For Joy's Sake. Tara Taylor Quinn

see the two women sitting at the table.

      He supposed the managing director continued to speak. He heard a voice. But he was no longer paying attention.

      Julie Fairbanks was one of the women at that table.

      Which confused the hell out of him.

      * * *

      HUNTER HAD AN hour to spare for Edward’s meeting. He wished he had all night. While he didn’t like feeling superfluous, particularly when he had so much to do, he walked into the conference room, took the seat next to Edward and stared at Julie Fairbanks.

      Why was she there?

      He tried the silent approach, trying to get her to look at him and read his mind. It failed.

      “Dr. Mantle, I appreciate the urgency of your situation, but before we could even consider arranging a meeting between you and your granddaughter, we need to talk with you.”

      The speaker, Sara Havens Edwin, as she’d been introduced, was a full-time counselor at the Stand. The introduction of Julie had included no title.

      Edward nodded. “Of course.” His hands were folded on the table now, his attention fully on the blonde counselor. Lila, at the head of the table, had handed the meeting over to Sara.

      For the most part, Hunter watched Julie. Was she a counselor, too? No one had ever said so. Surely Brett would’ve told him if she worked for him, when he’d asked about her on the golf course.

      What had Brett said?

      That she’d been hurt.

      He’d assumed that meant she’d gone through a painful breakup.

      She didn’t look in his direction. She watched Sara, with a glance or two at Edward as he answered basic questions about himself, including the fact that he’d taken a leave of absence from his practice.

      “You can always go through the courts to get an order for visitation with your granddaughter.”

      Hunter’s glance swung from Julie to Sara when he heard the counselor’s words.

      “I’m aware of that,” Edward said. “Ms. McDaniels and I have spoken about it.” Edward’s smile at the director held gratitude. She nodded, and then he focused on Sara.

      “In the first place, that would take time,” Edward continued with the air of one in charge, “although I understand there’s the possibility of an emergency temporary order. At this point, I’m not interested in my rights. I’m interested in the best care for my granddaughter...” His voice faded as he cleared his throat.

      Hunter felt he should jump in. Say something to lighten the moment. It was the whole reason Edward had asked him to be there.

      But Edward didn’t know Hunter well. When it came to emotional drama, he went surfing.

      “I understand that further disruption in Joy’s life wouldn’t be good. I also know for a fact that family love is a strong healer,” Edward continued, then looked Hunter’s way.

      He figured his uncle by marriage was doing just fine. So, fingers steepled at his lips as though he was completely familiar with such things, he nodded.

      “Can you plan to stay around awhile if necessary?” Sara asked, giving Edward a piercing glance.

      “Yes.”

      “He’s got a room at my place anytime he wants it and for as long as he needs it.” Hunter addressed the counselor.

      “I...didn’t realize Hunter was going to be here...”

      He turned to Julie the second he heard her voice.

      “I had no idea you were related to Joy’s grandfather,” she said.

      “By marriage,” he felt compelled to say, to be completely truthful on that score. “His sister’s married to my father.”

      Julie looked between Sara and Lila. “I’ve known Hunter awhile. He wouldn’t be here if he thought there was any reason to worry where Edward’s concerned.”

      “Hunter is the reason Joy’s here,” Lila McDaniels said. “Brett Ackerman referred him to us.”

      The glance Julie sent Hunter, as though she was seeing him in a new light, sent a jolt through him.

      Giving him a “go surfing” impulse again. And yet, keeping him in his chair. What was it about this woman?

      Why couldn’t he just move on?

      “Julie’s being at this meeting was kind of last-minute.” Lila was speaking again. “She’s been...spending time with Joy. So far, she’s the only one who’s been able to get any reaction out of her at all.”

      Hunter wasn’t surprised. He should be. But he wasn’t.

      “You’re a counselor, too?” he asked Julie, somewhat disturbed that he hadn’t been privvy to that information. He’d assumed she was one of the social elite who sat on a lot of charity boards.

      “No,” she said. “I...draw.” She looked away. Shutting him out again.

      And that left him wanting “in” more than ever.

      “Julie is doing art therapy with Joy.” Sara took over, leaving Hunter with the impression that there was more not being said at that table than was actually spoken.

      Definitely not his forte.

      “And you’ve had some success?” Leaning forward, Edward seemed about ready to take Julie’s hand across the table.

      Julie nodded.

      “Can you share it with me?”

      With a glance at Sara and Lila, who both nodded, Julie said, “She drew a crying stick figure.”

      The doctor’s lips pursed. His chin tightened. And Hunter saw a tear in the corner of his eye.

      He cared about Edward and Joy. He wanted to help.

      And, not for the first time, came up blank.