Page 114 of Fauxmance

"It's not like I don't know the big secret already," she said quietly.

"Okay," I said, taking a deep breath. "I'll try."

She sat back in her chair and waited.

It took me a moment to figure out how to approach this, but there was something she might be able to help me with. And I had to be able to talk to my therapist. I just had to.

"Hypothetically speaking," I said, giving her a look, "if someone was in an unconventional relationship where feelings were absolutely not allowed, and then someone started having feelings. What would your advice be for that person?"

"Do you"—Dr. Moorehouse cleared her throat—"do they have any idea if these feelings are returned?"

"I'm not sure."

"There haven't been signs of reciprocation?"

I thought back to all of the sweet things Hayden had done and tried to fight off a smile. "There have been signs. Beautiful, confusing signs—but the understanding was clear from the beginning. No feelings. Period."

"Hmm."

"Maybe that person is just reading more into it than there is," I said.

"And maybe they're not. Have they asked?"

I looked at her in question.

"How the other person feels," she clarified. "Have they asked?"

I scoffed. "Of course, not."

"Well, maybe they should."

I simply stared.

"It would take the guesswork out of it," she said. "And if the not knowing is causing stress, it might remove that."

"I think they might be afraid to ask," I said hesitantly. "Afraid of the answer, anyway."

Her eyes went soft. "But wouldn't it be better to know?"

"I guess."

"I may be biased. I am a therapist after all. But talking it out is often a good idea."

I gave a shrug. "I know, you always say express, don't repress. But do you really think it applies here?"

"I do, Magnolia," she said.

Nodding, I stood and walked to the door. "Thank you, doctor."

"You're welcome. And good luck to that someone," she called.

"She's going to need it," I mumbled to myself and felt my phone buzz in my pocket.

Pulling it out, I saw a new text.

Hayden:Santino and the guys would love to see you.

Me:Just them?

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