Odessa

chapter 46 - marshmallow

Leon's POV 

"Listen," Doctor Jamie says over the sounds of everyone moving around us, "I'm not a professional psychiatrist, but you and I both know that I know what I'm talking about." 

We are seated at the dining table. I called him to meet me after I spoke to Nick. 

"That girl- she has gone through some seriously hard shit. And she's gone through it alone. Everything that happened before she showed up at your door step, and everything that has happened after." His speaks, a high level of sympathy in his voice. 

"She didn't ask to be put in the positions she's been put in. The positions you put her in. Now- like I said, I'm not a professional in psychology, but I know a fair share of things about how the brain works. And when she came here, she would have been begging for some kind of safety... some kind of attachment. Whether she's aware of it, or whether you're aware of it, she obviously attached herself to you." He finishes, looking at me for a reaction. 

My foot taps under the table, my unbuttoned collar feeling tight as I swallow his words. 

"What can I do to help her?" 

"Well, she's in a serious depression, whether she has accepted it or she's been lying to herself, and me, about it. Whatever it is, it's probably going to be frustrating for you. You need to pay attention. I know you're good at that out there, but I need you to do it here too." He takes a sit from his coffee cup, looking around at the place as more decorations get put up. 

"She was putting on a brave face at our appointment today- that's what concerns me most. She doesn't want anyone to see her. So, if you see her, it'll help her. That's all you can do for now. Other than that, just be there for her." He finishes, standing. 

"Thank you, Dr J." I say, my hands sweaty as I shake his. 

Looking down at our hands, he looks up at me, curious. "You're nervous." He states. 

No shit I'm nervous. "I'm good, just a lot to think about." 

Smiling knowingly, he nods, "Take care of yourself, Leon. I'll see you tonight." 

Watching as he walks through the people setting us the Christmas tree, I sit back down at the table. 

Taking a breath, I look out at the cold city. 

I've never been the type to deal with shit like this. My men don't get like this. But I guess she's not one of them; and she didn't want to be. And I shouldn't have expected her to be like them. To bounce back so quickly. 

I text Giselle, asking her to meet me. 

Watching the slow rain fall, I almost flinch as she pulls the chair out across from me. 

"Hi Boss." 

"Hi Giselle. How's the party planning going?" 

She smooths out the hair of her bun, clearly stressed. "It's a lot but it's all going smoothly so far." She says, mustering up a reassuring smile. 

I nod, "Good, good." 

"What can I do for you?" She asks, setting her things down on the table. 

I suck my teeth, looking past her as I figure out a plan in my head. 

"I'm going to take Layla out to buy a dress for tonight." 

Her eyes widen for less than a second, before she goes back to normal. 

Nodding, she speaks, "Okay." 

I watch her as she bites her lip. 

"What?" I ask.