Page 45 of The Valiant Knight
“Sometimes, I go back to that place, and it hits at the weirdest moments,” she admitted.
Graham handed her another cup of coffee, and this time, he patted her hand while she held it.
Oh, he understood.
“I have an ex-husband who was horribly abusive to me. It was a long three years of physical abuse and mental torment. Sometimes, I get emotional, and I cry. I’m still healing.”
He held out his hand, and this time, she didn’t flinch or pull away.
She took it, and he gave it a squeeze.
“I think you’re recovering really well. You don’t have to be sorry for anything here, and you certainly don’t have to apologize. This is a judgment-free zone. Here, you’re safe. You’re strong, and we all think so. Bark too.”
She needed to hear that.
This man was very kind, and she liked him a lot. It was odd how good people would appear when you needed them, and they would help heal you.
She was so glad she came here.
Without.
A.
Doubt.
“Thank you, Graham. I appreciate it. As long as I feel safe here, I’ll be fine. So far, so good.”
He was glad.
Tony patted her on the back, and he was curious.
“If we’re ready, can we see the crypts?” he asked. “We don’t have a ton of work to do for the Blackhawks, but I’d like to get it started so we have some time to look around and have some fun.”
That sounded like a good idea to Gabby.
Graham too.
“Sure,” he said, getting a paper cup down to fill it with her freshly made coffee.
Gabby wanted to forget what had happened, and move on from it.
So, she busted his ass.
“Don’t trust me with the cups?” she asked.
He laughed.
“Uh, it’s not that. I just figured you’d want a lid so dead body dust doesn’t get in your cup. I mean, if that’s your thing…”
Tony grinned.
“Yum.”
It made Gabby giggle. She appreciated him keeping it light and friendly.
Really, she did.
“Thanks for that,” she offered, taking the cup.
