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Doctor Sheridan sits behind her desk and takes off her glasses. “She mentioned the hike she went on. Mr. X showed up in a very strange outfit all covered up, trying to hide from others including her. He even saw her but totally acted as if he didn't know her. She also mentioned a very similar incident at the pool. He was there again, and in another strange outfit. He was hiding behind chairs and totally ignored her. She’s many moments like that the past few weeks. He’s hot one minute and cold the next.”
A throbbing feeling begins in the back of my skull. I sit still for what seems to be a very long time. I can't believe this is happening.
I sink into the nearest chair, my mind racing with possibilities. “Did she tell you about an incident where she snuck into his room at night, and he screamed?”
Doctor Sheridan’s expression turns to surprise. “As a matter of fact, she did. I forgot about that. It led me to the conclusion that this Mr. X of hers has serious commitment issues.”
Nervous laughter bubbles up within me.
Was Danielle Brian’s mysterious naked lady that night? That can’t be it. It just can’t. Why didn't she just say something about it?
I sit back against the chair and look directly at the doctor. “During all of those incidents, she was sure she was dealing with Mr. X?”
Doctor Sheridan sat back down behind her desk. “Yes, she was sure. I have no reason to believe she’s lying. She got to know the guy and thinks he might have a multiple personality disorder.”
“Not lying, just unintentionally duped,” I mutter, pausing to scrub a hand over my face. I lean back over the desk and hold the doctor’s gaze. “What if I told you that Mr. X doesn’t have issues?”
Doctor Sheridan raises an eyebrow. “I would have to ask what you’re basing this on, Mr. Steele. I can’t base a diagnosis on one person’s interpretation of events. It takes sessions and months of close monitoring to be able to determine if someone has a problem.”
I nod, slowly then faster. “Yes, I understand all of that. But I need to tell you something, doc. I know I’m not your patient, but indulge me for a second. I think that what Danielle perceived as a split personality was actually a completely different person.”
“Multiple personalities?”
I shake my head. “No, it’s two different people. Mr. X has a twin brother.”
Comprehension dawned on Doctor Sheridan’s face. She sat back against her chair, folded her hands in her lap, and blew out a breath. “Well, that certainly explains things.”
“I’m Mr. X, and my twin brother is staying at the ranch for treatment,” I tell her, the words pouring out of me in a rush. “I’ve asked a few of the staff members who are aware to be discreet and as private as possible. I didn’t want him to get the wrong kind of attention or let the fact that he's my brother to interfere with the healing journey. Dr. Masterson is seeing him.”
Doctor Sheridan picks up her glasses and sets them down. “And why didn’t you tell Danielle all of this?”
“Honestly, it never occurred to me that they would cross paths, He wasn't supposed to leave his room. I think he went out once without my knowledge and he came right back, being uncomfortable outside. I didn't know he'd been going out on disguise.” I admit, with a wince. “And I wasn’t ready to tell her about Brian because it’s a lot of shit to put on a person. And I didn’t want that to overshadow our relationship.”
“You were afraid she was going to reject you.”
“I’ve had that happen before. I knew Danielle was special and different from the moment I set eyes on her. I wanted to give us a fighting chance before bringing the real world into our bubble.”
Doctor Sheridan exhales. “I understand why you didn’t feel ready…”
“I was an idiot. I should’ve told her about Brian anyway.” I stand up and begin to pace. “Now I’ve driven away the only women I’ve ever felt anything for.”
And I have no way to make any of it better.
I can't believe the things I told her during our last encounter. I was so mean and cold to her, accusing her. An apology isn’t good enough. And because she’s now gone, I can’t show her how I really feel.
And what a fucking idiot I’ve been for not confiding in her.
Way to go, Adrian. You’ve done it again. You’ve screwed up another relationship by not being honest.
Doctor Sheridan pushes her chair back with a screech. “Look, this might be none of my business, but for what it’s worth, I don’t think it’s too late.”
I stop pacing and wheel around to face the doctor. Then I shove both hands into my pockets and blow out a deep, shaky breath. “I appreciate the sentiment doc, but we both know this is my fault.”
“You wanted to protect your brother, and your heart,” Doctor Sheridan continues, as if she hasn’t heard me. “You might not have gone about it in the right way, but that doesn’t mean your heart wasn’t in the right place.”
I offer her a rueful smile. “Yeah, but it didn’t do me any good either.”
Doctor Sheridan stops and gives me a kind smile. “If I were you, I would go to her. Explain everything and tell her the truth. And then let Danielle decide if this is too much for her or not. It should’ve been her choice from the beginning.”
