Page 69 of Sweeter Than Fiction

As much as I like my hermit-like life, I knew something had to change. The first therapist I saw was an old man who told me depression was all in my head.

No shit, Sherlock. Just because it’s inside my head doesn’t mean it’s not real.

The second one was younger and much more new-age. He thought cutting out gluten would solve all my problems.

Spoiler alert: it did not. All it did was make me cranky.

Finally, I found Dr. Green who took the time to help me find the right anti-depressants as well as help to pull me out of the funk I was in.

Now, I go see her every couple of weeks—except when she goes to Brazil for a month.

“So, Abby, what has been going on in your life lately?”

“Oh, man. Where do I even start? I have a boyfriend.”

She grins. “Wow! I did miss a lot!”

I give her the abridged version of how Don and I came to be.

When she’s got the gist, she asks, “And how are things going between the two of you?”

“Really, really great,” I answer. “He’s from Nebraska, so he’s got this whole Midwestern charm thing going on. He’s so sweet and thoughtful. Like, the other night, my endometriosis was flaring up pretty bad, and he came over, ordered us a ton of food, played with my hair, and held me until I fell asleep. I swear he’s way too good for me.”

Dr. Green’s brow furrows while she crosses her hands in her lap. “Why do you think he’s too good for you? Does he do something that makes you feel that way?”

“No, not at all! He’s constantly telling me how great he thinks I am and how grateful he is to have me.”

“Sounds like a keeper.”

“Yeah, he’s the best. It’s just…”

“Just what, Abby?”

I start fidgeting with my fingers. “He’s much more experienced than I am. In the bedroom.”

She nods in realization. “Oh, I see. And why do you think that’s a bad thing?”

“Because I’ve seen the women he’s been with. They’re all gorgeous, and probably much more adventurous than me. I feel like I’m open to trying new things, but the other night, he tried uh…giving me oral. And I immediately put the brakes on.”

Dr. Green and I have covered why that makes me uncomfortable at length.

“Did he stop?”

I nod. “Of course.”

“Did he make you feel bad about it?”

“Not at all.”

“Did you explain to him why you were hesitant?”

“Yeah, and he was super sweet and tried to make me feel better about the whole thing. He told me he wanted to try it with me but only when I was ready.”

“Do you think you want to try it?”

“If I was to try it again, I’d want it to be with someone as patient as Don. But I guess I’m still nervous.”

“About?”

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