Page 119 of Fierce-Dane

“Good morning, Sloane,” Diane said. “How are you doing?”

“I’m well,” she said. “How are you?”

“Couldn’t be better. Well, that’s a lie. I could be better and that is why I’m here. I think I pulled something putting up Halloween decorations last week. I’m thrilled to get in as quickly as I could.”

“Where do you hurt?” she asked.

“My right shoulder,” Diane said. “I can feel a knot there. I’m sure you will be able to.”

“I’ll have you lie down on your stomach to start,” she said, opening the door for Diane to go in. “Why don’t you get undressed and I’ll be back.”

She left the room and went to get a bottle of water to keep in her room, then returned and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” Diane said.

She came in and saw Diane on her stomach but leaning on her hand, her elbow bent watching her walk to the lights and dim them and then get the oil that Diane liked. She kept notes of those things but asked anyway. “Would you like something different or the same oil today? I’ve got a nice citrus-smelling one. Very light.”

“Why don’t we try that?” Diane said. “I know certain scents have a calming effect on your body.”

“They do,” she said. She covered her hands with the oiland then felt around on Diane’s shoulder and found the knot. “There it is.”

“Yes, it is,” Diane said. “That will teach me to save things for Grant. It sure is nice to have a man around to take care of things like that.”

Not wasting any time to dive in. Though Sloane could play with Diane a bit, she decided it just wasn’t worth it.

“It is,” she said. “I know you know what is going on.”

“I do,” Diane said. “Though I doubt I know it all.”

“No,” she said. “Not many do.”

“Dane might,” Diane said. “I bet he’s been a huge source of comfort for you.”

There was no reason to deny it.

“He has,” she said.

“And you’re not used to relying on anyone?”

“What gave it away?” she asked, laughing.

“I know a lot of strong women like you that don’t like to rely on anyone. Doing that doesn’t make you weak.”

“I’m learning that,” she said. “But it does take some of the control out of my hands.”

“Control is overrated,” Diane said, snorting. “What is better is how you react to situations when they pop up. I’d say you’re doing a great job of it.”

“I hope so,” she said. “And thank you again for the character letter. I really appreciated it. It’s harder knowing that someone else is relying on you.”

“You said you wanted a child someday. Guess that someday came a little faster than you imagined.”

“You’re telling me.”

“Are you going to take Shiloh trick or treating in a few days?”

“I am,” she said. “First time I’ve done it myself. I had a hard time getting Shiloh to pick out a costume.”

“What did she end up with?” Diane asked.

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