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She smiles at me. “If you don’t think you can handle it…”
“I’ll be fine,” I say stiffly.
I read the notes as I walk. I’m trying to memorize the names of the clients in my group, but it’s impossible to do that while I’m weaving in and out of foot traffic. I reach room seven, take a deep breath and then march inside. I head straight for the front of the room, juggling my papers as I move, mainly just to hide the fact that I'm shaking so much.
I go back to memorizing the names again, but when I get to the last one, I stare at it, confused. Why would Linton be on my list as a client?
It has to be a mistake.
I look up and scan the faces in front of me. When I see him, his eyes are cast downward, fixated on the floor. I frown.
He lied to me.
It doesn’t make any sense. Why would he lie about something like that, especially when chances were, I’d find out eventually? I stare at him, waiting for him to look at me, but he won’t.
“Linton, can I speak to you outside for a moment?” I say.
He nods and stands up, walking over to the door. He stands outside and leans against the wall, waiting for me. I smile at the other clients.
“I’m sorry about this,” I say. “I’ll just be a moment.”
I walk outside and close the door. Finally, he looks at me with shame filled eyes.
“Why didn't you tell me?” I ask him when I get outside.
“Because I didn't think you want anything to do with me if you knew,” he mutters.
I shake my head. “You really thought I’d care?”
“Most people do,” he insists. “Whether they want to admit it or not.”
“And you still though that, once you’d gotten to know me?” I ask.
“No, but it was too late then,” he mutters. “If I told you the truth after I’d been lying to you, then you definitely wouldn’t want to speak to me.”
“But it makes no difference to me,” I say.
“You thought I worked here,” he says, frowning at me. “I didn’t even realize you thought that at first, but then I just went along with it.”
“That’s why you couldn’t meet me for a drink,” I realize. “When were you planning on telling me?”
“Honestly?” he asks. “I wasn't. My therapy finishes next week.”
“And what was your plan when you suddenly weren’t here anymore?” I ask. “What were you going to tell me then?”
He frowns at me. “I hadn’t considered that.”
I shake my head. “I just wish that you could’ve been honest with me.”
“Like you’re being honest with Cameron?” he asks.
I frown at him. “It’s hardly the same thing,” I retort.
“True. You’re not in love with me,” he replies.
I laugh. “You think I’m in love with Cameron? That’s ridiculous.”
“Is it?” he asks as I glare at him. “Have you kissed him again, yet?” I flush. He studies me closely, and then his eyes light up. “You’ve gone even further, haven’t you? You’ve slept with him.”
“How did we go from you lying to me, to this?” I grumble.
I glance back at the group, remembering what I’m supposed to be doing.
“Let’s talk after this, okay? I have to get back in there before your sister blows a fuse,” I sigh. A thought hits me. “I think your sister did this, so I’d find out,” I say, frowning. “Why else would put me with a group that I have no experience with?”
I take a deep. I’ll deal with her later. Right now, I need to lead this therapy session. I hold the door open and look at Linton. He hesitates and then shakes his head.
“I think it’s best if I sit this one out,” he says. “It feels too weird participating with you there.”
I nod. I don’t like the idea of him leaving because of me, but I understand. All eyes are on me as I walk over to the group and sit down. I smile brightly at them. Some smile back, some don’t react at all.
“Hi everyone,” I say, giving a small wave. “My name is Darcy. I'll be leading your session today.”The session runs pretty smoothly, considering it was my first. After I’m done, the first thing I do is try to find Linton. I just want to make sure he’s okay, but I can’t find him anywhere. I frown, out of ideas. I turn around when someone calls my name. Sarah smiles at me.
“Did you figure it out?” she asks. Her smile widens. “You did, didn’t you?”
“You mean did I realize your brothers is a client?” I nod. “Yes, I figured it out. Do you have any idea how awkward you just made that for your brother?” I ask. I shake my head at the sour look on her face. “Do you even care?”
