Page 107 of Out of the Storm

“Oh, yeah, I’m a force to be reckoned with. Smacking the wall and injuring myself in the process,” Gary replied sarcastically. Hissmall smile fell away. “Jeffrey, I’m confused. First, you tell me that you want us to spend time apart—”

“Come on, that’s not what I said.”

“—and then you say that you’re talking to someone but you won’t say who. Is there someone else in your life? Romantically?”

“What the fuck. Do you really think I’m like that?”

“Not really, but whatelseam I supposed to think?”

“Gare, I’m... I’m trying to talk to someone. Professionally.”

“Professionally,” Gary repeated. “Like a, uhm, a psychiatrist?”

Jeff mumbled something under his breath, but it was too muffled for Gary to understand, like maybe he was covering his mouth or something.

“Pardon?”

“Psychologist.”

Geez, Gary could practicallyhearJeff cringing through the phone.

Still, he was relieved.

“Oh, well, that’s... interesting. I mean, I’ve heard of people doing that.”

“Shut up, Gare, no you haven’t.”

With a playful scoff, Gary said, “Excuse me, I have a television. I’ve watched the news and soap operas and various other programs that have mentioned the existence of therapy.”

Jeff snorted. “Wow, thanks, radio man. I feel so normal now.”

“Sorry,” Gary said with a laugh. “I’m completely supportive of you, for what it’s worth.”

“Thanks,” Jeff said, his voice kind of muffled again.

Gary could picture Jeff trying to hide behind one of his hands. God, how he wanted to hug him right now, to tell him not to feel ashamed for wanting some help.

“Did the, uhm, psychologist tell you that we shouldn’t see each other in person or something?”

“No, that’s me. I thought maybe before I embarrass the shit out of myself even more, I should try to see if I could fix everything.”

“I wish you wouldn’t be embarrassed.”

“But I am. So can I have a little time to try to learn how to not panic like I have been? Before we see each other again?”

“Well, yeah, of course.”

“Don’t ‘of course’ me when you were upset two minutes ago.”

“I was upset because you wouldn’t explain where you were coming from, not because you brought it up.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Jeff.”

“Gare.”

Gary couldn’t stifle the laugh. “Fine. Iwasupset. But I’m okay now. Or, well, when’s your next appointment? Can you tell me how long I have to endure the torture of not being able to see that cute face of yours?”

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