Page 34 of The Gravity of Us (Elements 4)

“Why were you burning sage?”

A sly grin found her and she shrugged. “To fight off negative energy like yours.”

“Oh right, hippie weirdo. I bet you travel with crystals and stones with you, too.”

With no effort at all, she reached into her over-the-shoulder purse and pulled out a handful of crystals.

Because of course she did.

“Here.” She reached out, took Talon from my hands, and began rocking her. “You need rest. I’ll watch her.” The guilt I had from the fact that Talon so effortlessly seemed to calm down when she was in Lucy’s arms was strong.

“I can’t sleep,” I told her.

“No, you can. You’re choosing not to because you’re paranoid that something might happen to your daughter, which is a very reasonable reaction that I’m sure a lot of new parents go through. But, you’re not alone right now, Graham. I’m here.”

I hesitated, and she slightly nudged me in the shoulder. “Go. I can do this.”

“You said you’ve nannied before, right?”

“Yes, a set of twins and their little brother. I was there from the first week up until they went off to school. Graham, I promise you, Talon’s okay.”

“Okay.” I brushed my hand over my hairy chin and started in the direction of my bedroom. A shower sounded nice. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d showered—or eaten. When was my last meal? Do I even have food in my fridge? Is my fridge even still running?

Bills.

Did I pay my bills? My phone hasn’t been shut off yet, which is a good sign, because I have to call Talon’s pediatrician in the morning.

Doctor.

Doctor’s appointment—I have to set up doctor’s appointments.

Nanny? I need to interview nannies.

“Shut up,” Lucy barked at me.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“No, but your mind is spinning with everything you could be doing instead of sleeping. Before you can be productive, you gotta rest, and, Graham?”

I turned to see her kind eyes staring my way. “Yes?”

“You’re doing everything right, you know, with your daughter.”

I cleared my throat and stuffed my hands into my jeans pockets. Laundry—when was the last time I did laundry? “She cries all the time. She’s not happy with me.”

Lucy laughed, the kind of laugh where she tossed her head backward and her smile stretched so far. She laughed too loud, and at the wrong times. “Babies cry, Gra

ham. It’s normal. This is all new for both of you. It’s a brand-new world, and you both are doing the best you can to adjust.”

“She doesn’t cry with you.”

“Trust me.” Lucy grinned, looking down at the somewhat calm Talon in her hold. “Give her a few minutes and I’ll be begging for you to switch spots with me, so go. Go rest for a bit before I hand her back over.”

I nodded, and before I left, I cleared my throat once more. “I apologize.”

“For?”

“The way I pushed you away this morning. It was rude, and for that I’m sorry.”