Page 43 of Sassy Love
Love you too, my boy. I’m sure the two of you will work it out.
I don’t reply with anything else. What am I supposed to say? In the last few weeks, I’ve quit my job, landed another one with a pay cut, and pretty soon, I’m going to need to move for the first time in ten years. Serenity is too far from home, and with the pay decrease, it makes things too tight.
“Shower’s all yours.”
Realizing my phone’s gone black, I look up to find a dressed Lamont.
“Sure, thanks.”
She avoids eye contact, and I make my way to the shower. Between my run, yoga, and sleeping on the floor, my muscles could use a hot shower. The second I step into the bathroom, I’m overwhelmed by the scent that is Carlie Lamont. All floral and spice.
Goddamn, if that doesn’t send my body into a frenzy.
I’ve shared an office with her for weeks, but this is like a concentrated shot of her.
I tilt my head, grinding my molars. “Hell.”
“You say something?” A head pops around the corner.
Apparently, the risk of seeing me naked doesn’t faze her.
“Nope. Out you get.”
Her eyes turn to slits, but her disembodied head disappears. If only there was a door to this ridiculous bathroom.
I strip, turning on the water. Stepping into the warm stream, I roll my head on my shoulders, stretching every tight muscle as I go.
Heaven.
Well, almost.
Couples therapy. It’s as stupid as it sounds.
Especially since the woman currently sitting on the floor in front of me with her legs tucked under her butt refuses to look at me.
This is going just great.
“Miss Carlie, this is a sacred space. Nothing you say here would be judged or shared. You can be honest.” Manuel rests a hand on her knee, and she jerks her head back to look at him.
He gives her a reassuring nod and a smile that looks as strained as her tight expression right now. How much baggage does this fiery little woman carry around every damn day?
“Sorry, what’s the question?” she says.
This time, the fire has dimmed.
“What was your first romantic relationship?” Manuel repeats the question.
“How is that relevant to aworkingrelationship?” she says.
“Well, considering the resentment you seem to be harboring toward each other, I’m trying to gauge where it started and why you’re attaching it to Mr. Lawson here.” Manuel gives her an empathic look.
“I’m not answering that question. Pass.” She folds her arms over her chest.
“Okay, that’s your choice. But exploring your foundations will lead to a better outcome in the end. So think about that before your next turn, okay?” Manuel says before turning to me.
“Mr. Lawson, tell Carlie about your first romantic relationship.”
“Ah, there’s not really anything to tell.” Lamont sneers, but I direct my response to Manuel.
