Repelling the Shark

By DelSheree Gladden

Simple and easy falls apart when secrets revealed require making promises and opening up to the possibilities of hurt and hope.

Leo Bailey has so far escaped the curse of the date shark business. He fills in when needed, but has held onto his casual relationships and family emergency-free existence. hover

Marriage and family are a vague idea for the future, but he’s not ready to give up the freedom of being single and answering only to himself.

When Piper Moretti witnesses the demise of yet another of Leo’s friends-with-benefits relationship, she doesn’t think much of it. She has a long list of more pressing responsibilities and headaches to occupy her mind.

Friends, and the strings that go with them, are at the bottom of her priority list.

When a date shark client who tops the list of bizarre behavior Leo has seen, his half-joking request for rescue drags Piper into the chaos and into Leo’s life.

Neither one wants more than a simple, no-stress friendship. Secrets and surprises force them to admit neither one is nearly as in control of their futures as they think they are.

Helping each other means getting involved, making promises, and opening themselves up to the hurt and hope they’re both terrified to face.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DelSheree Gladden
• Release date: Aug 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005788179

DelSheree Gladden

DelSheree Gladden was one of those shy, quiet kids who spent more time reading than talking. She didn't speak a single word for the first few months of preschool. Her fascination with reading led to many hours spent in the library and bookstores, and eventually to writing. She wrote her first novel when she was sixteen years old, but spent ten years rewriting before it was published.Native to New Mexico, DelSheree and her family spent several years in Colorado before returning to northern New Mexico. When not writing novels, you can find DelSheree reading, hiking, sewing, playing with her dogs, and working with other authors.DelSheree has several bestselling young adult series and has hit the USA Today Bestseller list twice as part of box sets. DelSheree also has contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and paranormal new adult series. Her writing is as varied as her reading interests.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Monday-ish

Their argument only paused briefly as they walked into the coffee shop. Leo held the door open for Katheryn, and she smirked as she walked past him. Holding in his frustration with his occasional plus one and on-again-off-again friend with benefits, he released the door and stepped after her.

You always have fun with my friends, and you already said you’re not busy, so why won’t you come? he asked. No excuses this time.

Katheryn rolled her eyes at him before turning to look at the menu. "I used to enjoy hanging out with your friends."

What changed?

Her expression pinched into one that clearly said his question was idiotic. Uh, how about all the kids and toddlers running amok at every get together?

Her answer surprised him so much a tightness formed in his stomach. You’re so good with the kids, though.

I can be good with kids without wanting one, she argued, and without wanting a serious relationship.

Leo considered her answer instead of the menu she continued to stare at. They’d both been there often enough after their workouts to know it by heart. He’d thought he knew Katheryn just as well. When had their friendship changed? Or had he just been deluding himself?

Is it the kids or the relationship?

Sighing, Katheryn turned to look at him. Both. Your friends’ kids are all super cute, but I don’t want to spend my weekends hanging out with infants and running after children. I also don’t like answering questions about whether or not we’re actually dating or if we might in the future.

Who asked? Leo demanded, annoyed one of his friends would pry into his personal life.

She waved off his irritation. It was just Michael. It was the first time we’d met, so he was asking questions.

"It’s not like I invite you to things like this every weekend." Leo knew he should just accept her answer and quit pushing, but he couldn’t let it go, for some reason.

Look, Katheryn said, I’m happy to hang out with you any time, but I’m out for the kid parties and group picnics and whatever else involves sticky toddler hands and holding babies for hours on end.

Leo huffed, understanding more than what she was saying. He was in no rush to settle down, but he’d been honest with Katheryn that it was something he wanted eventually. She didn’t. That had always been fine, because they both knew they weren’t anything more than friends, in the long term. Her refusal to attend baby Moira’s first birthday party signaled an end to their friendship.

Katheryn had ordered her drink and muffin by the time Leo came out of his thoughts. He stepped up to the counter as she moved along to collect her iced coffee further down.

Hey, Leo. You want your regular, or what? You’re holding up the line.

He scowled at her, but there was no heat behind it. Hey, Piper. Yeah, the usual.

