Page 14 of With a Cherry On Top

“Oh—kay.” I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of it all. She’s six, and she needs ashrink? Jesus fucking Christ. “I’ll think about it, Miss Delaney."

“Please, call me Penny.” She gives me a small smile, the kind that lingers just a second too long. Her lips are painted pink, the only pop of color against her light blue overalls. “I can tell you’re trying, Aaron. She’s lucky to have a dad who cares so much.”

I nod, pressing my lips together. “Thanks. I appreciate you looking out for her.”

“Always.” She steps closer and gives me a curious look. “And if you ever need to talk, I’m here,” she says, her voice dipping. “For Sadie...or for you.”

I glance down at her fingers gripping my shoulder, then back at her hopeful expression. “Yeah. Sure—thank you.”

“Should I give you my number?”

“I, uh . . . I think I have your . . .” I point at the office phone. “That should be fine.”

Hand retreating, she nods. “All right.” She leads me back to the classroom and Sadie looks up as we enter, her big brown eyes full of curiosity.

I kneel down to her level. “Ready to go, kiddo?”

“Look,lady, I don’t give a fuck if she’s in the middle of Pilates or a silent retreat or fucking therapy. I need to talk to my wiferight now,” I bark into the phone.

“Mr. Coleman, as I said several times, Mrs. Coleman wishes not to be disturbed until the end of her program.”

The fading sunlight casts long shadows across the backyard, the last streaks of orange and pink stretching over the wooden fence. I smack my fist against the outdoor grill, the side of my hand throbbing immediately, and a few birds flutter from the trees, startled by the sound.

I turn around to make sure Sadie didn’t hear anything, but she’s still watching TV, Mollie curled up in her lap. “And how long exactly is this program? Because your website says four weeks, and she’s been there for six months,” I hiss through my teeth.

“However long our patients believe?—”

“Look.” I grip my hair at the roots, closing my eyes. I need to calm down, to not antagonize this woman, but I’m this close to getting into my car and driving there. “It’s important I speak to her, okay? Tell her it’s an emergency.”

“I’m sorry, but?—”

“Tell her it’s about her daughter. Hersix-year-olddaughter.”

“Mr. Coleman, I truly wish I could help you, but?—”

“No, trustme, you’ll wish you’d helped me if you don’t put her on the phoneright this fucking minute.”

There’s silence on the other end of the line, so I try a different approach. “I’m sorry. Really, I am. But please, put yourself in my position. I want nothing more than for Josie to be healthy, but her daughter needs her. I don’t know what else to do.”

“I understand, but?—”

“Please,” I insist, my voice shaking. “I’m begging you, okay? Just one minute of her time, and I’ll take all the responsibility.”

With a sigh, the woman on the line says, “Give me a moment, please.”

“Yes. Yes, of course.” I raise my fist in the air as the annoying hold music starts. This has never happened before. Despite my numerous attempts, no facility staff ever got close to letting me talk to Josie. Shit, I hope they will this time.

The door to the backyard opens, and Sadie sticks her head out. “Daddy, I’m hungry.”

“Yes, baby. I’ll make you a PB&J—give me just a minute.”

She nods and returns to her spot on the couch.

“Hello?”

My body tenses, my eyes going wide. Is that...that sounds like Josie.

“Aaron? Are you there?”