Page 37 of Quinton's Quest

“The human body is a wondrous thing, that’s for certain.” Justin put his plate on the coffee table, snagged his tea, and took a sip. “So you’re dealing with kids, a demanding job, and an ex-husband. Sounds like you’ve got a full plate.”

“Yeah, I do.” I eyed him. “You might know my ex.”

“Oh?”

“Gideon Rodgers.”

The moment recognition hit, Justin winced.

“You weren’t his counselor. He said he saw Kennedy.”

“That’s true. But I live down the street from Gideon. He’s been to my house. Trevor is Opal’s age, and they get along.”

“Shit.”

“Right.” He sipped his tea. “I can refer you to Avery. She doesn’t know Gideon. She’s excellent—”

“Will you judge him based on things I say?”

“I’m just not certain—”

“Do you know his story?”

Justin cocked his head. “He shared some things with me. He’s certainly never spoken to me about an ex-husband—whether positively or negatively.”

“Are you a friend of his?” This was going badly.

“I’d say we’re friendly.”

“Like most people are…in a small town.” And I was learning how small Mission City really was. I should’ve picked someone in Abbotsford. Close to the hospital.

“How did you hear about us?” Justin again sipped his tea.

“Gideon.”

“So he knows you might turn up here.”

“Yes. He recommended Kennedy. But she was busy.”

“And I had an opening.” He held my gaze. “Whatever is said in here stays in here. Standard rules apply—if a child is being hurt or you’re clearly going to hurt someone else or yourself then I have an obligation to report.”

“Right.” All of which I knew. “I’m not here about Gideon. Well, I mean, he’s the father of our children and my ex-husband…but I’m here because I need some help. Moving on. Trusting.”

“What shattered the trust?”

“You’re assuming I trusted in the first place.”

He inclined his head. “Fair point.”

I waved him off. “I did trust. And that trust was broken. But it’s being rebuilt, and I just need to figure out how to let go of some of this vigilance.”

“You’re a surgeon.”

“Yes.”

“So you see people on their worst day. Possibly of their lives.”

“Yes.”