What the hell? Every morning I see him do better than this. He can find his way to the garden and back without my help. Something is going on, and Gavin might hate me for ratting him out, but Lauren needs the truth to be able to help him.
Good thing I asked her to stop by and see me before she left. So, when she stops by a few hours later, we go into my office and close the door. The last thing I need is anyone overhearing me.
"So, I saw you with Gavin today," I start.
"Yeah, he's doing somewhat better and learning his way around."
"He's doing much better than he’s letting on to you. Every morning before you get here, he and I go for walks. He can get there and back with no help. I saw him with you today, and I don't get it."
Lauren sighs and sits on the couch."You know, he’s always excelled at anything he puts his mind to. I wonder why he's holding back with me."
I’m unsure what to tell her, but she’ll figure it out."You know you need to tell him about Graham, right?" I ask hesitantly, yet it's a conversation we need to have.
"I know, and I've been thinking about it all week. Watching everything I say is stressful, but I need to know he's still a good man worthy of being in Graham's life. He thinks his dad is a hero, and I refuse to shatter that belief."
"When are you going to tell him?"
"When he's further along in treatment. No matter when I tell him, it’s going to blow up in my face, so I might as well wait until he's doing better and on more stable ground. Maybe when we’ve worked out things a little more."
I don't like it, but he isn't my son, and this isn't my life. While I may enjoy playing matchmaker, I also know my boundaries.
"You’re my friend, and I support you, but I also have to look out for Gavin as my patient. If you can at least give us a heads up so Noah and I can be ready and be there for him, it would be great."
"I’ll do my best."
As Lauren leaves, I get going answering some emails. As I finish up my work, Noah pokes his head in.
"Ready to head home, Angel?"
The look in his eyes says he's ready for more than just dinner."Yep. Let's go."
We walk home hand in hand, enjoying the evening. I love the walking path we put in leading from Oakside to our house next door. The tree line gives us plenty of privacy, but the walk is relaxing with the flowers Noah planted.
"What are you in the mood for dinner?" Noah asks.
Since I've been pregnant, he's been cooking dinner every night, insisting I'm feeding our baby, so the least he can do is feed me. This man steals my heart over and over again every day.
"Tacos. With that salsa lime thing you did last time."
"Easy enough. You lie down and relax." He kisses my cheek as we walk in the door.
"TV, here I come."
I drift off before dinner but wake up to Noah bringing dinner to me on the couch.
"I talked to Lauren today."
"What did you do?" Noah teases, though I know he isn't entirely joking.
No matter what I did, he wouldn't get mad. He may disapprove, but he wouldn't be mad. He’s on my side, whatever happens.
"Gavin is doing better than he was letting on to her, so I had to let her know. I also asked if she would let us know when she’s going to tell him about Graham so we can be prepared to support him. She’s our friend, but he’s our patient. She understood."
"No, you need to let sleeping dogs lie."
"Easier said than done."