“There’s a man in my house.”
Her eyebrows lifted slightly. “All right. How do you feel about that?”
I tilted my head in consideration. “Confused. A little turned on. Also, very aware of my questionable life choices.”
She blinked.
“So, I accidentally woke a vampire,” I said quickly, before I could lose my nerve. “But he’s fine! He’s civilized. Mostly. He wears shirts now and everything.”
Dr. Patel nodded slowly, which was therapist for processing-the-crazy-thing-you-just-said. “And how do you feel about him?”
“I amdefinitelynot developing feelings for him,” I said immediately.
“Mm-hmm,” she said, typing something. “Tell me about him.”
“He’s grumpy. Old-fashioned. Annoyingly competent. He treats my toaster like a holy artifact. And sometimes he says things that sound like poetry, which I think is very unfair.”
“Is he kind to you?”
The question caught me off guard. I thought about it—really thought about it. “He… yeah. He’s kind. He makes sure I eat. He grounds me when I start to spin out. He listens, even when he doesn’t understand what I’m talking about. He—” I stopped myself. “He’s grumpy, but he’s not mean. He’s steady.”
“Is he like the people you’re trying to heal from?”
“No. He’s the opposite. He’s careful with me. Like he’s afraid he’ll break something if he’s not, and values me enough not to risk it.”
Dr. Patel smiled faintly. “It sounds like he sees you. That’s rare.”
“Yeah,” I said softly. “But that’s not part of the plan. I’m supposed to be focusing on myself. Healing. Not getting distracted by… intense undead men with good bone structure.”
Her eyes twinkled. “Healing happens in relationships, too, Nadia. Often faster than in solitude. Co-regulation is a real thing. Our nervous systems calm when we’re with safe people. Don’t mistake connection for distraction.”
“So… you’re saying it’s okay?”
“I’m saying don’t get swept away, but also don’t shut down something that might help you grow. Relationships aren’t theenemy. When it’s healthy—when there’s mutual respect—it can be a catalyst.”
I exhaled slowly. “Catalyst. That sounds… nice. And dangerous.”
“Most worthwhile things are,” she said, smiling. “Just stay grounded. Remember your boundaries. Let him meet you there.”
When the call ended, I stared at my reflection in the blank screen. Catalyst.
Maybe I didn’t have to fight every good thing that showed up in my life. Maybe I could let myself enjoy whatever this was with Cristian—in whatever form it wanted to exist.
Not romance exactly. Just two people… co-regulating.
Sighing, I pressed my palms to my cheeks. “God, I’m in so much trouble.”
I padded to the kitchen, muttering to myself about finding something sugary. Cristian was already there.
“Yo! What’s up, bitch?” he said brightly.
I blinked rapidly. “I’m sorry. What?”
He turned, beaming like a man who’d just discovered fire. “Good morning! I was just chillin’ with my slut Alexa.”
“What?”
“I was like, ‘Let’s get this fuck,’” he continued proudly. “You know? You look like you’re serving… dick?”
