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“I’m trying to help.”I considered.“He’s getting help.”

“He told me he’s seeing Dr.Martin.”

“Yeah.”Phew.I didn’t like talking about Phillip behind his back.But I also understood what Colin was doing.“We’re taking it slow.One step at a time.I’m not going to hurt him, Colin.At least not intentionally.Hell, maybe I’m not good enough for him.”My gut churned.Was that the real point of the conversation?

“You’re a good man.I’m just…if things don’t work out, make sure he knows he’s got friends, okay?I’d hate for him to feel alone again.Or to feel like he’s got to leave Gaynor Beach.”

Slowly, I nodded.“I’ll take care of him, Colin.And if he ever wants to go, I’ll make certain he knows you’ve got his back.”

“All right then.”He slapped his thigh.

Widget shot up.

“She’s signed up for therapy-dog training with Jordan in a couple of weeks.”

“I know.”I grinned.“Wally’s in the same training.”

“Well, that’s cool.You ready to head back?”His home in Marina Park wasn’t far from mine in Riverside.

“Yeah, that would be great.”

“And can I buy you a drink?It’s fucking hot.”He ran his hand through his auburn hair.

“A lemonade would be perfect.”I knew he didn’t mean alcohol—he couldn’t risk his transplanted liver.

“Great.”He stood.

Widget positioned herself by his side.

I rose.

Wally popped off his butt and gazed up at me.

Yeah, we’re good.

Chapter25

Phillip

As I saton the park bench with Dr.Martin, my life seemed to come into sharp focus.

He was right—this little park was barely used, and we were quite alone in that moment.

“You’ve had a hell of a few days.”The psychiatrist, whom I’d believed to be a staid, stuffed-shirt older dude, was sitting on the bench with a contented Wally on his lap.

My dog was completely enthralled with the man, nudging his hand for pets and giving little licks.

I kind of couldn’t believe how open Wally was with everyone.Or maybe I could.He’d never been abused.Never neglected.He’d been exposed to plenty of people.He’d been loved, if not in the healthiest way.

And now even that had changed.He was down half a pound, able to walk farther every day, and getting a set amount of food.So was I.I was looking forward to taking him to Dr.Louisa next week.

“I know I just saw you two days ago?—”

He held up his hand.“I’m glad you called.I had an opening, and this is perfect.”

Except I had a sneaking suspicion he was fitting me in on his lunch break.

I’d felt guilty…but only so much.He’d been more than capable of sayingno.