“I can’t believe you sent me avocado toast. Seriously, that’s just so wrong, but I like it.” I lift the first piece of sourdough to my mouth, and even though it is a little cold because I didn’t come straight to the office, it’s still got the perfect crunch to it.

Sipping the coffee, I take a seat and just let my mind drift. I should be mad at him for still making me eat every morning, but instead, I’m just so happy to know he still cares. I spend the next ten minutes trying to work out if he is cooking these breakfasts himself and dropping them to reception or if he is getting a courier to pick them up from a restaurant. I quiz both my secretary and the front desk staff who receive the bags, but no one has an answer for me.

And for someone who hates surprises, it’s unexpected to me that I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. Placing my ribbon in the drawer next to my red one, I wonder how big my collection will get before he gives up on me.

* * *

My day has been a tough one, and I know it’s from the lack of sleep and my racing brain, but still, I promised Cherie I would turn up for a session with her, so here I am standing at the front door to her gym facility. It’s a brand-new building that the charity she runs with Rem and Elouise have built. She assured me that Elouise would have gone home for the night, so there was no chance I’d run into her, but I still find myself looking over my shoulder while I wait for Cherie in reception. I wasn’t kidding when I told her I want to keep this between us, which even meant I had to lie to Felisha, telling her I was going to see my sister Amanda tonight.

“Thanks, Cherie.” I hear a younger woman’s voice as she walks out from behind the door that looks like it leads further into the building. She is all red in the face, sweaty, but looks so peaceful, which is interesting.

“You did great today, Donna. Same time next week, and I want you to keep working on what we talked about.” Cherie places her hand on her arm, and the woman smiles and nods her head. Throwing her bag on her shoulder, she starts walking toward me and just grins. Like she’s reassuring me it will be okay, and I’ll survive this.

Cherie walks closer and just looks at me. “If you are here then I guess you pulled the pin on the hand grenade and let go of the handle.” Her look is serious but not judgmental.

“Something like that,” I mumble.