Her chuckle lifted his mood a little. He couldn’t remember exactly when she’d started working at the coffee shop, but it had been at least a few years and he always enjoyed her banter and the ever-changing streaks of color in her dark hair. They were currently purple.

Piper always seemed at home in the shop and always knew just how to handle each customer. You and Legs, Piper said, tilting her head toward Katheryn, time to part ways, if you ask me.

I didn’t, Leo said with a snort.

She winked. Yeah, but you were going to.

Chuckling, he shrugged before handing over his credit card. Leo wouldn’t call Piper a friend, seeing as he knew almost nothing about her outside the realm of the coffee shop, but he’d asked her opinion on women more than once. She’d never been wrong before, and he knew she’d assessed the demise of his relationship with Katheryn just as expertly.

We’ve never been serious, anyway.

"But you were friends," she said more softly.

All he could offer in response was a shrug. I’ll miss her, but it’s for the best.

Piper nodded as she handed him his receipt and card. At least you’re smart enough to know you can’t change someone to fit your own mold.

And I’m not going to force myself to fit someone else’s, either.

His comment made her pause, and she looked at him for a moment. Good.

That single word was so sincere, it took Leo a moment to really process it. The man behind him in line clearing his throat nudged him back to the present moment. Thanks, he said to Piper before offering a quick apology to the man and stepping out of the way.

He joined Katheryn further down the counter and she smirked at him again. Flirting with the barista?

Leo scoffed. Piper was friendly and he liked her, but so did everyone else in the shop. She didn’t treat him any different than she did anyone else. It was one of the traits he liked most about her, and why he came to the coffee shop so often. There was a certain level of comfort that came from her reliability.

There’s this show next week, Katheryn began, if you want to go. It’s this mixed-media pop art kind of style, which I know isn’t your favorite, but…

Leo only half heard the rest of her explanation before agreeing to the date. He knew she was offering it up as a consolation for not going to the birthday party. He appreciated the gesture. They started walking back toward their apartment buildings, which were only two blocks apart, and Katheryn kept up the conversation enough for both of them. They reached his building first and he said goodbye with a quick hug and kiss.

When he started up the stairs, he pulled out his phone and texted Sabine that he wouldn’t be bringing anyone to the party after all. She didn’t question or pry. Leo knew she was probably curious, but Sabine valued other’s privacy almost as much as she did her own. Although, those barriers had come down a bit since marrying Michael Moniteau. Thinking of Michael irked him a little, but not enough to mention it. He’d been feeling for a while that his time with Katheryn was running out. Probably because the more time he spent around his friends’ families, the more he thought about his own future.

***

So, how’d the birthday party go? Piper asked Leo when he stopped by the coffee shop on his way to work Monday morning. Did Legs show or did you go solo?

Leo rolled his eyes. You know Katheryn said no. She didn’t change her mind, but I have no problem going solo.

Piper scoffed. Then why were you trying so hard to convince her to go?

My friends like her, and I thought she liked them.

She tapped his usual order into the computer without asking him what he wanted. As she did so, she narrowed her eyes at him. "Are you sure it has nothing to do with the fact that You’re the only solo left in your friend group?"

Surprised she remembered that much about his friends from their snippets of conversation over the last few years, it took him a moment to respond. No. Not really…I mean, it’s not a big deal.

Piper shook her head at him. I buy that about as much as Legs did. She made a shooing motion. Your order will be at the end of the counter. Move it.

Slightly irritated, though he knew she didn’t deserve it, Leo said, What if I wanted something different this morning?

She scowled at him. "Then you should have said so. Move."

A muttered comment about being late to work from directly behind him echoed her words. Leo scrunched his nose at her and moved to the end of the counter to wait for his double shot espresso latte, no flavorings. He had an espresso maker at home, which he used any day he wasn’t working. On days he had shifts at the hospital, he always made a pitstop at Roasted.

As he waited, he wondered why he didn’t just make espresso at home on work days, too. He’d been stopping at Roasted long before he took over for his friend Guy at the hospital when his then-girlfriend and now-wife needed extra help during her chemo treatments. Maybe he was just prolonging the start of his day. Or perhaps he simply enjoyed the interaction with mentally healthy-ish people before diving into the world of caring for hospitalized psychiatric patients. He glanced over at Piper, who was grinning and laughing at another customer. The sense of normalcy was something he enjoyed about the place.

