“Hmm, I think you want me to distract you.”
“What makes you think that?”
She tilts her head to the side, allowing me easier access to her neck.
“You called me Dr. Adams for one. Two, you’re practically panting, and three—" I slip my hand into her leggings, discovering her lack of panties, and swipe a finger through her folds. “You’re soaking for me already.”
“We could just order a pizza?”
“After?”
She turns off the gas stove, then spins and jumps into my arms, her legs wrapping around my waist. “After,” she murmurs against my lips.
???
“How was your date?” I ask Helen. I’ve only seen her once since I followed her and her neighbor to their line dancing class, and I’m eager to see how their relationship is progressing, if at all.
When she first started her sessions with me, she was so timid. She spoke mostly in whispers, but now she’s like a completely different person. She smiles as she enters the room, talking with Mia, her face animated. She’s gained a little weight, wearing clothes that fit her properly and are bright and patterned, her posture and aura fifteen years younger than the woman who first walked through the door.
“It’s going well. We’re going line dancing again on Saturday. He’s got quite a few moves.” She laughs. “You gonna take your girl out there dancing?”
“We’re not here to talk about me.” I smile, evading the question. Because remembering how Mia looked in her daisy dukes and cowboy boots is enough for me to buy a Stetson and a Carhartt jacket.
“Yeah, yeah.” She waves. “You two are smitten—don’t deny it. You might be here to help me change, Dr. Adams, but I’ve noticed a change in you two in the last few months.”
I smile at Helen; her warm regard for Mia and me is pleasing. More than pleasing. My heart thumps at the thought that someone can see how good we are for each other.
Mia’s dissertation defense is next week, and she should find out straight away if she’s passed. I have no doubt she’s going to be calling herself a doctor as of next Friday. I had tried to organize her mom and brothers to come as a surprise, but they’re tied to the farm. Levi and Angela and most likely Annie will come for her graduation ceremony, but that won’t be for another few months.
“Okay, okay, you know the story. Boy meets girl, boy stupidly waits for three years to make a move. Yaddah, yaddah.” I laugh, and Helen beams.
“Isn’t it nice to be in love again? I forgot how wonderful it can be.” She smiles wistfully, and I think my work might be done. Despite enjoying our chats immensely, I know that my services aren’t really required anymore, and my time would be better spent with someone who really needs help.
I don’t deny her sentiment. It crept up on me slowly and then suddenly all at once. Like when you walk out to sea, taking steps into the shallow water and suddenly you’re plunging into the depths as you reach the edge of the sandbank. It’s subversive, all-consuming, and utterly terrifying.
“It’s unexpected.” I smile, and we sit for a moment appreciating our happiness.
“Dr. Adams, I’ve been thinking. You’ve helped me so much the last few years. I think I’m ready to live life again. I’d like to stay on your books in case anything comes up, but I don’t think I’ll be needing regular sessions anymore.”
Her smile is content, happy. She has the face of someone who is truly ready to live life. She’s resolved to make her own choices.
“Sounds good to me. If you need an appointment for any reason, just give Mia…or my new office manager a call, and we’ll get you booked in.”
“Ah yes, she’ll be moving on soon.” She considers me for a moment. “I don’t think it will be an issue for you two. You’re quite set on each other.”
She stands and sticks out her hand for me to shake.
“So do I pass?” She laughs.
“Yeah, Helen.” I take her hand and squeeze. “You pass.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Mia
“Congratulations…Dr. Sinclair.” My adviser and mentor shakes my hand before she pulls me in for a squealing embrace.
I can’t believe I’ve done it. I can’t believe I can finally call myself a doctor. I passed. And I’m not going to lie, I actually enjoyed the defense. I was so well prepared for all kinds of questions, thanks to Alfie, that I almost wanted to keep going. I wanted to explain more about the research I’ve been doing around preventative treatment for first-time offenders and especially with how important it is to keep them out of prison and not offending again. Alfie worked with a number of people who had court-sanctioned therapy and allowed me to use the data.
