Page 44 of Unraveling Rain
“That is the first step toward healing, Rain,” she says. “You didn’t do anything to deserve what happened. He chose to hurt you. That’s on him, not you.”
I close my eyes again, letting her words settle deep in my heart and my head. Somehow, hearing them from someone else gives them more weight. More truth.
“You don’t know what this new guy’s intentions are yet, and that’s okay,” she adds. “As you said, it’s still early. But if your body and your heart are responding to him in a way they haven’t with anyone else, perhaps that’s worth exploring.”
I nod slowly, a crooked smile tugging on my lips.
“Next time, we’ll talk about red flags. What to look out for as you spend more time with this new guy.”
My smile stretches wider, blooming into a full grin as I picture Xander’s face.
I can’t wait to see him again.
Chapter 12
Xander
“Come on in,” I hear Ruin say as I knock on her office door.
Inside, the room smells faintly of lavender and something warm—maybe toast. On the coffee table between the couch and the rocking chair sits a tray loaded with healthy snacks: tuna sandwiches, cucumbers, carrots, peppers, grapes, strawberries, Greek yogurt, and granola.
“Wow. What’s all this?” I ask, rubbing my palms on my thighs as I take a seaton the couch.
“It’s snack time,” she says, setting her cup down on a side table. “I need to eat and drink often so I can keep up the milk supply my babies need.” She chuckles softly, her green eyes brightening at the mention of her children. “And instead of eating by myself and looking like a total brat, I’d rather share.”
She rises and walks to the mini fridge by the door. “Would you like water, tea, or juice?”
“Water is fine. Thank you,” I say, loading up my plate.
Just then, I notice a dog bed tucked in the corner by the fridge. A smile tugs my lips at the sight of a very big, very fluffy husky sound asleep.
Ruin smiles when she follows my gaze. “That’s Cobalt. He’s a big softy and loves hanging out in my office when I have patients.”
As soon as he hears his name, he raises his head. When he sees me, he trots over to me and settles between my legs.
I pass my hand over his fluffy fur, and he rubs his head against my knee in appreciation.
“Who’s a good boy? Huh? Huh?”
I sit back on the couch, feeling at ease and ready for this session. “He’s a beautiful dog.”
Ruin’s face transforms with pride. “Yes, he’s the best dog ever. My husband got him for me when I was still working on recovering my memories, and he’s been such a great companion. He doesn’t leave the babies’side when we’re home.”
She settles back into her chair, sips her tea once more, and sets it aside. Then she grabs a notepad and pen, shifts in her seat, and fixes her gaze on me.
“Are you ready to begin?”
I nod, chewing a huge bite of my sandwich.
“Great. Today, I think we should tackle what I believe is the root of your insecurities.”
I raise an eyebrow. We’ve only spoken once, but I don’t remember saying anything about insecurities.
“I usually read and reread the notes I take during a session,” she explains, “just in case I missed something. With you, it was very clear from the first moment we spoke—your need to live up to your family’s legacy is feeding your self-doubt.”
She looks at me, not a hint of judgment or pity in her expression.
“Well, yeah. I want to make my family proud,” I say, hearing the defensive edge in my voice.
