Page 29 of False Start

"Everything's fine," I answer tightly, then stuff a large slice of garlic bread into my mouth so she can't ask any more questions. She watches me closely for a few more seconds before turning back to Adam and my parents. They're discussing Brooklyn neighborhoods with the best schools. They've been married for five minutes and already Mom is plotting for grandchildren.

Even after those terrible things I said to her, Maya's worry for me seemed genuine.She's a way better person than I am, I think to myself. The realization is sobering. It's time I put my best efforts into making things right between us.

Chapter fourteen

Denise

"No,Ihaven'treachedout again," I reply. I try not to squirm under Dr. Jamison's assessing eyes, but I can't help fidgeting with the seam of my jeans.

What's so weird about wanting to end a booty call arrangement that got too personal? Sex is supposed to be the whole point, isn't it? Not bearing our souls to each other. And Doc's far from a prude; sex therapy is another one of her specialties. She's like the Dr. Ruth of Harlem.

"Do you think I overreacted?" I worry. I feel like a child whenever I break under her stare.

"Doyouthink you overreacted?" she challenges.

I resist the urge to throw my phone at her. Why do all shrinks do that? If you have something to say, just say it already! Why do I have to spend a whole session getting there when you already know where we're going?

She senses my frustration and relents with a sigh.

"As a doctor, I would never tell a patient they overreacted. They react however they react and we work through whether or not it was appropriate and why."

I relax back onto the couch until she adds,

"But if you were myfriend, just asking me over Friday night cocktails, I might ask you why you gave up dick you claimed wasincrediblejust because he accidentally asked about a hot button issue."

I giggle, and Dr. Jamison primly takes a sip of water from a tall glass on her ottoman. That is why I love her. Of course she's trained, but she also knows when to keep it real.

"The dick was superb. Like…" I think back wistfully, "the kinda dick worth giving up your freedom."

I laugh to myself, but look up to see Dr. Jamison writing on her notepad.Damnit.I can just imagine what it says.

Patient displays alarming fear of commitment stemming from parental abandonment issues.

It's the truth and I know it.

"You and I both know you're not ready for a session addressing your dating behavior," she says with a stern look. I shake my head.No, thank you.

"Then how about we just play devil's advocate? On one hand, he hit upon a sensitive issue, and you shouldn't have to share anything personal in a purely sexual relationship."

"Exactly!" I yell, glad she finally gets it.

"On the other hand, the two of you have sexual chemistry that's hard to come by. And, since he married your best friend, you're bound to run into him. Maybe you need to clear the air. He may be fine avoiding sensitive topics if he knows beforehand."

I pout at how reasonable she makes her argument sound.

"When you put it like that, it seems like you're saying I should text him," I whine. She smiles.

"I'm merely showing you other ways to look at the issue, so that when you make a choice, it's after weighing several options."

I slouch towards my knees, deep in thought.

"I see where you're coming from. And I appreciate it, considering I know you don't think my sexual practices are the most healthy." She raises an eyebrow at that. "So Imaycall him."

I take a drink from my own water glass.

"Or maybe I'll just stick with my existing roster."

She jots down notes before looking up…to myintensedispleasure. There's no winning with this woman.

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