Page 139 of Playing For Keeps
“In therapy because we’re fucked in the head.” He lifts his gaze to mine.
The strain on his face speaks of defeat. I realize their healing is going to take a lot more than a phone call.
“You’re not in therapy because something is wrong with you. You’re in it to get over the years of abuse you lived through.”
“I guess, but Dori thinks I’m only doing it because she gave me that money.”
“You’re not giving her enough credit. She sees the good in everyone. The only person she struggles doing that with is herself.”
“She’s one of the best people I know.” He pauses and then forces out a laugh. “Do you want to know the crazy part?”
I lean closer to the screen. “Sure.”
“If I think about it, I never had an issue with you two being together.”
My laugh barrels out. “Right. I’m supposed to believe that.”
“No, it’s true. Before that happened with my dad, I thought nothing of you dating each other. I just wanted you both to be happy.”
“Come on, Aiden. Don’t bullshit me now.”
“I’m not. You had told me you thought she was hot, and I saw how she flirted with you. I figured you two would date and get it out of your system, and that would be that.”
“Now that I remember, you were pretty calm about it when I first mentioned my attraction to her.”
“Yeah, it didn’t bother me. Not until…” He runs his palms down his thighs. “Enough talk about that. It’s irrelevant now.”
My heart squeezes because I can tell he’s traumatized by what happened to him. Hopefully, in time, he’ll work through it and come out stronger.
“You said you had something to talk to me about. Why don’t you let me hear it.”
“Yeah, no time like the present.” He adjusts himself and looks at the screen. “I’m doing my best, but it’s hard to get my head around not being controlled anymore. I kinda feel like I’m learning to walk.”
“Take your time. We have all night, if that’s what you need.”
“Well, it might be that long.” He sucks in a deep breath. “I’ve been discovering because I was controlled for so many years, I learned to use psychological warfare to overpower the people around me. It gave me a sense of authority.”
I shrug. “That makes sense.”
“Yeah, well, it’s hard to just let that go.”
“I can only imagine.”
“Then take this with some leniency.” He peers at me through the screen.
I nod to give him permission to continue, so he does.
“About what you’re into…sexually.”
“No. That topic is off limits. It’s none of your business, and I’m going to keep that between Dori and me. Nobody else has any say in the matter.”
“You’re misunderstanding. Itisnone of my business. I just wanted to ask you to please keep her safe. I get anxious thinking about her getting hurt…or worse.”
“You have my word. I would never put her in a risky situation. And I’d never do anything without her consent.”
He visibly relaxes. “Good. I figured that’s what you’d say, but I needed to express my concerns in a healthy manner. At least that’s what my therapist says.”
I smile and nod. “Gotcha. Put your mind at ease. She’s safe with me.”
