“Then let’s take that with us.”
“That sounds like an ending. Spell it out, Finn. Do you plan never to see me again?”
“I don’t know. I’m not thinking clearly. I have to figure this out.”
She felt anger rise. “I see. Well,” she said opening the door. “Let me know when you do.” She climbed out and hurried into her condo.
* * *
Dear Elise,
I would like to say I don’t know what I did last night to make you angry, but I try not to lie to myself. I diminishedwhat happened between us by breaking it down to something to be figured out. What we did was so urgent and primal it could only be felt. But because you’re a client, I had difficulty handling it. Please don’t be angry with me. I’m sorry.
Dear Finn,
You don’t play fair, mister. I want to stay mad at you. I want to yell at you. I know why. I felt too much for you. And you’re right, I compromised your ethics. But I’m not sure what we can do about that from here. It seems to me like it’s impossible to backtrack from a physical relationship. But I can’t help wanting to see you again.
Dear Elise,
Maybe it’s not impossible to backtrack. We could still have a professional relationship. I know I can help you with self-healing for the migraines. And for infertility. Please give me another chance.
P.S. Icompromised my ethics. You didn’t do it for me.
Dear Finn,
Professional, huh? I have to admit I’m anxious to hear what I can do on my own to deal with these terrible monster headaches. I tried to look it up online but got all confused…Reiki 1…Reiki 2… I lose track of what they’re saying.
Dear Elise,
When are you next free?
* * *
Finn treated a few clients the next day, did paperwork, and tried to keep his mind off Elise.
Around four, he decided he’d go visit Fiona. A dose of his sister always cleared his head. He found her sitting at the tableoutside, staring blindly at the pool. Something was wrong. He could hear the TV from the playroom adjacent to the living room; the boys were watching a movie so he went right to her. The sun was bright so she sat at an umbrella table.
“What’s wrong?”
She looked up. Bit her lip. He could see now that her eyes were swollen and red from crying. And her hands trembled.
“Is someone sick?”
“No, no, nothing like that.”
“What could be this bad then?”
“It’s Tim. Fuck him, Finn, he’s having an affair.”
“Tim? Your Tim? He’s one of the best guys I know.”
Moisture filled her eyes. “I thought so, too.”
Though he wanted to punch her husband in the face, none of that would help her now. He sat down across from her and held her hands. “Let’s talk this out. Is the affair over with?”
“He said he was going to see the woman and end it. He left a bit ago.”
“Fuck.”