Uh…Mr. It’s a Monday? the confused barista called out.

Leo glance back at Piper and scowled. She stuck her tongue out at him and motioned for him to take the cup and get a move on. Sighing, he turned back to the barista holding out the cup. I guess that’s me.

The barista, who looked no more than nineteen and had patchy facial hair that couldn’t yet be called a beard, snorted and handed the cup over. Have a nice Monday, he said before moving on to the next order.

Leo grumbled how unlikely that was under his breath and turned away. He made it two steps before his smartwatch lit up with a notification. A quick glance down showed it was a text from his friend Eli.

Looks like it’s just you, me and Leila for poker this week. Want to reschedule or get beat by Leila again?

Chuckling at the all-too-true snub, Leo took his phone from his pocket and began typing.

I’m not afraid to lose to your wife. Where’s everyone else?

Eli’s reply was quick. Guy has a conference, Michael and Sabine will be in Montreal, and baby Lettie is sick so Vance and Natalie bowed out.

Lettie had seemed fine on Saturday, so Leo was immediately concerned about the little girl he considered his niece, just as he considered all his friends’ children family. He quickly typed back, What’s wrong with Lettie?

Just a cold, Eli reassured him, but she’s stuffed up and not sleeping well.

He knew that meant Vance and Natalie weren’t sleeping much either. That was one aspect of being single and childless he still enjoyed. No one interrupted his sleep or kept him from social engagements. He wasn’t quite ready to give up his freedom in those regards.

I’ll be there Thursday. Tell Leila I’ve been practicing.

Leo could imagine his friend’s derisive laugh at his posturing. Poker night used to be a guys-only night. Four friends who’d kept each other sane during medical school and residencies getting together to relive their pain and gripe about their current situations. Leila had shown up at Eli’s door unexpectedly one night and was invited to stay. She’d taken it easy on them at first, but was now known to be the best and most ruthless player in the group, which had extended to include everyone’s spouses and children.

He was about to put his phone away when another text came through. She’s more than ready for you. Bring someone if you want. We’ll have plenty of room.

Eli’s parting comment reminded him of Katheryn. Even though she’d probably enjoy poker night, Leo balked at inviting her. It wasn’t because of her refusal to go to the birthday party. He’d never invited her to poker night. It was too private, too personal for someone he knew was only passing through his life. Tucking his phone back into his pocket, he started for the door. Piper’s laugh caught his attention and he turned toward her.

The morning rush had ebbed and only one customer stood in front of her. Leo waited until the woman moved to collect her drink then stepped up to the counter again.

Piper’s eyes immediately narrowed. Come on, the name on the cup was funny. Don’t pretend you’re annoyed.

Ignoring her comment, he asked, How are you at poker?

Caught off guard, Piper didn’t immediately answer. Then she frowned and considered him. Why?

Because I’m tired of losing to my friend’s wife.

What does that have to do with me?

Leo almost reconsidered saying anything more and laughing it off as teasing. Instead, he said, We play poker once a month, and this month it’s only me and Eli and Leila, and she always beats me…and everyone else. You seem like someone who could take her.

Piper smirked. What makes you say that?

He shrugged. Just a vibe you put off, I guess.

She stared at him, her gaze clearly scouring him for a motive or intention she should be wary of. Whatever her assessment told her, she didn’t share it with Leo. All she said was, What time and where?

Seven at Eli and Leila’s. I can give you the address.

Rolling her eyes, she said, Well, I would hope so. I’m not about to wander the city calling out for Leila and Eli. She huffed and considered him again. Give me your number.

Surprised, Leo fumbled for a moment, looking for something to write with before realizing she already had a pen and was poised to write. He rambled off his number to her and watched in fascination as she scrawled it on the palm of her hand. It was probably back in high school when he’d last seen someone do that. Looking up from her hand, he met her gaze expectantly.

I have to check on a few things. I’ll let you know. Then she looked past him to a new customer approaching the order counter.

