Page 67 of Tackle

Sophie tried to peek over the rim of the bowl, finally looking interested, so he tipped it down to her eye level. “Would you like to try some?”

At her small nod, Oz scooped a bite and held out the spoon. Very slowly, Sophie took her thumb out of her mouth and took it, taking the bite.

“Good?” Oz asked with a smile.

Sophie nodded again, sitting up to stick the spoon in the bowl and scoop more out. When she had scraped the bowl clean, Emerson said, “Would you like to go into the living room and watch some cartoons?”

By way of answering, she grabbed her doll, and climbed off the bed. Oz felt a tug on his pinky and looked down to see Sophie had latched on, her tiny fist encircling his finger. They walked out together.

Linc was already in the living room, flipping through channels. “Where do I find cartoons?”

“Bro, just turn on the Cartoon Network.”

Linc threw Oz a startled look over his shoulder. “There’s a whole network for that?”

Oz snatched the remote from him and found the station. Once Sophie was occupied with the TV, Emerson signaled and they followed her to the kitchen that overlooked the living area so they could still keep an eye on her.

“I don’t know how you did that, man, but thank you,” Linc started the conversation.

“Well, I didn’t do it alone. Emerson helped.”

Emerson shook her head. “I think it was the ice cream that helped, not me.” She thought for a minute. “Hey, maybe that’s it.”

Linc and Oz gave each other a look but it was Oz who said, “I’m not sure a diet of ice cream is healthy.”

“No, the ice cream was a distraction. Like the cartoons are.” She waved a hand at Sophie who still sat on the couch absorbed by the TV. “Maybe she just needs something to take her mind off things.”

“I don’t know, parking her in front of the TV all day doesn’t sound like a good idea.”

“I don’t mean only TV. Maybe try a few games, read her books, or even just talk with her.”

If the conversation wasn’t so serious, Oz would’ve laughed at the expression of panic on Linc’s face. “I wouldn’t know what to say.”

Emerson shrugged. “Anything and everything.” She paused for a moment, her eyes flicking to Oz before landing back on Linc. “I noticed she wasn’t talking. Not even when I asked her a direct question. How long has that been going on?”

Linc placed one hand on his hip, the other on the back of his neck. “Since she found out about her parents.” He tossed his head back to look up at the ceiling. “I don’t know. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea taking her to the funeral. Being so young, I thought it would help her better understand what was going on, but maybe she wastooyoung and I ended up traumatizing her.”

Emerson placed her hand on Linc’s forearm and Oz was surprised by the overwhelming urge he had to rip it away. The logical side of his brain knew she was just trying to comfort Linc in a rough situation. But the illogical half—the one that knew how easily Linc charmed women—wanted him to throw Emerson over his shoulder and carry her out the door away from his reach.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. You had a lot on your plate and were grieving as well. You did what you thought was best. No one will fault you for that.”

Oz took a step closer to Emerson and she immediately stepped into his side, leaning against him. His illogical brain calmed, and he threw an arm around her shoulders, pulling her that much closer.

“I’d give it a few more weeks,” Emerson continued. “If she’s still not talking, you might want to consider getting her some help.”

Linc looked surprised. “You mean like a psychiatrist?”

Emerson nodded but clarified, “Maybe start with a therapist. Someone who specializes in children’s trauma. My mom is a schoolteacher and from time to time has to deal with troubled kids. I’m sure if I asked her, she would know someone who could help.”

“Yeah, okay.”

From the living room, they heard a few small whimpers. “Go, sit with her and try talking to her about what you’re watching.”

Linc nodded. “I’ll give it a try. Thanks again for stopping by.” He held out a fist.

Oz bumped it with one of his own. “Remember, don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”

“Thanks, man, I won’t.”

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