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With a heart full of emotion, I leave Dean to his dreams, quietly shutting the door behind me.
I head down to my office and before long, my appointments start. Kyle's right. I need to slow my roll and enjoy my downtime more. But what's the point if he's not home?
At the end of the workday, my last appointment is with Sarah, who's finally started to live her new life. Her energy is contagious. You can see the transformation in her sparkling eyes. I'm so damn proud of her and the massive progress she's made. Another success story that fills me with a sense of accomplishment. This is why I love what I do, because even the smallest contribution can change someone's life.
I accompany her to the lobby and there, I lock eyes with Dean's exhausted gaze. Sarah, clueless about our family ties, grins at him, “Trust me, she’s a game changer.” She nods eagerly. “It's top-notch for a reason.”
I feel a blush creep up my cheeks as Dean's gaze shifts from her to me.
She shoves her hands in her jean pockets and a shy smile forms. “I guarantee it.”
“Drive safe and best of luck with Sean,” I tell her, holding the door open. She gives me a hug before heading off to her car. I lean against the door frame, silently thanking the heavens that the day is finally over.
I hear Dean behind me. When I turn around, I see he's noticed my fatigue and raises an eyebrow.
“I'm in better shape than you,” he says, trying to sound sarcastic. But it feels forced, like he's feeling guilty or embarrassed. “Thanks for breakfast.”
“If you actually ate it all, then I'll take that as a thanks,” I say, closing the door and setting the alarm.
“Nothing was left, I was starving,” he admits, shifting his weight awkwardly.
“Then it was a pleasure to make it for you,” I tease him, starting toward my office. “How are you feeling?”
“I haven't slept this well in who knows how long.” He follows me in, and I realize it's his first time in here. “Wow.”
I motion for him to sit as I tidy up the day's paperwork. “I'm sorry for barging in, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” What I don't tell him is all the times Kyle and I hovered outside his door or checked to make sure he was still breathing.
“I really appreciate that, and the fact you took a week off work.” He rubs his neck, clearly embarrassed.
“You needed time, and pretending to be sick seemed like a good excuse.” I grin as I sign off on the paperwork and file it away.
Dean looks around the room, then his gaze lands on me. He opens his mouth to speak but falters, seemingly hesitant to start the conversation.
Despite my exhaustion, I shake my head and gesture toward the couch. “Have a seat if you like, it doesn't bite,” I joke.
His nervousness is palpable as he sits down. “So, how does this work?”
“You mean my sessions?” Dean nods. “We sit and talk. Sometimes I ask questions, sometimes I just listen and then try to figure out how to help the person in front of me.”
“Could you— do you have spare a minute for me too?” he asks, but then immediately shakes his head and stands. “Forget it, you're tired and I've already been a nuisance.”
“Don't be ridiculous, Dean. If you need to talk, I'm here no matter what time it is.”
“It's getting late and I could use some more time,” he attempts a joke, trying to divert my attention.
I kick off my heels and settle into my chair. If he's ready to open up, I'm ready to listen. “Dean, I've got all the time in the world.”
My gaze locks on him, his face wearing a seriousness that's unfamiliar. His eyes, filled with emotion, meet mine as he sits across from me. His body, tense and rigid, finally seems to relax a bit. “Go ahead, Dean, let it all out,” I whisper reassuringly, “I'm here for you.”
Dean begins to speak, his voice carrying a tone of sadness. He talks about life before Greta, how he felt confident and loved living life to the fullest, exploring his interests, but how he gave it all up because Greta didn't want to be a part of his world. I had an inkling of his past from stories Kyle shared, but hearing it straight from Dean gives me a fresh perspective.
“I put myself on the back burner for her,” he admits in a gravelly voice. “All in the name of… love?”
He continues to reveal his story, and I stay quiet, listening as his words paint a vivid picture. He talks about deeply personal aspects of his life. About Greta, and how she managed to hide her manipulative nature. He confesses that he didn't realize when she started calling all the shots. The admission hits me hard; Dean, so strong and confident, how could he not see it? I guess his love for her blinded him, and Greta knew just how to play her cards.
“She didn’t want to sign a prenup,” he discloses. “She threatened to call off the wedding if I pushed for it.”
His words sketch out a life of extravagance led by Greta, from monthly trips overseas to lavish vacations. He talks about how she quit her job in LA for him. He doesn't complain, but the sadness in his voice speaks volumes.