That was his cue to leave and he took it. Even though she hadn’t said yes, and would likely tell him to get lost, their chat had left him in a better mood. He headed for the hospital and smirked at the name on his coffee cup. Maybe his Monday wouldn’t be as Monday-ish as he’d expected.

As he parked in his assigned parking space at the hospital, his phone lit up with another text. Expecting more banter from Eli, he picked it up. What he saw instead was a message forwarded from Guy’s answering service. Eli had reminded him that Guy was out of town for a conference. Even that reminder hadn’t sparked him to remember that meant he was on call for Guy that week.

Groaning, Leo tapped the message. Being Guy’s substitute date shark wasn’t his favorite task, but he almost never actually had to fulfill the promise. As he read the message, it was clear that wouldn’t be the case this time. His typical Monday was back in full swing.

Chapter 2

Smile and Snark

Sitting in his office wrapping up paperwork after his shift, Leo’s gaze kept darting back to his phone where the notification from the date shark service was still waiting for him. He’d replied earlier with a quick message that he was heading into work and wouldn’t be available until after seven o’clock. It was almost eight, and he knew he needed to get back to them soon.

Tired of dreading it, he dropped his pen and picked up the phone. He called the service and sighed. A woman answered the call on the second ring. When he identified who he was and what he was calling about, she quickly jumped in to the client’s request.

Lisa Deming has requested an emergency coaching session. She has a date this weekend and would like to have a practice run beforehand. I explained to her that Guy was unavailable and she said she was willing to see you in his place.

That had been his last hope. Most clients weren’t so desperate that they weren’t willing to wait for Guy to return. The fact that the client was so desperate she would meet with him instead didn’t bode well. She was either one of his more neurotic and excitable clients or borderline certifiable.

Do you have any background on this client? Leo asked.

There’s just a note in her file saying he needed to send her eval paperwork. She paused, waiting for him to respond. When he didn’t, Laura said, Sorry. He’s usually better about client files than that.

Leo knew Guy and his family had just returned from visiting his parents in France, so there was likely a good reason he was behind on files, but it still irked him. Okay, thanks for checking. He scrubbed at his forehead. Go ahead and schedule the date for eight, any night but Thursday.

I’ll take care of it and send you confirmation. Have a good night.

Leo ended the call and forced himself to get back to his patient files. It was another hour before he finished. He locked up his office and headed for the elevator, already longing for takeout and a beer. He scrolled through menus to decide what he wanted to eat that night. A notification dropped down on the screen, interrupting his perusal.

Poker is a maybe. I can’t say for sure until Wednesday night.

Leo grinned. It was the best thing he’d heard all day. Impulsively, he sent a text back quickly. What about tonight?

What about it? You said poker was Thursday.

Are you free right now?

Why?

He could almost hear the wariness dripping off that single word. It made him wonder about her background, but he cut off that line of thinking. Friends don’t psychologically profile friends. Not if they want to keep them for long, anyway.

Your prediction about my Monday panned out. I could use a drink. Join me?

He made it to his car and was about to start it before she texted back. I’m not interested in becoming your next Legs.

Her response stung a little, but Leo brushed it off quickly. Neither am I. I still want a drink, though. You?

Another long pause before her response. I’m already home.

What’s near your place? I’ll come to you.

Leo imagined she was rolling her eyes and two seconds away from giving up and ignoring him.

Fine. Arthur’s Pub. 30 minutes.

See you then.

After looking up where the pub was, Leo pulled out of his parking space and headed for what he hoped was a half decent end to his lousy day. As he drove, he considered Piper’s choice. The Lake Meadows neighborhood he was heading for wasn’t anything spectacular. He was familiar with it, because it wasn’t far from where he’d grown up in the Groveland Park neighborhood. He wondered if Lake Meadows was really where Piper lived, or if she’d chosen something far enough away that the thirty minutes had been for her to get there and not him. It would have been a smart thing to do, and Leo pegged her as a woman who was always on guard, despite her friendly demeanor.

He hadn’t uncovered any answers before making it to the pub. When he stepped into the pub, she was waiting for him in a booth at the back of the pub. She already had a beer in front of her, which made him reconsider his thought that she wanted to hide where she really lived. He walked over to the booth and sat down. She nodded and watched him through appraising eyes.

