directly into Monti’s eyes. She looked so wary, so broken and vulnerable. Her lips parted and quivered as if she was trying to speak but couldn’t find the syllables to make the words. Monti waited patiently, giving Athena whatever time she needed. Fingers tightened around Monti’s.

  “Stay,” Athena whispered.

  “Are you sure?”

  “You’re the only one making this better.”

  “Athena,” Monti murmured, covering her hand and rubbing the edge of her thumb along Athena’s skin. “You must be so lonely.”

  Athena choked, fresh tears falling down her cheeks. “You have no idea.”

  “Tell me.” Monti bit her lip.

  Shaking her head, Athena tilted it onto Monti’s shoulder and sighed. “No.”

  “Can I take a guess as to why?” Monti continued the sweet pattern against Athena’s hand, hoping it would keep the same calm quality.

  “Sure.”

  “Something happened twenty-one years ago—”

  “Twenty-two,” Athena interrupted. She flicked her gaze up to Monti’s. “It’s been almost twenty-two.”

  Monti smiled. That was more information than she’d anticipated getting out of Athena. “Thank you for trusting me to share that.”

  Athena nodded, the movement so subtle that Monti would have missed it if Athena wasn’t still resting against her.

  “You don’t have to tell me what it is, but almost twenty-two years ago, something happened. And that something shut you off from the world. You haven’t let anyone in since. Including Simon.” Monti trailed off as she said his name, realizing for the first time that that was the reason for the distance between them. “I think you let Kevin in but only because you knew him before and only so much.”

  “Touché,” Athena answered, relaxing even more.

  Monti moved her hand up Athena’s wrist to her elbow and then back down. “They’re all worried about you.”

  “I know. But I can’t…” Athena turned her face into Monti’s shoulder, burying herself. “I can’t deal with them today.”

  “You don’t have to.” Monti moved her head, catching a full whiff of Athena’s scent. Tingles ran through her body. This closeness was almost too much. She was there to hold a safe space for Athena, and yet, there was so much more going on in this undercurrent. More than she could possibly put words to right now. “I’ll do it.”

  “Kevin will be fine. But Fallon—”

  “Worries about anyone and everyone.”

  Athena hummed her agreement. “She’s very sweet with her concern.”

  “You can only say that because you’re not her little sister.”

  The small chuckle that left Athena’s lips was promising. It meant they were on the right trajectory. Athena was easing back into this world from her triggered state, and Monti was keeping her rooted here.

  “Trust me. Having a big sister who is all up in your business isn’t a fun experience.”

  “Let me guess, she tried to parent you.”

  “Every day.”

  Athena looked up into Monti’s eyes, her lips curling into a gentle smile. Then her look faltered, the smile falling away, as those tears filled her eyes again. “In three months, I’ll celebrate my twenty-second anniversary.”

  Another piece to the puzzle of this woman.

  Monti loved that Athena was willing to give her these little tidbits of information, even if it was like pulling teeth to get it out of her. She folded her hand around Athena’s. “Is it the anniversary that’s bothering you? Or is it something else?”

  Athena shook her head back and forth slowly. “I honestly don’t know.”

  “That’s okay. We can figure that out later.”

  They settled in next to each other again. Monti was going to stay here as long as Athena possibly needed. Monti continued to trail her fingers across Athena’s skin, admiring the softness, the warmth, the feel.

  “I’ll stay here as long as you need.”

  Athena hummed. “Thank you.”

  “Of course.”

  fourteen

  “Glad to see you’re on time.”

  Athena stood at the door to the library, where she’d wanted to meet with Monti. Two days and she was far calmer now than she had been. Monti had sat with her for hours. They hadn’t talked much, mostly listening to the quiet and steady breathing coming from each of them.

  It was the closest she had felt to anyone in a long time.

  “I made a point of it,” Monti answered, clearly a little nervous still.

  Athena enjoyed that look on her, the slightly awkward but still confident gaze. She held in her smile and ducked her chin. “Good to know you can do that.”

  Monti snorted lightly, a chuckle leaving her lips. “And I’m glad to see that you’re almost back to your icy, distanced self.”

  Athena paused at that. Because she actually felt anything but. She was still raw from the other day, but worse than that, any time Monti was near her, she felt more than she should. More than she had in ages. Stepping in close, Athena stopped shoulder to shoulder. She looked Monti directly in the eye when she answered. “I secretly think you like it.”

  Monti’s eyes widened, her cheeks reddening, and her lips parted. That was exactly the reaction that Athena had hoped for. Instead of moving away like she usually would, she leaned in, their arms brushing. The fabric of her jacket pressed into her skin, scratching it. Athena sucked in a breath and bit the inside of her cheek.

  “I think I’m right.”

  “Athena.”

  “Shall we?” Athena stepped away, giving her space. What was she even doing? She hadn’t intended to make this into some sort of game that neither of them could win. But she had also been thinking about Monti more and more lately, about the calm presence she had, the way it was so easy to talk to her.

  “Uh. Sure.” Monti followed behind as they walked through the house and directly to Athena’s bedroom.

  This had become the routine, that was for sure. And Athena loved her routines. She left Monti as she went into the bathroom, slipping off her jacket, her bra, and her shoes. She’d never thought she’d feel comfortable with someone like this.

  She didn’t have to talk herself into it anymore—or out of canceling the whole thing. When she stepped back into the bedroom, Monti had already fixed the bed in the way she wanted it, closed the curtains to dim the light, and stood with her bottle of oil in her hand.

  “Are we ready?” Athena folded her hands in front of her.

  “Do you mind if we work on a chest massage today?”

  Athena halted in her step toward the bed. She met Monti’s gaze.

  “It’s not your breasts, I promise. It’s all around them, but when there’s a lot of back and neck tension, we need to release those muscles as well.” Monti sounded so confident, like she’d done this a thousand times before.

  Athena couldn’t remember the last time anyone had touched her chest.

  “We can leave your shirt on still. I don’t need you to take it off.”

  Mulling through the comment, Athena held her breath. Eventually she gave a sharp nod of affirmation and then climbed onto the bed. Monti pulled the clip from her hair and threaded her fingers through the strands. This was how they always seemed to start lately, a gentle pattern to get used to the touching.

  Athena’s heart raced.

  She knew what to expect now. The gentle brush of Monti’s fingers in her hair, the slick feel of her hands against her neck, the scent of the oil reaching her nostrils and relaxing her even more. Dragging in a deep breath, Athena closed her eyes and pushed into the mattress.

  “Do you want to talk more about the other day?” Monti’s voice was quiet.

  For some reason she couldn’t put her finger on, Athena wanted to say yes. But that damn sensation clogged her throat again. She wanted the words to spill from her, she really did, but it was next to impossible to work past that sensation.

  “You’re so tense.” Monti pinched her way down the muscles in the sides of Athena’s neck, easing them.

  Suddenly, Athena was able to breathe better. She dragged cold air into her lungs and settled even more. Monti used her thumbs along the side of Athena’s neck, easing the tightness there one stroke at a time. As much as her neck muscles were relaxing, the rest of her body tensed.

  No, that wasn’t right.

  Athena closed her eyes and felt through her body. It was so rare that she did this, that she took the time to see what she was feeling physically. She followed the sensations from Monti’s fingers, the firmness, the tingles they created. Her breathing became shallow as she tracked the tingles from her neck into her chest, where they seemed to almost multiply.