Page 194 of Solanum

"I know, but you're still pretty thin."

"Maya's not any different. We have weird genetics."

"Speaking of, she's coming over on Sunday for dinner before you return to work on Monday. She texted at like two in the morning to confirm."

"That kid's going to work the night shift all the time. You watch."

"Then when will she party?" I laughed and set her down by the bedroom door.

"Truth." She grinned up at me, her fingers laced behind my neck. "Remember those days?"

"You mean…like last night?" I wagged my brows at her, and she laughed. "Next time, babe, there will be so much more."

"Yes." Nora giggled and kissed me.

"C'mon. Let's go shower before Anita gets here."

Nora's expression fell a little at the mention of a shower together. "Can we take a bath instead?"

"Sure." I brushed my thumb over her bottom lip. "Have you been taking showers or baths, Nor?"

"Um…" And there she went, tumbling into unsurety at the simple question. "Both."

"Show me what you do when you take a shower, because I know you do."

She gnawed her bottom lip, tentative eyes flickered over my face before she led me to the bathroom. Her footfalls softened and she never released my hand while I stood behind her. She removed the shower head from its holder, and then turned the water on. When it began to warm up, she plugged the tub and allowed it to fill up.

I stroked her back while watching her. "It's okay, honey. You don't have to be nervous."

"I really don't like water hitting my face or going in my ears," she said, her voice quiet. The way she looked at me squeezed my heart and I offered her a soft smile.

"Whatever makes you feel comfortable, honey. Show me what you do." I motioned to the water and she nodded.

She disrobed, setting her phone and garment on the sink, before stepping into the warm water. With her fingers wrapped around the shower head, she knelt in the shallows, leaning back on her heels. She allowed her lower half in the water and when she moved the dial that split the water between the faucet and showerhead, she kept the latter on light pressure. It nearly trickled from it and with extreme caution, she wet her hair.

I knelt beside the tub and watched as she cupped the water to wet her face. She looked at me, worry dimming her bright green eyes.

"It's comfortable for you this way right now?"

She nodded while chewing the inside of her cheek.

"Nora, if this is what makes you feel safe and comfortable, there's nothing wrong with that."

"I just…don't like it in my ears the most," she said, her voice soft.

"What if we got you some ear plugs? Just the foam ones that don't go all the way inside."

"I didn't think about that…"

"It's okay." I ran my knuckle over her bare arm. "We can try and see if that helps. Okay?"

She nodded, a small smile returning to her lips. "I still want you to take a bath with me…"

"Think we should invite Anita in when she gets here?" I chuckled and broke away from her to undress.

She scooted over to allow me room, then said, "She'll freak out and close her eyes. Then get all Mary Poppins about it."

"Imagine Anita with Harper's accent?" I snorted while settling carefully in the water beside her.

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