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I’m not normally so mean but that comment from earlier decided her path.
Although I knew such information could only have been fed to her by Dad.
I haven’t seen him today yet, but it’s almost dinnertime so he’ll be back soon. He had team business in the city.
When I got home this morning it was nearly lunchtime. I’d already messaged my mother to let her know I was working at the manor, but thanks to my skillful manipulation she also thought I washanging outwith Evan last night. I didn’t correct her. I figured there was no way Evan was going to clear that up and let anyone know he’d gone off with Tatum when he knows that Dad wants him to be with me.
“We’re going to have to move past these one-word answers if you hope to get anywhere.” Dr. Matthews narrows her eyes at me. “And I need some sign of life from you at our next meeting.”
“Okay.” I give her back the same kind of smile and almost laugh when she frowns at myone-word answer.
“That’s fine, play your game. Just remember that your future is in my hands. Whatever I recommend to your father will be done.”
I don’t answer her even though I know she’s right and I really should listen. But this meeting we’ve had has made me feel so violated. Therapy is supposed to be therapeutic. This woman seems to want to bring me down. How am I supposed to win someone over who thinks I’m an attention-seeking brat? I couldn’t be more opposite, since I just want everyone to leave me alone to live my life.
She gets up, gathers her things, and storms off, leaving me to my thoughts.
Moments later Dr. Matthews’ angry voice carries up the hall as she complains about me to my mother. I can’t hear Mom’s voice and I don’t think I should be hearing Dr. Matthews’ either. I might be the patient but even I know she’s totally unprofessional.
I shouldn’t be hearing how she could have been seeing a client in Europe for a grand an hour instead of me. Or that she thinks I have no respect for authority figures, or her time. I definitely shouldn’t hear her recommending that I spend some time in psychiatric care because she thinks I might have sociopathic tendencies.
Me?A sociopath?The girl people used to call the sweetest in the world back in high school?
Jesus…
I’m happy I have Luc, and last night was magical. The things he said to me and the way he made me feel revived my soul and resurrected my hopes. I can’t wait to see him. But what the actual hell am I going to do about everything else?
Being with Luc might stop me from going crazy in this house and under my father’s control but, fuck, the problems still exist.
I place a weary hand to my head and drag in a slow breath.
The door slams, then footsteps on the floorboards turn my attention to the door.
It’s Mom. She stops in the doorway and gives me a tentative stare.
I sigh, not knowing what to say to her.
She walks in and sits where Dr. Matthews was.
“Please…” I hold up my hand and shake my head. “I heard what she said about me. You don’t have to get into the details again.”
“I wasn’t going to, and I don’t think you need psychiatric care. Neither do I believe you’re a sociopath.”
Relief floods me and the tension in my gut loosens. “Then what do you think?”
“She’s harsh, Autumn, but you need to loosen up and comply. I don’t like her and she’s not the doctor I would have chosen for you. In fact, I was happy with Dr. Francis, but Dr. Matthews is the gateway between getting what you want and not.”
“So in other words, don’t fuck this up.” Mom hates it when I swear, but she nods.
“In other words, yes. After hearing how the meeting went I think I’m going to arrange for Dr. Francis to still have some contact with you.”
I feel even more relief. “Thank you.”
“At least I know that way you’ll be getting some therapy with someone who can actually help you talk things out.”
“I really appreciate that a lot.” I do.
“Great. In the meantime, please, for the love of all things holy, can you try to make Dr. Matthews’ next visit better?”