This probably isn’t as nice as you’re used to…

Leo shrugged. I grew up a few miles from here, so this is exactly what I’m used to.

Her eyebrows rose before narrowing. I’ve seen the car you drive, and your nice suits.

He laughed. So? That doesn’t mean I forgot where I came from. My parents still live in Groveland Park and I go home for Sunday dinners a couple times a month.

Piper didn’t say anything for a moment. It was clear that wasn’t the answer she’d expected. What she thought about the revelation stayed tucked away behind her protective wall. It was a reminder to Leo that, despite their friendly banter at the coffee shop almost daily, they knew very little about each other. He was beginning to realize that wouldn’t change any time soon with Piper. As much as she made every customer feel like a personal friend for the few minutes they interacted, Leo was beginning to understand that she let very few people truly get to know her. The fact that she had actually met him that night made him feel as though he’d been given a gift he wasn’t entirely sure what to do with.

Are you ready to order? a male voice asked.

Leo looked up at the man, a tall but rather thin guy with an appraising gaze. Oh, uh, sorry. I haven’t even looked at a menu yet.

Piper made an impatient noise, though it didn’t have much bite to it. Just bring him one of the same, she said, gesturing at her own beer. Then to Leo, she asked, Did you eat?

Not yet, but… He was going to say that he’d pick something up on his way home, but she cut him off.

Bring him a burger too.

The lanky waiter nodded and walked off.

Leo smirked at her when she met his gaze again. Are you this way with everyone, or is it just me you enjoy telling what to eat and drink.

I’m not telling you to do anything, she argued. I just know what you want because you’re so predictable.

Taken aback by her assessment of him, it took several seconds for his brain to catch up with his mouth. I’m not…why…I am not predictable.

One eyebrow raised and Piper’s gaze focused on him. What’s your favorite type of beer?

Ambers.

She pointed at her own drink, which Leo clearly recognized as an amber. He hadn’t paid much attention to what she’d ordered when he first sat down.

Considering we’re at a pub, and not some fancy French restaurant, what food would you have ordered if you’d had a menu? she continued.

Leo huffed. That was all Piper needed to hear to know she’d been right about that preference as well. Everyone likes burgers, he argued.

Ignoring his argument, Piper said, "What made your day so awful that you’re here with me instead of out doing something unpredictable?"

Chuckling, Leo said, "Being here with you is unpredictable, but aside from it being a Monday, and a long one at that, I have to cover for my friend at his date shark service this week and I’m dreading it."

Piper’s expression pinched in confusion. What the hell is a date shark service?

It was a challenge not to laugh at her reaction, but Leo didn’t want to embarrass her. He was so used to discussing the date shark thing amongst his friends, he often forgot what a novel concept it was to most people.

It’s basically a dating coach service.

Her expression soured even more. I’m not sure you’re qualified for that. Not if you and Legs are any indicator.

Katheryn and I had an understanding from the beginning. It worked well for us for a long time, he argued, his tone a little more clipped than he meant for it to be.

Clearly, Piper said.

Her sarcasm annoyed Leo, but he brushed it off. Arguing would only lead to him admitting she was right, at least in part. My dating life has nothing to do with my qualifications to act as a substitute date shark.

Then what does? she challenged.

Leo actually had to think about that for a moment. The first thing that came to mind was that he was Guy’s friend and he trusted him to handle the business when he was gone. That wasn’t what she was asking, though. Well, I am a psychiatrist, and most of the women who use the service need more than dating advice. Guy coaches them on their behavior, but he also tries to connect them with services or providers who will help with the underlying problems as well.

The skepticism in her expression lessened, but her response surprised Leo. You’re a psychiatrist? I thought you were a doctor, like an actual doctor, an M.D.

Laughing, he said, I am. I went to medical school. You’re thinking of a psychologist.

Piper shrugged. Hmm. I never really knew the difference. She took a sip of her beer. This date shark thing seems kind of weird, though. Where’d your friend come up with the idea?

Actually, it was Eli’s business originally.

The one hosting the poker night, right?

