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Chapter Nine
On Wednesday, Matt signed in to Brenda’s office at four o’clock. A secretary led him into a small room. “Have a seat. Dr. Hammer will be with you right away.”
He read her name on her tag. “Thank you, Maggie.”
He sat, crossed his legs, and surveyed the office. Brenda’s diplomas, B.A, M.A, and Ph.D, three frames attesting to the fact she was a serious, determined professional, three others from honor societies, and the last three, her state licenses for Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky proved that she was a successful psychologist.
“Hi, Dr. Winston.” Brenda entered her office.
He spun and noticed the woman standing behind her. “Hi, Dr. Hammer,” he answered, his greeting as polite.
“Dr. Hammer, your four-thirty is already here,” Maggie said from the door.
“Have him fill out the forms.”
“I will.” The assistant shut the door behind her.
He crossed his arms as Brenda sat behind her desk. “So this is to be a very short meeting. I feel cheated.”
Brenda chuckled. “Just long enough to give you my diagnosis.”
He unfolded his legs and leaned forward, hands tented on her desk. “Please go ahead. I’m all ears.”
“Dr. Winston,” she started with the same formality, “Although you seemed relieved that your marriage ended, the divorce has left you with a lot of bitterness.”
“No,” he protested. “I don’t resent her.”
“I know. But you resent women in general, marriage, and specifically yourself for trying so hard to keep her.”
“You think so?” He frowned, assessing her theory. “Interesting. Maybe.”
“I know my job, Matt. Your background, family upbringing, and strict education taught you to work hard to achieve your goals.”
“Okay.”
“You applied the same principles to your marriage. You worked hard to make it successful, trying your best to please your former wife, and resenting her for destroying your self-confidence.”
“She hasn’t—”
“Please.” Brenda raised her hand. “Let me continue.”
“Okay.” He nodded, resigned to obey his shrink.
“You became trapped in a vicious circle. As you tried to improve your marriage, you hurt your career.”
“I told you, I was delighted when she said she wasn’t coming back.”
“Yes, but the divorce left you with a lot of bitterness, a mistrust of women in general, and a need to prove to yourself you can make a woman happy.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Did I make you happy?”
Her face remained blank. “This is aboutyouand howyoufeel. Give yourself time to forget your bad experience and regain yourself-approval. Learn to trust yourself and your choices.”
He snorted. “I don’t plan to commit for two years at least.”
“You’ll know when you’re ready. Meanwhile, take time to relax and enjoy life.”
“Do you still want to date me after what you’ve discovered?”
