Now that I was a father, I knew that shit had to change. I was going to have to open up to let Willow in.
“I feel so fucking helpless,” I admitted.
Mama Liz gave me a gentle smile. “Welcome to parenthood.”
“Seriously?”
She laughed. “You’ll be experiencing that feeling for the rest of your life.”
“You suck at pep talks,” I mused.
“I just wanted to be honest.”
“One day I’ll appreciate that. But today…” I ran a hand over my face. “I need more.
The moment the door opened I shot to my feet. I was halfway across the waiting room before Dr. Medina could call my name. Glancing between Willow and the doctor, both wore easy smiles, which caused a relieved breath to whoosh from my lips.
“Willow, is it okay if I talk to your dad now?” Dr. Medina asked.
After bobbing her head, Willow ran over to climb into Mama Liz’s lap. With a wave of her hand, I followed Dr. Medina passed the reception door and into her outer office where a receptionist sat.
Once we were in her office, she motioned for me to sit in one of the chairs across from her desk. At my hesitation, she smiled. “You don’t have to sit, Mr. Malloy.”
“Guess you can tell I’m nervous, huh?”
“Yes. I can.” Instead of sitting at her desk, she leaned against the edge. “I hope you know your feelings are warranted considering Willow’s history and yours with her.”
With a quick nod of acknowledgement, I asked, “So…is she fixable?”
“Do you think she is?”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “Don’t do that shrink shit on me.”
“I’m afraid I’m going to have to.”
“What the fuck does that mean?”
“To facilitate ‘fixing’ Willow, as you put it, I’m going to need you to do therapy sessions with her.”
The walls of the office began to close in on me at her words. There was no way in hell I could share my past with the doctor. Despite client/doctor privilege, I couldn’t trust her.
After crossing her arms over her chest, Dr. Medina said, “I’m not asking you to share your past and present with me, Mr. Malloy.”
“You sure about that?”
She nodded. “As a child psychologist, you’re outside my realm of practice.”
Immense relief ricocheted through. “Fine. If it will help Willow, I’ll do it.”
After pushing off the desk, she came over to stand in front of me. “Willow is very lucky to have such a caring father.”
Scowling I replied, “Lucky is the last word I’d use.”
“You’re too hard on yourself.” At the doubt in my expression, she said, “The only person that truly matters gives you a very good report.”
My brows shot up in surprise. “She told you she liked me?”
“Not in words.”
