Chapter 11
JUNIPER
“You’re quite the celebrity in our home, Dr. Wilde.”
“Is that right?” I ask, lifting Addie down from the exam table.
Hilary nods, smiling wide as she looks toward her daughter. “Oh, yes. Crew warned me about how chatty she’s been at bedtime, but I had to experience it for myself. I’ve learned all the things this past week.”
Oh. They really aren’t together. I don’t look at Crew because, well, I simply don’t want to right now. Not when Hilary tells me all about Addie’s fascination with me. It’s adorable, and I have no right questioning his relationship status with the mother of his child.
“Suddenly, she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. We’ve officially grown out of the Rapunzel-in-a-tower stage and moved on to a real-life career,” Hilary laughs, and Addie sits on her lap, Crew sitting beside them with his arms crossed at his chest. “She also prays for you every night.”
My heart stops. “She does?” I croak, feeling tears threaten to break free. One glance at Crew tells me it’s true, and he nods.
“Since the day we met you,” he admits with the most subtle nonchalance.
I adjust my glasses to occupy my hands, something I do often when I’m at a loss for words or nervous. “That is…the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me…”
There’s something about the magnitude of being in someone’s most vulnerable thoughts that just means the world.
Addie speaks up, jumping from her mom’s lap to adjust her sequined mermaid tail. “Last night, I prayed you didn’t get the measles. I don’t know what they are, but Lilly says they’re prettttty scary. Lilly is my best friend.”
“Lilly sounds like a very smart friend. Thank you for looking out for me, Queen Addie.”
She spins in place, the bottom of her chiffon mermaid tail fluttering with her. “It’s mermaid Addie of Emerald City today.”
My hand meets my chest in apologies. “Goodness. I’m so sorry, mermaid Addie of Emerald City. My mistake.”
She reaches forward, surprising me by tapping my nose. “That’s okay. Don’t let it happen again.”
“Adeline Briggs,” Hilary says sternly. “We don’t talk to grown-ups like that. Looks like you should be the one apologizing.”
Addie looks to her dad, ready to cause some division. Crew shakes his head and nods to me. “You heard your mother, Doodle. Sorry up, baby girl. Remember the word we talked about?”
Addie’s hands find her hips, a small tarantula stuffie tucked safely under her arms. “Accounabifity,” she answers in determination.
“Accountability. Yes,” Crew tells her. “Do you remember what that means?”
“Saying sorry when I make really bad choices.” She squeezes the stuffie to her cheeks.
He nods to me again as Hilary instructs her, “Chop, chop, miss mermaid.”
In the blink of an eye, blue orbs meet mine, reminding me of my own. “Sorry, Dr. Wilde,” Addie says, arms finding my neck in a gentle hug.
“Thank you for the apology…” I draw out and I can’t help myself. “Mermaid Addie of Emerald City.”
“What is Emerald City, anyway?” Hilary asks, and I think we’re all curious about that answer.
“It’s magical,” Addie coos. “Where mommies and daddies and fish and hyenas are all happy. We all love each other. It’s my favorite place in the whole entire world.”
“Jesus Christ. Hyenas?” Crew chuckles before the room falls silent. “Sounds like a beautiful place, Doodle.”
To be young and have a childlike imagination again. To also see the world so clearly, that a place where that kind of happiness can truly exist. That is how I know that, despite having a broken family on paper, Crew and Hilary have raised Addie well.
I quickly stand. “I hope I get to go there someday. I’ve always wanted to see a hyena.”
Addie makes a face of terror, despite just saying how happy they were, and her voice changes to a frightened tone. “Oh, they’re very scary. With lots of big teeth and sharp claws—”
“Okay. I think that’s enough for today, Addie,” Crew presses before steering his attention to me. “Anything else you need from us, Doc?”
I shake my head. “I don’t think so. Vitals all look great, and as long as she’s not having any known side effects, I’ll go ahead and prescribe the next dose.
Hopefully in time, we’ll be able to see little bits of progress and victories for Addie.
These things can take some time, so stay patient, Mom and Dad. ”
“Thank you, Dr. Wilde,” Hilary says at the same time her phone rings. “Oh! If you’ll excuse me,” she insists, showing the screen to Crew. “Hi, babe.” Her feminine voice echoes down the hall.
Crew points toward Hilary with a lazy smirk. “Girlfriend.”
“Mom likes girls,” Addie giggles. “And so does Daddy.” Her eyebrows jump up and down, and I can just tell she makes herself laugh daily. Love a girl who doesn’t take herself too seriously.
I send them a big thumbs up, my elbow flying in and out like I’m ready for a hoedown or something. “Nice.” Because what am I supposed to say? Yay? I’m so happy your baby mama isn’t getting first-class access to your penis anymore, which means you’re single? Yay me? Absolutely not.
