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"Then his out-of-the-blue, maniacal sister appears and attempts to botch things between the two of you before making an exhibition of herself and storming off. Well, I can think of one or two... maybe three reasons a person would act that way." By the muffled sounds, I could tell Marcie had changed how she was holding the phone, probably getting ready for a long chat.
"Can you tell me what's going on in that mind of yours?" I queried, shifting to the rocking chair next to the sofa.
"First, do you think she's jealous of you or her brother? Is she attractive?"
"Meagan is beautiful. Obviously, she has fake boobs, but that's not a big deal. She is not the jealous type. She even sets her brother up with her friends, sometimes.”
"Why doesn't she want him to date you? That's weird. Something about you or both of you must make her see you two as incompatible, not girlfriend/boyfriend material."
"I don't know," I said, chewing on my thumbnail. "Maybe she's worrying because I'm just coming off a bad relationship with Nolan and haven't really recovered emotionally from it yet.”
"Hmm," Marcie said. "Well, that's possible. But I think it goes deeper than that."
"What do you think it is, then?"
"Don't forget you've been hurt and are vulnerable, sweetie. Maybe she doesn't want you to get hurt again." Marcie clicked her tongue. "You know, there is a possibility that this has nothing to do with you at all. It could be Guy."
"What do you mean?" I frowned, not liking where this conversation was going.
"Well, think about it. He's her brother, and she loves him. She doesn't want to see him get hurt, either."
"So you think she's just looking out for her older brother?" I asked, trying to see things from her perspective.
"It's a possibility," she said. "Look, you have to admit, it is a little strange that he would suddenly want to pursue a relationship with you now, out of the blue, after all these years."
"I guess you have a point," I said, sighing. "I hadn't thought of it that way."
"It's something to think about," Marcie said. "Just be careful, okay? I don't want to see you get all upset and get writer's block - again." She giggled and took a deep breath. "Although, didn't Nolan cheat on you, which is why you two broke up?"
"I was in love with Nolan once. I truly thought he might be the one...until he kept pressuring me to have sex." I shuddered, still disgusted with him for getting me drunk so he could try to take advantage to get what he wanted. "I said no, and he cheated on me with some skanky dentist. And I finally figured it out."
"You're right. That was a shitty move on his part. But to be honest, Ariel, your views on sex are significantly more conservative than most people's. It honestly feels like you should write a romance novel set in medieval times when women wore chastity belts." She erupted in laughter.
"That's not funny, Marcie... I need your serious advice. I don't want to give myself to a man who doesn't appreciate me for who I am and not because I have a — you know! Maybe deep down, I didn't think Nolan was good enough. I know that sounds arrogant, but I've come to realize that secretly crossed my mind."
"Honey, you are way too hard on yourself. You're an amazing person with a lot to offer, and any man would be lucky to have you. Just take your time and don't rush into anything."
"I understand and agree with you,” I said, sighing. “But I don't want to be a prude. And Marcie, Guy makes me feel different than Nolan ever did."
"How so?" she asked, her tone softer now.
"When I'm with Guy, I feel like I can be myself. He doesn't pressure me to do anything I'm not comfortable with, and he's just so easy to talk to. I feel like I can tell him anything."
"That sounds like a perfect foundation for a relationship," she said. "Just take things slow and see where it goes. There's no rush."
"I know," I said. "Thanks, Marcie. I feel better now."
"Anytime, sweetie. I'm always here for you." She snickered. "Oh, I've got one more question. Birth control! What are you doing for birth control?"
"Ah, what do you mean? I don't need birth control," I said, getting up from the rocking chair and breathing in the scent of roses permeating the room.
Marcie chuckled again. "Might be a good idea if you made an appointment or something. I've got a sneaking feeling….
"I hear you. I really do," I managed to tell her, albeit in a squeaky voice.
"Okay, that's enough for today. You can pay me for this counseling session by sending me the chapter you just finished." She laughed, but I knew she was serious.
"I will. I'll send it tonight. Thanks again,” I said, disconnecting the call.
