Rex yanked on Kevin's lead. Slightly out of breath, he drew alongside Viv and asked, "Do you think we'll see the woman with the baby this morning?"
She glanced at him with a quizzical expression. "You read my mind. That's exactly what I was wondering."
Viv kept talking. "It's the sound of the baby crying. I worry. Maybe that isn't a healthy family. A sign of postpartum or dysfunction. Maybe it's a signal to look more closely. Maybe the young mother is in trouble. You never know."
"I'm not feeling what you are—about the baby. But then I don't have your experience. I'm not a doula and I've never actually lived with anyone that young in my home," Rex admitted.
Viv smiled. "Thank you for that."
"For what?"
"Oh, for admitting you may not be the expert in everything. I'm used to men who think they know more than I do, even when it's in my line of work."
"Men are pretty bossy," he laughed.
"Nice that you agree," she chuckled.
Rex felt his shoulders push back. He wanted to jump up and down, though he knew he'd look ridiculous. But Viv's words actually made him feel proud. She'd noticed that he was a bit introspective.
"Thank you," he said cautiously. "I believe that may be the first compliment you've ever paid me."
She took a longer stride, calling back over her shoulder. "You're a stage performer with women at your beck and call. You don't need me to prop up your ego."
He burst out laughing. "That's very true. I'm pretty good at keeping my ego inflated all by myself."
Until I met you.
He wanted to tell her that but didn't think it was the right time or place.