Page 79 of Fauxmance

But luckily, this was real.

Unlike my relationship with a certain someone.

I sighed.

"What's that about?" she asked, missing nothing.

"It's been a long week," I said. I didn't lie down, wasn't sure if anyone actually did that, but I did sit, grab a pillow, and lean my head against the back of the couch, staring up at the ceiling. Sometimes it helped me open up, not having to look at anyone. "Honestly, I'm not sure where to start."

"The last time we spoke you were nervous about your sister's wedding. How'd that go?"

I smiled at the memory.

"Jasmine was the most beautiful bride," I said. "Everything went pretty smoothly. There were a few unexpected surprises. Some good, some bad."

An image of Hayden in a tux flashed in my mind.

"Someverygood."

Dr. Moorehouse hummed, so I went on.

"Actually, what happened before the wedding was the real shocker." I took a deep breath then plunged ahead. "You remember my boyfriend, Sean?"

"I may have heard the name once or twice."

Rolling my eyes at myself, I shook my head. Of course, Dr.Moorehouseknew Sean. I'donly mentioned him at nearly every appointment.

"He dumped me the day before the wedding," I said. "Not going to lie, it hurt. A lot. Then I came here after and got stuck in an elevator with a stranger. I spilled my guts out to him, which I know sounds terrible, but I had to talk to someone. After my appointment was canceled, I felt like I'd burst if I didn't get it out." Keeping my eyes closed, I held up a hand. "Not that I'm blaming you at all. I understand family comes first. I hope yours is doing well by the way."

She hummed again.

"It's just…I thought I might die. So yeah, I told him everything. Then he showed up at the wedding. One thing led to another, and now…we're kind of in a fake relationship." Saying it out loud sounded so strange. "The worst part is I can't stop thinking about him. I think…I think I really like him," I murmured. Shaking my head, I laughed at myself. "Anyway, those are the highlights. Let me have it, Dr. M. I know it sounds crazy."

No response.

"Seriously," I said, "it's okay. You can tell me your thoughts."

When she still didn't speak, I peeked, opening one eye and then the other. Dr.Moorehousewas frowning down at her phone. It was so odd seeing her like that. The doctor never checked her phone while we were in a session. That alone was concerning. The deep crevice between her brows made me even more worried.

"Dr. M?" I said. "Is everything all right?"

"What? Oh!" Her eyes met mine, and she shot me a sheepish look. "I'm so sorry, Magnolia. That was very unprofessional. I just got a text, and everyone knows not to text me at work unless it's an emergency. Anyway, let's just say I had a long week, too."

I nodded. "You want to talk about it?"

"It's nothing."

"You always say express, don't repress," I said.

She chuckled. "I do, don't I?"

"Yep, and it works for me."

"But this is your appointment, not mine."

I shrugged.

After a moment, she sighed. "My mother-in-law is in town."

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