Page 4 of The Soul Never Forgets

“I appreciate your concern. Trust me when I say that it’s not misplaced, but I’m okay. Really. I don’t need to talk to anyone on a professional level.”

“There’s something I’m going to share with you because I consider you a good friend. One I trust. There are things in my life that I’ve battled for a long time. I’ve been in some dark places.” Landon takes my hand and runs his thumb over the scar on my wrist, its origin something we’ve never discussed. “For me, I find that talking to a reliable psychotherapist is essential for my mental health.”

I’m humbled that he trusts me enough to share this kind of personal information.

Landon and I are so much alike. We click in so many ways. Too often I wonder why he can’t be my soul mate. If I could choose the one who is intended for me in this lifetime, it would be him. But not because I lust for him. I don’t think of Landon that way. Sexual attraction has nothing to do with the connection I feel with him.

“Have you told Riley that you see a psychotherapist?” She hasn’t mentioned a word about it.

“I’m waiting. Please don’t think poorly of me because I haven’t told her yet.”

Landon is wise to not tell Riley this early in the relationship. If I’m being honest, I think she would run fast and far if she knew. “No, Landon. I don’t think poorly of you. Not even a little. Your secret is safe with me.”

“It isn’t a secret. I will tell her if our relationship continues to progress.”

Totally understandable. “All in your own time. There’s no rush.”

“Falling into a coma and waking three months later would be a traumatic experience for anyone. There’s no shame in needing to talk to someone about it.” Landon holds out a card. “This is Dr. Wescott’s information. He’s an amazing psychotherapist. I think you’d really like him and benefit from talking to him.”

I’ve seen a lot of mental-health specialists over the years, but Dr. Wescott is a new name to me.

Landon places the card in my hand. “His office isn’t far from your house. He accepts self-referrals and takes all kinds of insurance.”

“So you’re telling me there’s no reason for me to say no?”

“Go for one session. Do it for me. If you don’t like him or it doesn’t work out, then you don’t ever have to go back.”

Riley appears out of nowhere and wraps her arms around Landon. She’s never said so but I’m certain it still bothers her that Landon chose me and not her when we first met. “What’s taking you so long to get drinks?”

I shove the doctor’s business card into the back pocket of my jeans. “Oh sorry. I’m afraid that’s my fault. I got distracted and started playing this stupid video poker game. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Landon was trying to teach me how to play so I didn’t lose my money.”

She looks at the poker machine. “Did you win any money?”

I shrug. “Afraid not.”

She taps theBet $1button. “That’s too bad. I hope you didn’t lose a lot of money.”

“Only five bucks. I saw quickly that I was no good at it.”

Riley gestures over her shoulder to the table. “The server came back. I ordered Blue Labels for both of you since it didn’t look like either of you were in line.”

I hear the suspicion in Riley’s voice. And it might be warranted if it were directed at anyone else, but there’s nothing but friendship between Landon and me.

Landon wraps his arm around Riley and kisses her forehead. “Good call, babe.”

Whiskey was once my go-to drink when I needed to clear my head of unwanted voices, visions, and thoughts. It’s been a year since I’ve tasted that fiery amber liquid and felt it flow down the back of my throat and burn my gut. Tonight, I welcome that burn for a different reason.

I want to forget how lonely I am.

I want to forget the emptiness in my heart.

I want to forget the empty space on the bed next to me.

Chapter2

Caroline Beaumont

New Orleans,Louisiana

---