Page 137 of Fauxmance

But that was before my big confession.

Now, my weekend plans included crying into my ice cream, reading my favorite book, and binge-watchingBridgerton. All in all, not the worst way to spend my time.

"Your appointment's in an hour," she said gently.

"Oh Mom, I feel like crap," I said. "Do I have to?"

"I think that's what therapy appointments are for."

"But she's Hayden's mom."

"And even after a year has passed, she still will be," she said. "Do you want to find another therapist?"

"No."

"That was very emphatic, considering you didn't want to see her a second ago."

She was right. I was being silly and weepy, and it was about time I got back on my feet. And I didn't want a new therapist. Dr.Moorehousehad been good to me. She was also one of the only links I'd still have to Hayden, my mind whispered. But I put that aside.

I would go to my appointment for me.

And just hope I didn't cry too much.

I sat up and threw the covers back.

"Okay, I'm up," I said.

"Are you going to shower?" Mom said. "Praise the Lord."

"Ha ha."

She looked at me with a nod. "I'm proud of you, Magnolia."

"For going to take a shower?" I asked.

"Funny," she said, "and no. Because you told Hayden how you felt and wouldn't accept less than what you really wanted."

"Yeah, I was terrified."

"It took courage, and that is something no one can teach you. I just love you so much."

I shot her a watery smile. "Oh Mom, I love you, too."

She shooed me away. "Don't start crying again. Just go hop in the shower, and you'll feel better. You'll smell better, too, which is a definite bonus."

She was right, of course.

I did feel a little better. Driving to the office cleared my mind a bit, so by the time I got there I hadn't even thought about Hayden.

Much.

Strangely, there was a sign on the stairs that saidUnder Construction. Please Take The Elevator.With a shrug, I changed course. The silver doors opened with a whoosh, and I walked inside. I pressed the button, waited for the doors to close—and right before they did, like seconds before the doors closed completely, another person boarded the elevator.

My breath caught.

"Hey, Magnolia," he said. "Fancy meeting you here."

"Hi Hayden," I said quietly, moving as far away as I could. He smelled like sunshine and good times, and I couldn't breathe that in, or I might throw myself at him and beg him to love me back. "Why are you here?"

---