Page 28 of Play Dirty

“No.”

“This might be the guy to help with that. You probably could both use a little horizontal action.”

“I think that would add an unnecessary emotional complication,” I admit. “But I won’t lie and say I haven’t thought about it.”

“You’ve come a long way in a short time,” she says. “Just try not to let the past hold you back from embracing your future.”

“I just had a panic attack in a haunted house,” I mutter. “Which used to be one of my favorite things. Unfortunately, the past seems determined to undermine my future.”

“Only if you let it. This is a small setback. And look how wonderful he was about it. Move forward, Stevie. Even if it’s just an inch at a time—no more backsliding. Hold on to the present for all you’re worth and fight tooth and nail for your future. Leave the past where it is—behind you.”

She squeezes my arm just as the guys come back.

“Can we ride the teacups?” Martin asks his father.

Marty visibly shudders. “Sorry, little dude. You know Daddy can’t do those kinds of rides.”

Martin’s face falls.

“I’ll take him,” I say, slowly standing up.

“You sure?” Marty’s eyes fly to mine. “Maybe you should just?—”

“No, I’m good. Rides are different. And I have a well-behaved inner ear. Promise.”

He hesitates. “Only if you’re sure.”

“I am.” I reach out my hand to Martin. “You ready?”

“Yes!” He slides his hand into mine.

“I’ll go too,” Canyon says.

“I’ll stay with Marty,” Saylor adds.

“Wait for us!” Connor and Effie fall into step with us and we chat as we head to the teacups.

Ironically, stuff like this doesn’t give me pause at all. I probably would have been okay at the house of horrors too, had it not been for the woman falling down the stairs.

Even though I know it’s fake.

Even though I didn’t get stabbed.

Even though I’ve been working on everything in therapy.

But that was just too much.

And it frustrates the hell out of me.

I’m doing so much better.

I thought I was.

Now I need to call my therapist and talk about this.

“Yay!” Martin lets out a squeal of delight as the cups begin to spin. We put our hands on the wheel in the middle and make the cup we’re sitting in spin even faster.

And for a moment I’m free.

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