Page 60 of Obsessed Fox

It was clear as day to see Olivia visibly relax at Lex's presence, and I was pretty sure the giant reciprocated the feeling. Neither of them spoke. They didn't exchange anything other than a look, but that one glance said it all. They were connected through trauma.

"It was so good to meet you, Olivia," the case worker said, with a cheery disposition. I doubt my niece felt the same. Shebarely even glanced back before climbing into the back of the SUV where Lex followed.

"Please, if you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. I know this will be a tough transition but I'm hoping she opens up to you better than she did her foster family. I can't imagine how she's feeling but know there are endless resources available."

Maybe there were, but I wouldn't be accessing them until I spoke with Olivia about it. I wasn't sure being forced to do things was helping, but what did I know? I’d never experienced a trauma like the one she did.

"Thank you, and if we need anything, we will be sure to call."

Thank goodness for Hendrix’s politeness because obviously my manners went out the window lately. "Yes, thank you."

"Anytime. Bye, Olivia."

Olivia gave a little wave out the window. I didn't know if it was her or Lex who rolled it down, but I was glad to see that she at least acknowledged the lady. Maybe Lex was a good influence. I would have to keep that in mind for future interactions. Hour one and already I was screwing things up.

The case worker walked away and the back window rolled up. Before I could climb in, Hendrix spun me around to look at him.

"Take a deep breath, sweetheart. It's going to be okay."

"How do you always know what I need at the exact moment?"

His smile was dazzling with a hint of trouble in it. "Your face says it all. You might want to work on that if you ever plan to play poker."

I smacked his arm as he laughed.

"Keep it up, mister."

"Or what?" he challenged.

"I don't know but I'll think of something."

He didn't stop laughing as he opened the passenger door for me.

"I mean it, sir."

"Whatever you say, sweetheart." He winked at me and closed the door. I realized, after he got in, the point of that interaction. It wasn't just about telling me to breathe but helping me relax.

With Hendrix by my side, everything would be okay.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Hendrix

Watching the worry on Maisie’s face as Olivia walked away after dinner to go back to her bedroom tore my heart out.

“It’s going to take time, sweetheart.”

Maisie didn’t take her eyes off the now empty hallway when she answered. “I know that.”

Her words said one thing but the look on her face was a completely different story. She’d had the same look since we picked Olivia up from the airport the day before. I couldn’t help but want to wipe it off her face, but I didn’t know how. Only Olivia could do that and it was any guess how long that would take.

“She has a great support system.”

That got me Maisie’s eyes. “I know. She’s really attached to Lex.”

I hesitated before answering. I wasn’t sure if she was happy about Lex or if it bothered her. “Shared trauma will do that to a person. Lex is just trying to be there for her in his own way.”

Lex left after dinner just now for the first time since coming home with us after the airport yesterday. He even slept on the couch last night. I didn’t ask why and he never gave a reason. Just like with everything else to do with my friend, I accepted his actions.

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