Kayla stopped short and barked out a laugh. It was a really good assessment and probably one hundred percent true, but it didn’t really sound like something a shrink should say.
Dr. Frost said, “Do you want to know why I don’t think you’ll break down again? Although, for the record, I don’t like that description.”
“Okay, I’m intrigued. Why do you think that?”
“Because you’re fighting.” This time, Dr. Frost’s words shocked her, but they didn’t make her laugh. She continued, “Most of the time we talk about the Fight or Flight response, but the more modern theory is Fight, Flight, or Freeze. When encountering stress, we either fight back, run away, or, if neither of those options is available either physically or mentally, we freeze.
“That’s what you did when Skye left. Your mind couldn’t find safety in fighting, and running away wasn’t an option, so you froze. You experienced a state of immobilization that you couldn’t break out of.”
Kayla’s skin went cold remembering, but she couldn’t find fault in the logic. “That sounds right.”
“But this morning, when Mack left, even though your body was hurting, you chased after her. Then you experienced a moment of doubt when you couldn’t find her, and you had the choice again.”
Kayla looked across the pool deck, certain for a moment that she would see Linda and Manny there as she had a couple of hours ago. “And I chose to fight again.”
“And you’re still fighting. You experienced a second moment of doubt, and you called me rather than freezing. That means something, Kayla.”
“What does it mean?”
Dr. Frost hesitated, and Kayla knew what she would say before she said it. “What do you think it means?”
Kayla let herself answer on instinct. “I think it means that my heart knows Mack is the one. She’s the right person for me. The one worth fighting for. And maybe Skye wasn’t.” She took a deep breath, letting the words soak in. One thing she knew, the words felt damn good to say. “Is that right?”
“We’re talking about your mind and your heart here, Kayla. If you think it’s true, then it probably is, wouldn’t you say?”
A smile formed unbidden on Kayla’s lips. “Yeah, I think you’re right. Or I guess I think I’m right.”
“You’re getting really good at this. See how much easier it is when you tell me the truth? Maybe on your next appointment, you could bring this energy?”
Kayla’s cheeks heated up. “You knew?”
“That you were telling me what I wanted to hear? Kayla, I am a very good psychologist.”
“Yes, you are, Dr. Frost.”
“Call my office to make your next appointment when you get back.” After a beat, she said, “And Kayla?”
“Yes?”
“Good luck with Mack. Be honest with her and yourself. Remember, your nervous system already knows she’s worth fighting for.”
“Weird thing for a shrink to say, but I’ll take it.”
“Even psychologists are fond of a good love story. Goodbye, Kayla.”
Kayla leaped to her feet, ignoring an angry twinge in her knee, and ran off toward her room. She needed a shower and time to form a new plan.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“Oh hell no.”
Skye tried to slam the door shut in Kayla’s face, but she threw out an arm to catch it.
Kayla said, “Please give me a chance.”
Skye didn’t try slamming the door again, which was a shock. Honestly, it was a shock she’d even opened it in the first place.
Skye took a step back and folded her arms over her chest with a scowl. “You have two minutes.”