Even if I weren’t Addie’s doctor, I can tell Crew is not in a place to date right now. He’s got too much going on and has already told me Addie is his number one priority—which she should be.
I think seeing him again at the office, being exactly what he was created to be—a great dad—serves as my physical confirmation that it’s time for me to get out there again. Take Valentina up on her request to set me up on blind dates and give some other men a fair shot.
My attraction and respect for Crew Briggs happened before I had a chance to experience dating in Atlanta for myself. It’s time I do that.
“Daddy, will Dr. Wilde be at the roller-skating rink?” Addie perks up, busting at the seams for an answer right away.
“Uh,” he says, looking toward me for a moment. “I don’t think so, sweetie. Dr. Wilde works here. The fundraiser is for Makers staff and players, plus any sponsors that want to attend.”
“Fundraiser? At a roller rink?”
Crew stands, tucking Addie into his side.
“Yeah. The Strikers—well, Makers Park—is hosting a charity fundraiser to support Headspead, the mental health foundation close by for teens and young children. It’s not until the end of the year, and I tried to keep it a secret, but her little buddy, Apollo, has a loud mouth. ”
Hmm.
“Are they still looking for sponsors?” I ask.
Maybe it’s my career that’s stirred a fire for helping the unreachable, or maybe it’s my neglected childhood, but this is exactly what I’ve been looking to help with.
I know I don’t necessarily have tons of time outside of work, but if I can contribute to an incredible cause financially, then I’m gonna do it.
“I’m not really sure,” Crew answers. “I can find out for you. Let me text Coach, and then I’ll call to let you know. It’s not until November, so I’m sure there’s a free booth if you’re interested.”
“Very interested. I’ve been looking for a way I can give back to the community, while also hopefully making some new connections while I’m at it.”
“Sure thing. I’ll call you.”
I blink. “Aren’t you gonna ask for my number, then?”
“What?” Crew gapes. “No. Why would I ask…” He pauses as the pieces click. “Oh. Shit. Yes. Right.”
I’m positive Crew just blushed.
“Daddy, you said we don’t say shit,” Addie exclaims, making me laugh.
“You’re right. Daddy is very sorry. I won’t say shit ever again.”
“You said shit again!” she screeches, lifting her tarantula to eye level. “Trolli, tell Daddy to stop saying bad words.”
Now, Crew laughs, and it’s contagious. “Women. I can never win,” he teases before handing me his phone. I add my number to his contacts, making sure my name is something memorable, and hand it back to him.
“Best you learn that now.” I smile, tilting my head in pride.
He slips the phone in the back of his jeans just as Hilary joins us again. “What’d I miss?” she asks. “Margo was confirming our flights were good to go for St. Barts. You’re still okay with taking her this time, right, Crew?”
Crew nods and pulls Hilary in for a side hug. “You know it. I get Doodle’s dance recital all to myself. How could I not be there? You go enjoy your anniversary with Margo. You two deserve it.”
The maturity of this man has no end.
“Thanks, Crew.” Hilary smiles at the same time Addie cuts in, “Noooo. Uncle Gus, Aunt TT, and King Size will be there, too!”
“King Size?” I cackle.
“Kingston,” Crew informs me with a shake of his head. “This little rascal makes nicknames for everyone.”
“Just wait,” Hilary tells me boldly. “Someday soon, you’ll have one for yourself. Although I’m sure you get those a lot being around kids all day.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that. I’m nowhere near as cool as Kingston,” I joke, not realizing I made it known I know someone personal to their family. Hilary doesn’t miss it, her lips twitching in amusement a bit. “Dr. Wilde knows King Size?”
“Oh. Not really—” I start, but I’m quickly cut off.
“She does. Met him at bingo the other night,” Crew answers, and Hilary must know exactly what bingo entails because her brows shoot up as she pulls her bottom lip into her mouth.
“Is that so? Interesting…” she draws, making a ticking sound with her tongue. “I like you, Dr. Wilde. I like you a lot. Any chance you do yoga? You look like it. I could use a workout partner.”
What is happening right now?
“Actually, I love yoga.”
“Told you she likes girls.” Addie grins, and we all bust into hysterics. “What? I’m only just a kid.”
“Our favorite one, at that, Doodle.” Crew kisses her head.
Hilary smiles in excitement. “Yay! Can I get your number and call you?”
“I’ve got it,” Crew cuts in. “I’ll send it to her, if that’s okay?”
Hilary eyes him suspiciously, my red cheeks likely giving her every indicator of trouble she needs. “Of course you do.” She hugs me quickly before saying, “I’ll get it from Crew and send you the details, Dr. Wilde.”
“Juniper,” I insist and smile softly. “Friends, right?”
Hilary nods. “Friends.”