Page 104 of His Team

I’ve come to learn this is who Sim is. She’s extremely smart and if you ask her something, she’s going to give the most detailed response she can, often sounding like an encyclopedia.

I begin to waddle behind her as we head for the garage where the cars are parked. I’m a little nervous about this visit. Dr. Livingston has been getting this look on his face that worries me.

I missed the ultrasound scheduled at his office last month because Cam wanted to be there, but his plans didn’t work out. He felt like he was being followed and turned back.

I was so disappointed. Dr. Livingston was going to bring in a portable machine but one of the other doctors in his practice broke the only one they had and we ended up not doing it at all. Sim was ready to order one just for me, but I wouldn’t allow it.

She has already spoiled me like a big sister. I get that she makes good money in her line of work and her husband—whoever he is—keeps her pampered with anything she wants. However, I’m not here to take her money.

“I would like to start a nursery for you and the baby. We don’t know how much longer you will be with me, but I don’t want to be caught unprepared. If you leave before the baby is born, I can have it all shipped to you.”

“Sim,” I drag out.

“It is not a problem. You have become a friend. I want to do this for you. My family doesn’t mind if I spend the money. Allow me to do this for you.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Yes.”

“What’s the deal with your husband?”

I feel bad for asking as soon as the words are out of my mouth. Symphony begins to pop the band she keeps on her right wrist. It’s something I picked up on within my first week here.

When she’s uncomfortable or upset, she begins to pop the band. My mind races with things to change the subject to.

“We are not married in the traditional sense. My husband married me as a favor to my grandfather. It was to keep me safe.

“There is more I cannot tell you. Not if I want to leave you alive. I like you and I don’t wish to kill you.”

I look at her like she’s crazy, waiting for her to laugh. She never does. She’s totally serious.

“I think we understand each other more than you know. My story isn’t exactly the same, but I get it,” I say, trying to cut through some of the tension.

“Back to my husband. I am married but I have never lain with my husband. I believe he avoids me because of my disorder and our age gap.

“I was a child bride. He was no more than a boy himself. He remained with me until I turned sixteen and then, for some reason, he disappeared.

“I see my brother- and sister-in-law more than I see my husband. I haven’t seen him in a very long time,” she says with a note of sadness in her voice.

“Well then, it’s his loss. You’re one of the dopest people I’ve ever met. If he doesn’t want to see that, that’s on him.”

“I wish I were more like you. I have wanted him to want me. I loved him. I’ve tried to become just like him in hopes he will love me when he returns to me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Again, I would have to kill you.”

“I’m going to stop talking to you,” I say as I give her side-eye.

“Please don’t. I have never had a friend to talk to about my husband. I don’t know what I should do to get him to come to me.”

“How old are you, Sim?”

“I am twenty-eight.”

“How old is your husband?”

“He would be thirty-three now.”

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