“Is it important for you to impress Seth?”
“Our relationship ended a long time ago. His opinion doesn’t matter much anymore.” That almost sounded convincing.
“And you don’t feel you have any lingering feelings for him?”
“Well, I mean, the guy was my first love. But I wouldn’t exactly say we left things on good terms. Any lingering feelings are of the annoyed and angry variety.” And the physical-attraction variety, but that’s an insignificant detail.
Dr. Lawson takes note of that, and I know it’s not going to be the last I hear from her about Seth. “You’re determined to complete the challenge and stay single?” She’s studying me with a gaze that’s way too knowing.
I nod. “I am.” I decide to be fully honest, because what’s the point of therapy if you hide things from your therapist? “But I’m definitely freaked out by the idea of being on my own.”
“What’s the worst that could happen if you stay single?”
“I could miss out on a fabulous relationship with the love of my life?”
“With Seth?”
I shake my head and avoid her stare and conveniently forget that tidbit about not hiding things from your therapist. “Not him. Obviously. But maybe someone else, like my blind date or even someone I run into on the street tomorrow.”
“If a relationship comes along when you’re not truly ready for it, is it actually the best relationship for you?”
“That’s a little too philosophical for me, Doc.”
“I want you to think about that.” She checks her watch. “And I want you to think about why you need a long-term partner. I’m not going to lie, Lana, this whole work assignment feels like it’s bordering on inappropriate, but at the same time, I think some elements of it could be good for you. I’d like for you to think about this like less of a work project and more of a life project.”
“I hope you have a lot of availability in the coming months,” I joke, even though I’m totally serious. Something tells me I’m going to need it.
#LANAVSSETH
ROB:For those of you keeping track, current standings are as follows:
Seth: 63 Lana: 41
JAMES:Closer than I expected.
LANA:Wow. Rude.
COREY:I still don’t understand how these totals are being calculated.
ROB:It’s not hard. I created a system.
COREY:Whatever. Just glad to see my girl is within striking distance!
TESSA:@Lana, your second article is so good I love how vulnerable you were, I think that’s really going to resonate with readers.
LANA:Thank you, friend! I hope so. Everyone should be in therapy.
COREY:Word.
There’s even more shipping this time around
LANA:Thanks for pointing that out. Again.
SETH:I know it’s not a competition, but I do already have double the number of comments on post #2.
Oh wait. It is definitely a competition.
LANA:The only reason you do numbers is because you include a photo with every column and people in LA are swayed by good looks.
