Ever since my blow up with Carson, I can’t stop thinking about the repercussions and if this relationship is worth it. For me, I don’t have any doubts. But I’m not the one with everything on the line. I don’t have anything to lose while Liam has everything. But he won’t talk to me about that either. He only assures me he has a handle on all of it and I’m forced to trust him.
On the plus side, today is my last session as Liam’s patient. I only had to come for twelve sessions and I’m grateful this chapter is about to end. It feels like a fresh start, like we can move past this and really be together now.
I sit in the same comfy chair I’ve sat in the past eleven weeks. The air surrounding me is charged, full of potential and excitement. I know we have to take this session seriously. Liam told me he has to write a letter to the court detailing my cooperation and improvement during this time. It’s not like he’s not going to give me a rave review, but he needs to take detailed notes to prove it. I can’t even slack off during our last session.
“So, Flynn. We’ve come a long way over the last several weeks.”
“I agree.” I’m giddy, but I can tell Liam is trying his best to remain professional.
“I’ve seen a substantial improvement in you all around. How is the medication treating you? Any side effects?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Good. And you’re taking it regularly?” I nod. “Good. Stopping it abruptly could be dangerous.” His smile is handsome and infectious. He could get me to do anything just by looking at me like that. “From what I understand, you’ve made some large strides in your personal life as well.”
I smirk and roll my eyes. “It’s true. I told my boyfriend I loved him and cut off some really shitty friends.”
“And what about your family? I know there are some outstanding issues there.” My smile falls and we return to doctor and patient one last time. I glance down, twisting a tiny bow ring I’m wearing on my right ring finger. “Have you spoken to your mother at all?” I shake my head. He already knows this. “Flynn, after today I am no longer your doctor. You can do whatever you like, but I’m going to offer you some advice regardless. I think you should talk to her and resolve this.”
“Things will never be the same between us and they weren’t good to begin with.”
“You thought things with your father wouldn’t return to normal, either, but they have, haven’t they?” I hate it when he’s right. “Hear her out. You may be able to bridge the gap between your parents.”
“You mean the gap I helped create?”
“You feel guilty.” It’s an observation, not a question.
“None of this would’ve happened if I wouldn’t have started digging. If I left well enough alone—”
“Flynn, if there is only one thing you take from these sessions, let it be this. You are not responsible or accountable for the decisions other people make. None of this is your fault. Your mother cheated. She decided to lie and hide it from you and your father. Those are all her actions, her choices, not yours. Nothing you have done or discovered since could have changed that reality. This is not your fault.”
I nod, though conviction evades me.
“Our time is almost up. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss before we part ways?” He sends me a silent smirk, knowing damn well that after this I’m going back home—to his place. Our place.
“Thank you.” I tell him, a rare moment of vulnerability coming over me. “For everything. In all honesty, you’ve changed my life. You fixed me and I never even thought I was broken.”
“I didn’t fix you, Flynn. You were always whole, I just straightened out your jagged edges.
Twenty-Eight
Flynn
Lucas’ wedding is this weekend. My parents still aren’t speaking to one another, I’m not talking to my Mom, and the person I want to bring as my date is my boyfriend who is also my therapist.
Olivia has been hounding me in her own way to tell her the name of my date, but I don’t know what to say. I’m sure my family assumes I’m going to bring a friend or Damon, but since I cut everyone out of my life, there’s no chance in hell any of that is happening. Even today she’s still texting me, ensuring I’m going to show up with someone because the seating chart is done and the food is paid for and I cannot handle another word of this. I tell her to stop complaining and I’ll send the second plate to go if I have to.
Oddly enough, I don’t want to cause a scene on my brother’s big day. That’s something I probably would’ve done a few months ago, but Liam makes me a better person. It would only hurt him if he knew I was using him as a pawn in a game of retaliation.
But…it’s not a game to me, not anymore. A few months ago it probably would’ve been. Now, though, I wasn’t to bring Liam as my date because I’m proud of him. Because I love him and I’m actually happy for the first time in my life. I want to be with him always. It has nothing to do with Lucas or the rest
