"And it was intense. Anonymous session. Complete privacy protocols." I ran a hand through my hair. "But something about her felt… right. Like I knew her somehow, even though I couldn't see her face clearly. Couldn't know anything about her."
"Her?" Beck leaned forward, intrigued.
"She booked the session. First-timer. I was supposed to guide her through sensory play, trust-building." My throat tightened. "And she was incredible, Beck. The way she responded, how she trusted me. It was—" I stopped, unable to articulate it. "And then she ran. Just disappeared while I was in the bathroom."
Beck let out a low whistle. "That's rough, man."
"The worst part? I can't stop thinking about her. Which is insane because I don't even know her name. Her real one, anyway." I laughed bitterly. "Meanwhile, I'm supposed to be figuring out my feelings for Sadie, and instead I'm obsessing over a masked stranger."
"Maybe it's connected," Beck suggested.
"What do you mean?"
"Maybe you're finally ready to be vulnerable with someone, and your subconscious picked a safe way to practice. Anonymous, no consequences, no risk of screwing up Casey's life if it goes wrong."
I stared at him. "When did you become a therapist?"
"I have four sisters. You learn things." Beck clapped my shoulder. "But seriously, man. Don't torture yourself over this. Maybe it was just what you needed. Even if it was with a stranger."
My phone buzzed. Dr. Reyes wanted to confirm our emergency session tomorrow morning. I'd called him at midnight last night,standing in Sassy's parking lot, trying to process what had happened.
"I'm seeing Sadie at Casey's practice later," I said, changing the subject. "Need to keep things normal."
"Good luck with that." Beck's knowing look made me grimace. "Just remember, whatever happened last night, it doesn't change what you want. It just made you realize how much you're capable of feeling."
If only it were that simple.
Later, watching Casey skate circles around the other kids at practice, Sadie arrived. She spotted me immediately but hesitated at the boards, clearly debating whether to join me or maintain her distance.
I made the choice for her, skating over casually. "Hey."
"Hey." She wouldn't meet my eyes, and she looked exhausted. "Good practice?"
"Casey's doing great. Coach wants her to try out for the advanced group."
"That's wonderful." A pause, thick with unspoken tension. "Listen, about—"
"About what?" I kept my tone neutral, even though my pulse jumped.
"Nothing. Never mind." She wrapped her arms around herself, and I caught a faint whiff of her perfume.
The same scent that had clung to Ava's skin.
But that was impossible. Lots of women wore similar perfumes. My mind was playing tricks, trying to connect dots that didn't exist.
"You okay?" I asked gently. "You look like you didn't sleep."
Something vulnerable flickered in her eyes before she looked away. "Just tired. Long night."
"Yeah." My voice came out rougher than intended. "Me too."
For a moment, we just stood there, neither knowing what to say. She looked away first.
Before I could figure out what to say, Casey skated over, her face flushed with exertion and joy. "Uncle Easton! Did you see my backward crossovers? Mom, did you see?"
And just like that, we were back to being the adults in Casey's life, putting on smiles while our own complications simmered beneath the surface.
But something had shifted. I'd felt it the moment I'd caught Sadie's scent.
