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I cleared my throat.“Uh, so…” I scratched my nose.“Like… I told you I met Jeremy my first morning walking Wally?My second day in the house?”

“You did.”He continued to stroke the dog’s fur.

“And he’s such a good dog.And, uh, Jeremy’s such a good man.”

“He has that reputation around town.His family’s been here for generations.That kind of stability helps.Now, that’s not a guarantee someone is a good person, but I’ve met Jeremy, and he seems like a stand-up guy.”

“Has everyone in this town met everyone else?”

He chuckled.“Uh, no.Twenty-thousand people is quite a lot.But Jeremy’s parents live close to my home.I told you, my daughter has babysat his nibblets.”

“Right.”How had I forgotten that fact?

“So you’ve got a good neighbor.”

“Who I’m now living with.”I met Dr.Xavier’s sharp glance.“I told you that.”

“You did.That after the fire you moved in with him.I suppose…” He scratched his smooth jaw.“How are you living with him?”

“Well…” I winced.“We shared a bed the last two nights?”

“Is that a question or a statement?”

“Both?”

He chuckled.“I can point out you’ve barely known him a week.”

“You can.”

“I can point out you’re still in a vulnerable state.”

“Like that I was in a hospital in LA not long ago.For a suicide attempt.”

“Yes.”

I sighed.“I barely recognize that kid.Man.Guy.Whatever.”I waved my hand as if trying to swat a fly.“I did a lot of work with my doctor back in LA.I know she wouldn’t have discharged me if she thought I was still a danger to myself.She put me into your and Anthony’s hands for safekeeping, but she had to have some trust in me.”

He blinked.“Yes, that’s true.”

“And I have to prove to you that I can do this on my own.”

“You don’t have to prove anything.I’d say, for your sake, that you need to keep working.Dealing with the issues that brought you to that dark place.”

“I am.I promise.”I scratched Wally behind the years.

The dog closed his eyes in bliss.

“I’ve told Jeremy nearly everything.”

“That’s good.”

“You think I should tell him everything.”

“I didn’t say that.On the one hand, you’re not obliged to share anything about yourself with anyone else.On the other hand, him knowing might be a good thing.So he can say something if you start slipping.”

“But won’t he always look at me and worry?If I have a bad day, might he run to you and tattle.”

He appeared to take a moment.“He’s a pretty sharp guy.Maybe this is me projecting, but he doesn’t seem like the type to panic.”