TENET: 9
Reinforce rules and limits.
- Dr. H. VynFleet, 132 Tenets of Childcare & Maintenance
APRIL
April waited until the kitchen was clean and the dishes were dried and put away before broaching the conversation with Khall.
Minerva was ensconced in her room again, and Bo was watching another holo-program about house hunting.
She knew Khall felt bad about the abrupt way he had shut down Bo’s request for a pet. His remorse was evident in the way he helped her clear the table and clean the entire kitchen, lingering to wipe down the counters instead of leaving when the last plate was put away.
Maybe if she gave him a chance to redeem himself, he would actually change his mind about having a pet. Especially if she offered to help out with it when he was away.
Even after just one day with Bo, she was convinced that caring for others was a balm to the little one’s frustration. A pet was a perfect way to give Bo responsibility for another soul, and encourage her better angels.
“Captain Rivvor,” she said softly. “May I talk with you privately for a moment? It’s about Bo.”
He glanced up at Bo, confirming that she was focused on her program.
“Sure,” he said. “It’s a nice night. Let’s step out on the balcony.”
Sun gods preserve me.
“Okay,” she squeaked, following him away from the safety of the living space toward the glass doors onto that precarious balcony.
This is for Bo, she reminded herself. She needs me. I have to put my fears aside.
The wind whistled through the door, reaching for her with icy fingers the instant he began to slide it open.
He gestured for her to step out first and it took everything she had not to go down on her hands and knees and crawl out.
This is one of the oldest and sturdiest buildings in the city,she told herself inwardly as she inched out onto the concrete plank.
Don’t look down. Don’t look down. Don’t look down.
She focused her eyes on a wide chaise with a red cushion and the bright blue planter beside it.
The planter was empty, but it was still very pretty.
That plant probably blew off the edge during a high wind.
She clenched her jaw and moved far enough onto the ledge to make room for him.
“Go ahead, sit,” he said, indicating the chair.
She was currently hugging the wall, one hand wrapped around a sconce, as if the little lamp might save her from falling off.
The chair was out in the middle of the balcony, close to the railing.
She inched over to it, forcing herself to look at her feet, so as not to get an inadvertent glance at the streets below.
He was already in the chair across from her by the time she sat.
Clinging to the arm rests, she looked up into the seductive amber eyes of her employer.
For a second, she was almost too mesmerized to be afraid.