Page 23 of Game Changer

AJ saw red and turned to swing his fist in the direction of the voice. The surrounding players jumped to intervene.

“Hey, woah, man,” Derek held his hands up in surrender, his eyes wide with fear. “I didn’t mean to rattle you, it was just a joke. I’m sorry,AJ!”

AJ scanned the expectant faces in front of him, hesitated for a moment before turning on his heel and pushing past Jeremy.

Standing under the stream of cold water, AJ angrily scrubbed at his skin. Furious that he’d let his temper get the better of him to the point that he’d snapped at one of his teammates.

Could be time to see the shrink, Pim. You’re losing your grip. That could have been messy, punching out someone on your own team? For a joke, no less? We gotta get this shit under control, and soon. Before you do some real damage.

“Feel better?” Jeremy asked as AJ dried and dressed.

“Where’d everyone go? How long was I in there?”

“A while. And they all thought it was best to get the hell out of your way in case your shower didn’t cool you down and we ended up with some additional injuries before our games next week.” Jeremy smiled. “So, what are we going to do about this… situation?”

“Gonna see my shrink.”

“Good decision. Let’s go grab lunch. You should call your girl before the gig tonight, too. She has a way of calming you down – and doesn’t even use her hands. It’s like magic!”

“Shut up!” AJ smiled and shoved his friend. “I’m sorry, Jer. I don’t mean to make things challenging. I just need to get a grip on all of, well, everything really. I’m going to try harder. I need to tell Lisa, I know I do. I just– I’m so afraid she’s going to walk away and I’ll lose her forever.”

“How about you stop thinking so far ahead, and think about your right-now next steps. Think about the things you can control. Food, exercise, talking to your therapist and taking your meds, right?”

AJ nodded silently, trying to ignore the lump in his throat. He hadn’t told her about his bipolar disorder either – his stomach twisted with guilt at the jarring reminder.

“You’re a pretty good friend, you know that Jer?”

“I do, don’t tell anyone, though. I got a rep. Now let’s dry those tears before you ruinyourinvincible tough-guy rep and go have some food.”

“Always about the food with you, isn’t it?”

“Is there anything better?” He stopped in his tracks and thought about what he said, “Never mind, I can think of lots of better things – but those generally all involve a beautiful woman!” He grinned.

Chapter 7

“It’s been a while, AJ.”

“I know, Doc. I’ve been doing better.”

“You know that’s not how this works. Consistency is important.”

AJ nodded silently and looked around his psychiatrist’s office.

I hate this place.

Certificates hung on the walls and thick books lined the shelves. Nothing was out of place. In all the years he’d been coming to Doctor Adler’s office, nothing much had changed. Her office was cold, almost clinical and despite the doctor’s best attempts, AJ still felt uncomfortable there.

Some warm-color paint and a couple throw pillows, does not, a cozy shrink’s office, make.

AJ shifted his weight and leaned further forward, placing his arms along his thighs.

“You look uncomfortable, AJ.” Doctor Adler scribbled something in her notebook.

I hate when she does that.

“Out of the habit, I guess?”

“What brought you here today?”

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