33. Leo
Chapter Thirty-Three
LEO
“Where is Casey?” Dora asked. Her eyes were hopeful as she looked ahead at the counter in Firehouse Café.
“I don’t think she’s working today,” I answered when we stopped in front of the counter.
As I glanced down at Dora when she placed her hands on the counter, I marveled that it seemed like she was growing almost every day. Her chin was now above the counter. Her eyes scanned the chalkboard above. My heart almost ached when she mouthed the words to herself. She loved to read.
She didn’t even like me to read her bedtime stories. She preferred to read them herself. The library was one of her favorite places to go.
The door to the kitchen swung open, and Janet came walking out. Her eyes caught mine first before she looked down at Dora, her smile stretching wide. “Hello, Miss Dora.” Janet leaned down, resting her elbows on the counter so she was close to eye level with Dora. “How are you today?”
Dora giggled. “Good. How are you?” She swayed on her feet, swinging her arms.
Janet tapped her fingertips on the counter as she straightened up, appearing to seriously consider Dora’s question. “I’m doing well today.” She glanced toward me. “And, how are you, Leo?”
“I’m also doing well.” I grinned at her, placing my hands on Dora’s shoulders.
“What can I get you two?”
I ordered a coffee, and Dora ordered hot chocolate. “Can I get a donut?” Her eyes bounced up to mine.
“You sure can.”
She carefully selected one, while I got a whole box for the guys at the station.
“Where is Casey?” Dora asked Janet as I was paying a few minutes later.
“She’s not working until this afternoon,” Janet replied.
“Oh.” Dora’s brow squinched with disappointment.
I couldn’t quite pin it down, but Casey seemed to be pulling back a little and I wasn’t sure how to interpret that.
I wanted a chance to talk to her about it, but I had Dora every night before Friday. We were still in the only Friday nights together phase. I honestly wanted to change that, but I wasn’t sure when the timing was right. We actually had an appointment with our therapist today. I planned to bring it up to get her feedback.