Therapist of the year, right here, folks.
God. Fucking. Dammit.
Holding onto her leash like grim death, I set Judi down and called Andrea to give her the rundown.
“If Judi doesn’t like him, that’s your red flag.”
I sighed. She didn’t get it.
“That’s the thing—she was really, really excited. Like, hopped up on four shots of espresso and a bump of coke excited. She wanted to play, and it freaked him the fuck out.”
“Oh…”
“And then I laughed when he jumped,” I groaned.
“And he really was scared?”
“He waspetrified,” I said, internally cursing myself. “I just didn’t clock it right away and now I feel like the biggest shithead in the world.”
“It sounds like he was into you if that counts.”
I snorted. “Wasbeing the operative word.” I paced up and down the little patio, tugging on my hair. “You think I should try to apologize to him? Or should I just let him go in peace?”
“I think you should at least try.” I could hear the pause. “But maybe don’t harangue him.”
“I would never,” I huffed. “But if I can get him to see me again tonight, can you grab Judi for me?”
“Of course. I’ll be there in five to commiserate and make fun of you while I grab my favorite dog for a visit.”
“Thanks, I think.”
She laughed and hung up.
Biting my lip, I pulled out my phone. I wanted to call him, but I didn’t think he’d pick up. Instead, I typed a message.
Me: I laughed, and it wasn’t funny, and I am so very sorry.
Me: We hadn’t even gotten to the boring part where I tell you that I’m a therapist who specializes in using animals to help kids come out of their shells.
My heart raced when the three dots danced, stopped, and started again. Then stopped again. Fuck, this was going to give me an embolism.
While he was thinking, I shot off another quick text.
Me: I have my friend coming to pick up Judi. I’d really like to come over, make sure you’re okay, and apologize in person. If you’d be okay with that.
The dots started again, and his response was immediate.
Gideon: I already have a therapist. I don’t need you to come over and check on me.
Me: Oh, I wasn’t trying to therapize you. We still haven’t gotten to the discussion about how wrong you are regarding Sisko versus Picard.
He didn’t respond right away, and my heart sank. After several seconds, the dots danced again. I had a feeling he was about to rip me a new one.
Gideon: You laughed at a person in the middle of a serious trauma response.
Gideon: As a therapist, no doubt you understand this means you lose that argument by default.
A tiny spark of hope flared up in my chest.
