Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 54091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
He writes something down on his pad of paper. “What do you think would happen if you shared what’s on the inside with someone?”
I hum a note of amusement. “They’d tell people. Think I’m nuts. Worry about me. Feel sorry for me.”
“Is there anyone you trust enough to tell? One of your parents, maybe?”
I shake my head. “No, I’d never put this on them. They think I’m doing great.”
“A friend?”
“If I had to pick someone, I’d tell Carter. But he’d see me differently, and I don’t want that.”
“You know, many people have anxiety or depression. Or both. A lot of the time, sharing it with someone you trust can strengthen the relationship.”
I look at the clock on his bookshelf, eager to stop talking about something I’ll never do. “Is it okay if I cut out a little early today? I have a team meeting later and I haven’t been home from the pet sitting thing yet. I want to take a shower.”
“Of course.” He sets his notebook on the table next to his chair. “Do you want to stick with the new dosage and give it more time? We can try a different medication if you want to.”
I stand up. “I’ll stay with what I have. See you next time, Doc.”
A little over an hour later, I walk into the Italian restaurant where our team dinner is being held, seeing the long table filled with my teammates from the hostess stand.
“Hey, man.” Carter smiles as he stands up to give me a one-armed hug. “I heard Darling gave you some trouble.”
“Nah, it’s all good.” I take the open chair next to him and scan the table. “Is there bread coming? I’m starving.”
“Yeah, I ordered bread and a bunch of apps.”
“You managed to get a tan in four days?” I ask.
“The girls wanted to be in the water all day, every day.”
“It was a good trip, though?”
He nods. “Yeah, it was great. Didn’t realize how much I needed it until we were there.”
Bash is sitting across from me, talking to Andrei. The chair next to me is open, and I force myself not to react when Anson takes it.
“Hey, man. How’s the new dog?”
“I named her Birdie. She’s good.”
He gives me a knowing look. “You were never gonna be able to find her a good home. I could tell by the way she wanted to be next to you all the time.”
“Yeah, she’s a sweet dog.”
I inhale the scent of garlic bread and glance over my shoulder, hoping there’s some arriving at our table soon.
“Do you have plans for New Year’s Eve?” Anson asks.
“Uh ... I’ll probably be doing something with Carter and Bash.”
He grins, looking excited. “Addison’s coming to town. Can we all do something together?”
Fuck. I just gape at him, unsure how to handle it. Then I clear my throat and recover.
“Hey, cool. I’d definitely like to meet her. But I am seeing someone, just so you know.”
His smile drops away. “What? Bullshit. You weren’t seeing anyone a week ago.”
“It’s brand new.”
“What, like one date? That’s not a serious relationship. Do you just not want to date my sister?”
I’m knee deep in shit. Anything involving me and Anson’s sister is a minefield I’m not walking. Good thing I have a perfect excuse.
“It’s not like that. Mara and I have known each other for a long time. She stayed over at Carter’s with me while he was gone, and we decided to make things official. We’ve been sneaking around for a while now.”
Bash’s chin is practically on the table. “No fucking way, man. Mara?”
It would be fantastic if he would shut the fuck up, but that’s unlikely. I shoot him a look.
He doesn’t pick up on it. “How did I miss that? You guys are so convincing with the hating each other act.”
“We did hate each other until ... we didn’t.”
“I have proof.” Carter turns his phone screen around, showing the guys the selfie Mara took of us.
Bash bursts out laughing. “What? How did you get her to stop hating you?”
“Well, Bash, when a guy has a big wrench and he knows how to use it, he can be very convincing.”
“You’re telling me you guys have ...” He looks over both shoulders and lowers his voice. “Fucked?”
I grin, enjoying his disbelief. “Many times. Many ways.”
Bash looks at Carter. “Why didn’t you mention this?”
“I just found out on my trip.”
Bash takes out his phone. “Does Lainey know?”
Shit. If he texts Lainey, she’ll text Mara, and Mara could come storming into this restaurant and blow my story.
“Mara wants to be the one to tell her,” Carter says, saving me. “I saw her earlier today and we talked about it.”
I shoot him a grateful look.
Anton looks almost sick over the news. “Addison’s gonna be crushed. She wanted to kiss you at midnight on New Year’s Eve.”