Page 28 of Someone Like You

He sneered at me. “If it’s that simple, Doc, then what’s your excuse?”

“I’m . . . I’m grieving. Naturally, this would happen when an attractive male shows interest in me. I might react in a way that I shouldn’t, especially when someone such as yourself lets your guard down and shares your most intimate thoughts. It’s natural,” I repeated and shrugged my shoulders as if the answer were obvious.

“Really? Surely, I’m not the first guy to come along and express interest in you, Doc.”

“No, you’re not. Yet, you’re . . .” I allowed that thought to remain unspoken. I was treading in dangerous waters.

“I’m what?” he urged.

I breathed a sigh of relief as he finally took his seat.

“I’m not the one here for counseling. What is it that I can do for you, Casimir?”

“I’m the only one you’ve been attracted to. That’s what you were going to say. Wasn’t it?”

My eyes shifted away from his as I turned to face my computer monitor. I tapped a couple of keys, my computer fired up, and I was logged in within seconds.

“I have a couple of therapists that I think you should consider. One of them is a reputable therapist with more than thirty years in marital counseling. The other is actually a couple, and they are Christian and—”

“Dammit, Giselle! I don’t need counseling. I’m no longer married.”

“Then I don’t understand, Casimir. Why are you here?”

“Because . . . I need you.”

My heart thudded in my chest, and just the mere mention of his needing me turned me on. Rather than address that comment, I turned the query back on him.

“Why did you file for divorce, Casimir?”

“Because I was tired of living a lie. It’s like I always knew that I was, and for a while, it was perfectly acceptable. This last year became more difficult, making me realize I couldn’t continue my life like that. Then I came here . . . and you gave me a different perspective. The thing that I admire about you is that you are true to yourself, and I know that I don’t know you as well as you know me, but I can tell that about you. You’re true to your culture, your roots, who you are as a woman and person. I respect that, and it has encouraged me.

“This divorce isn’t just something that I thought of overnight. It’s something I’ve been contemplating for more than a year but just had the courage to do. It’s part of a soul-searching journey that I’m on,” he said, balling his fists up and pressing them against his chest to emphasize his point.

“Then you need to do that on your own. Trying to draw me into your life right now will only further complicate things, Casimir.”

Shaking his head, he countered. “No, I don’t think so.”

“Casimir, how do you think your actions are going to impact your family? Everyone knows they’re in the middle of an election year. Although you’ve divorced her, maybe you should stand by her side right now.”

“You’re speaking from a place of desperation. I don’t believe you feel that way. You’ve always encouraged both Bethany and me to be true to who we are and our feelings about one another and our lives, no matter how painful. So, realistically, I don’t really care about the impact my decisions will have on the political campaign. Hell, he doesn’t care about me like that. I’m nothing more than a pawn in his game, and this is my life. I’m ready to live it again.”

“As difficult as it is for me to say this, I don’t think that I served the purpose that I was supposed to. Perhaps, because of my selfish interests, I may have misguided you in some of my advice and the way I handled this entire manner. Casimir, I have my own soul-searching to do, but I’d like to encourage you to take some time for yourself. Get your heart and mind right before you pursue anything with anyone. At least seek the advice of another therapist, if nothing else. Please,” I reiterated when he opened his mouth to speak.

“I am a thirty-eight-year-old man who had the opportunity to travel the world at an early age. I’ve seen a lot and been exposed to more than most people ever will in a lifetime. I’m a humble and thoughtful man, never one to jump to conclusions or make decisions lightly. I will give you the time that you need to reconcile your heart and your mind, because, obviously, you need it. But me?” he commented, standing up and straightening his suit jacket. “I already know what I want. I’m not delusional,and this attraction isn’t some form of hero worship, as you reference. Another thing I am is patient . . . but don’t wear it thin. I will be back, and when I do, you won’t know what hit you.”

I stood with my mouth hanging slightly open as I watched him walk out of my office, knowing that he wasn’t walking out of my life.

Giselle

Casimir Perez was like a hawk, watching and waiting to strike and take his prey down at the first sign of weakness. Almost three weeks had passed since I last saw him. I had no idea that the next time I saw him, my guard would be completely down, and it would be in a social setting and not a professional one. He would strike when I was at my most vulnerable.

“You look lovely tonight.” Lloyd Andrews, a fellow psychologist, complimented as he smiled at me.

Lloyd was a married man, but his wife was out of the country at a medical convention. With her urging, he invited me to escort him to the gala tonight. It was an annual fundraising ball for mental health professionals to come together and raise money for research and the support of mental health in the African American community.

Although it was geared toward mental health and mental health professionals, many others were invited, including wealthy entrepreneurs, philanthropists, celebrities, and government officials.

“Thank you, Lloyd. And thanks for inviting me.”

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