Leo nodded. He had a rough childhood with his mom and, to put it simply, that created a need for him to save unstable women from themselves. He started the date shark business as a way to cope with what he’d been through, though he didn’t realize it then. When he met Leila, he eventually gave it up for her and Guy took over. Vance used to fill in for him, but he lost his girlfriend abruptly and wasn’t really himself for a while, so I got roped into helping out when he needs it.

But you don’t like it…

Leo sighed. It’s not always bad, but…it’s not something I would choose to do.

Then why not just tell Guy to find someone else? Piper asked.

It wasn’t said with any attitude or unkind tone. She really didn’t seem to understand why he would do something he hated for his friend. It made Leo wonder whether she’d ever had someone in her life willing to sacrifice for her like that.

He’s my friend, Leo said simply. The expression on her face made it clear that wasn’t a good enough answer, so he expounded. When I stepped in to help, Guy’s wife Charlotte was in the middle of chemo and she’d had a really bad scare earlier in her treatment and almost died. Lance had fallen apart after Stephanie died and Natalie was the only one who could get through to him. Eli and Leila had a newborn at the time as well. I had the time and ability to help, so I did.

Piper took in everything he’d said, not saying anything until she appeared to have processed all of it. So why are you still doing it?

Leo leaned back against the booth. He was given a reprieve when the waiter returned and set his drink down in front of him. He tried the beer and smiled, admitting Piper had great taste. When he couldn’t stall any longer, he looked back up at Piper.

I don’t know, to be honest. It’s just not that big of a deal most of the time. I rarely have to actually fill in for him when he’s gone, which is a few days every couple of months at the most.

Piper pursed her lips. So, what exactly do you have to do this time?

Take the client out to dinner and coach her through the meal, mainly trying to curb embarrassing or shocking behaviors so she doesn’t run off her upcoming date before the drinks are served, he explained. He could only hope that was the worst of it. The last time he’d filled in for Guy had been a nightmare and nearly ended his agreement with his friend.

What kind of behaviors? she asked with an interested gleam in her eyes.

Leo thought back to that last date and shivered. She tried to feed me her chewed up food…like a mother bird does for her chicks.

Piper gagged and she pulled back from the table. Please tell me you’re joking.

He shook his head. Once, a women brought thirteen porcelain dolls with her and tried to seat them all in their own chairs at our table. I was barely able to talk her into letting them share the two available seats without her bursting into tears and having a complete meltdown.

After staring at him for several long seconds, Piper asked, How did she get all thirteen dolls to the restaurant in the first place?

Specially designed, huge pieces of luggage with built-in doll compartments.

Piper snorted and covered her mouth, but it didn’t do much to hide her snickering. I’m sorry, she said between laughs. I know these women need help and I shouldn’t laugh, but…

Leo chuckled. I can’t help it either, sometimes. There was this guy once…

You date guys, too? she asked, intrigued again.

Not personally, but I don’t mind working with male clients. Sabine used to handle them, but she hated being a date shark and quit once she got her visa worked out.

Piper crossed her arms and looked at him with an oddly pleased half-smile. Go on. The guy you took out?

I couldn’t keep him seated at the table. Every time I took my attention off him, he would start introducing himself to the others diners and trying to kiss each one…on the mouth.

Pressing her lips together to keep from laughing again, Piper shook her head. When she could manage words without the laughter, she asked, Why?

It was a combination of affective and compulsion issues. He was referred to counseling and seems to be making progress.

Thank goodness, she said. Kissing everyone you see is a good way to get a punch in the mouth, or worse.

Leo nodded. His burger arrived shortly after that and he, once again, had to admit Piper had been right. It was delicious and eased away the last of his stress and irritation. Between bites, he answered questions about his friends and himself, and the feeling he enjoyed at the coffee shop found him there as well. By the time Leo paid the bill, despite objections from Piper over paying for her drink, he felt better than he had all day.

His car was the only one left on the block when they left the pub. Leo glanced over at Piper and saw the hesitant expression she was wearing. She didn’t carry a purse, and he noticed there was no tell-tale bulge of keys stuffed into one of her jeans’ pockets. He supposed she could have Ubered to meet him, but instinct