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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

HENDRIX

Dancing aroundwith Sophie was hilariously fun. She was bossy, correcting me and making us do the same parts over and over, but she was also heavy-handed with the praise and very encouraging. She balanced both aspects really well.

Dropping heavily onto the couch, I let out a breath. “You are going to rule the world one day, kid.”

She giggled, tugging on my hands. “It’s not time to stop yet! We only learned the first half!”

Damn, this kid was gonna run me ragged. I’d be dead on my feet when I joined Laz at the club tonight if I didn’t catch a break. Luckily, Art was close by and when he saw how beat I was, he swept in to save me.

“Alright, break time. Sophie, let the poor musician breathe. Come join me in the kitchen and we’ll make a snack.”

“You’re a saint,” I breathed as he nudged Sophie out of the room. Art snorted.

“Me? You’ve been dancing with her for hours. I would’ve tapped out long before now.”

“That was an option?” I queried.

Art snickered, resting his hand on my shoulder. “Yes. She’s got nine-year-old energy. If I need to, I’ll distract her with a new game or take her out to the park or something. If I don’t, she won’t stop.” His smile softened. “You’re really great with her.”

I hummed, soaking in his praise. “It’s nothing. Dealing with Felix is more exhausting than dealing with Sophie.”

At least, it used to be. I wanted to buy Tyler a present for diverting Felix’s attention. He used to cause trouble with all of us. Now he saves it for his mate.

“Why don’t you take a rest? We’ll make some snacks and come join you. Are… Are you staying for dinner?”

“If you’ll have me. I can’t stay too late, though. I promised Laz I’d go to the club tonight. He needs to feed, but he’s been hooked on someone and needs a wingman.”

He hummed, patting me on the shoulder. “Ruby, right?”

Blinking a few times, I spun around to look at him, but he was already heading for the kitchen to help Sophie. I debated waiting until he got back, but curiosity got the better of me and I followed him into the kitchen.

“How’d you know that?”

“I see the way he looks at her,” he shrugged. “I’m also pretty sure she pretends she doesn’t notice because she doesn’t feel the same way. It must be hard for the both of them since they work together. You think a club will help?”

My gaze dropped to Sophie, who was pulling fruit out of the fridge. I couldn’t tell Art what kind of club it was with Sophie around, but I didn't want to sneak around behind his back either. I tried to skirt it instead, being as vague as possible.

“He’s been neglecting his… self care. And this club is meant for people like him to get… self care. I’m worried about him, so I said I’d go with to make sure he took care of himself.”

Art knew what kind of paranormals the band had, so he knew what self care was referring to. His eyebrows drew tightly together, and I saw the worry cross his face.

“Is it just for people like him?”

I wasn’t about to lie to him, so I shook my head. “No. Some people go to… help with the self care. Some go just to watch. I want to make sure he… gets some help.”

Damn, this was difficult. I’d never had to censor myself before. And I didn’t think I was doing a good job about it. Sophie was watching us now, a confused look on her face. Hopefully, she didn’t catch my drift.

“What’s self care?”

Dammit.

Art answered swiftly before I could put my foot farther into my mouth. “It’s how it sounds, sweetheart. Taking care of yourself. Laz hasn’t been doing a good job taking care of his needs, so Hendrix is going to take him somewhere that he can do that.”

“What kind of needs?”

As smooth as silk, Art answered again without hesitation. “Whatever needs that he hasn’t dealt with. There are the basics, like taking the time to shower, eat, and sleep. Or caring for your mind, just like I tell you that you need breaks from working so your mind can rest. Self care for the body, like getting the exercise your body requires. All of that is important to live a healthy and balanced life.”