“In our next session, I’m going to ask you more about your relationship with your father and how that’s possibly impacted your romantic relationships.”
I gave her a half-smile. “The good old ‘daddy issues’ trope, huh?”
“Some things become a trope because they’re true. Your father, Elliott Combs, is one of the most successful attorneys in the nation, and yet, you choose to work at a law firm across town from his. You think I wouldn’t pick up on that?”
I let out a laugh. “I think I like you, Dr. Winston.”
“That’s great, ’cause I have a feeling you and I are going to be seeing a lot more of each other. Don’t forget to schedule your next appointment with my receptionist on the way out,” she stated as I rose from the couch.
“Will do.”
Minutes later, I strutted out of Dr. Winston’s outer office with a business card with the time and date for my next appointment the following week in my hand. I had no idea what this would lead to, if anything. But hell, if it helped me to sleep any better at night, then what the heck?
Chapter Four
Chanel
“All right chica, I’m here,” I called out as I stood at Jason and Tori’s door. My brother’s home was almost something out ofLeave It to Beaver. At just over three thousand square feet, the entire home was encased in red brick siding and red and white windowpanes.
Tori stood by the opened door, mean mugging me with her hand on her hip. I knew she was pissed that it had taken me this long to visit. I’d been MIA over the last month. I finally agreed to get together that Saturday for lunch. After my therapy session earlier, I’d stopped by a restaurant and picked up lunch for all of us.
“Don’t look at me like that. I brought pizza!” I grinned, holding up the two boxes in my hands.
Tori’s brown eyes narrowed. Despite her less than sunny disposition at the moment, my sister-in-law was glowing in her off-the-shoulder gray bodysuit. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, and her honey-toned face was bare of any makeup.
“Auntie Nel!” an excited voice called from just behind Tori.
My smile grew tenfold as I peered down at my two-year old niece, Amalia. “Hi, baby!” I squealed. My eyes watered, looking down into her baby face. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed my niece and nephew until then.
“Auntie Nel!” Jason Jr. squealed. “Oh, pizza!”
I laughed. “See, now youhaveto let me in,” I told Tori.
“Hey, Chanel,” she finally spoke before taking a step back to allow me to enter. “Come on. They’ll follow the pizza.”
As stated, the twins followed Tori and me down the long hallway to the kitchen, giggling the whole way. I placed the pizza boxes on the kitchen island where Tori had already set up some of our lunch.
“I made a Greek salad and peach iced tea.”
I looked at the salad and pitcher of iced tea with slices of peaches in it. “Looks delicious. Jason’s not here?”
“No, he had an unexpected meeting with a client this morning. He just texted me a little while ago saying it’s running over.” She shrugged. “He’ll be in eventually. Come on, guys,” she said to the twins. We opted to eat in the less formal dining area that was next to the open kitchen space. I helped Amalia into one of the chairs. I shook my head at Tori as I stood up.
“I don’t know how on earth you have these light colors in here with two toddlers running around.” Tori and Jason’s kitchen and living room areas were decorated in creams and light blues. The dining table and chairs were constructed of a dark wood, but the seat cushions were cream. I cringed at the thought of how frequently they had to clean and replace their pillows and cushions.
Tori rolled her eyes playfully. “Tell me about it. My mother tried to warn me, but you know how hardheaded I can be. I justhadto have it like the vision in my head.”
“And I bet my brother couldn’t say no to you.”
“After carrying his twins?Tuh!”
We both laughed as we plated the food and brought it over to the table.
As soon as the cutup pieces of pizza were in front of them, Jason Jr. and Amalia went to town, joyfully spreading pizza sauce everywhere. I’m pretty certain even some managed to make its way into their mouths.
“This salad is delicious. What dressing did you use for it?” I questioned Tori.
“It’s this new dressing I found while shopping this week. I didn’t feel like making the dressing, so I opted for store-bought. It’s good, huh?”
