Page 54 of His Little Garnet

ChapterSixteen

Two weeks later…

Chadka

When the last patient leaves for the day, I turn to gather Olivia in my arms. Her smile is huge when she tips her head back.

She’s been smiling a lot lately. I’m so glad she’s gotten past what she calls her “mad” phase. It’s a relief to find her happy nearly every time I look at her.

She’s thriving. We’ve gone to the park several times, and she’s had two playdates with Julia at Kelkef’s. Turns out she enjoys art, though perhaps not as much as she enjoys reading. Ever since I got her an ereader filled with a variety of romance novels, she’s spent most of her downtime with her head buried in a book. It’s a blessing when I need to work.

I’ve gradually permitted her to help out in the clinic. She’s particularly helpful at the front desk with Jeikin. She greets most of the Littles and shows them back to an exam room. She’s great at assessing their ailments before either I or Thabo come in to examine them.

Olivia loves being useful, and I have to admit it’s been nice. It’s about to become even more important because today was Thabo’s last day. He’s heading to Earth tomorrow.

In fact, he strolls into the waiting room now. “Good thing you’re Little girl happens to be a nurse. She’s going to be a big help around here while I’m gone.” Thabo reaches for Olivia’s braid and strokes his fingers down the long length of it.

She turns in my arms so she’s facing him. “Can you do me a favor, Thabo?” she asks.

I glance down at her, surprised. What sort of favor could she possibly want from Thabo?

“Of course, Little one. Anything,” he responds.

She licks her lips and shuffles her weight back and forth. Whatever she has to say is important to her. “If it’s not too much trouble, can you maybe find my friend Janie and tell her I’m okay?” Her voice is soft and imploring.

My chest tightens. Sometimes I forget how much she gave up to be here with me. It makes sense that she would want Thabo to get word to her friend. I hold her tight against me and kiss the top of her head.

“Of course I will, Little one.”

“Maybe she comes to the club sometimes. I don’t know. I’m not sure where she might be living either. I only have her name. She probably moved out of our apartment in the last six months.”

I stroke Olivia’s tummy with my palm. “How about if you write Janie a letter and Thabo can have someone who works at Club Zoom get it to her?”

My Little girl’s eyes pop wide as she tips her head back. “I’d like that, Papi.”

I slide my hand up to play with one of her gorgeous nipple rings, making her shiver. The scent of her arousal rises up between us. “I’ll get you some paper and pencils then. Shall we go do that?”

She swats at my hand. “Papi,” she pleads. “This is important. You can’t distract me.”

I chuckle and release her pretty nipple before leaning over to kiss her. “Okay, Baby girl. Let’s head for the kitchen. You can write your letter while I make dinner. We’ll take it over to Thabo before his trip tomorrow.”

She smiles at me for a long time, staring hard before she twists in my arms. “I love you, Papi.”

Best words in the universe.