Page 65 of The Manny

“Yeah.” He sipped the beer and then sighed. “You should have got yourself a beer too.”

“Maybe later. I don’t like to drink when Mia is still awake.” I smiled. “I’m on duty after all.”

“I guess that’s true.”

“I’ll live vicariously through you.”

He grunted.

“Do you mind if I make an observation?”

“Depends.”

“I couldn’t help but notice you seem different from this morning.”

His jaw tensed. “I guess that’s what work does to me.”

“Not usually. You’re generally in a good mood when you get home.”

“And you know this because you know me so well?”

“See that right there. I can tell something is going on.”

He cleared his throat. “You don’t have to fix what’s wrong, Thomas. I know you feel compelled to do that for people. But I’m fine.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Thomas,” his voice held a warning.

I scowled, feeling frustrated. “You were so open and warm this morning. I was really looking forward to tonight. Now you’re in a foul mood and all closed off.”

He let out an exasperated breath. “You’re not going to drop this, are you?”

“I hate it when people are upset.”

He glanced over and a tired smile appeared. “Why do you care so much if I’m in a bad mood?”

I shrugged. “Because I want you in a good mood.”

“It’s probably that simple for you, isn’t it?” he murmured.

I leaned toward him. “Tell me what’s eating at you. Talking helps.”

“I’ve never found that to be true.”

“When have you bothered?”

He sighed. “I saw a counselor a few times after I got out. It didn’t change anything.”

I was surprised he’d brought up his time in prison. That was a positive sign, if he was willing to talk about that with me. “If you only went a few times, of course it didn’t help.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“No. No. Don’t do that. Don’t just shut down.” I touched his arm, smoothing my palm down his sinewy forearm. “Tell me what has you upset.”

He didn’t react to my touch, but at least he didn’t shake my hand off. He took a long pull on his beer and when he’d swallowed, he said, “I don’t like how people see me.”

“Meaning what?”

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