And I know, deep in my gut, that the most volatile part of this session hasn't happened yet.
Because Blue isn't unraveling. She's recalibrating. And she doesn't like losing control.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Blue
The grains of sand slip to the bottom of the hourglass, and the chaos inside me turns into determination.
Dr. Mercer doesn't look at me when he reaches for his notebook, and that's how I know he's already chosen. He always avoids my eyes when he thinks he's being decisive. He thinks if he doesn't meet my gaze, I can't reach inside his head and rearrange things.
It's almost sweet.
He states, "This is where we're going to pause."
The wordpausemakes Mom's shoulders drop like she's been holding her breath for hours. Dad stiffens beside her, jaw grinding, ready to explode at being cut off.
My smile grows so big, I can't contain it.
Of course, he's ending it now.
My man's brilliant.
"We've covered enough ground for one session," Dr. Mercer continues, voice calm, measured, and infuriatingly steady. "Pushing further tonight would do more harm than good."
"That's it?" Dad snaps. "After all this?"
Dr. Mercer finally looks up. "Yes. I won't push Blue to the point she's triggered."
"Triggered?" Dad spouts.
"Yes. Triggered," Red repeats, firmly challenging my father.
He's so sexy when he takes charge.
I lean back in my chair and cross my arms, deciding whether to obey or test him. I decide the latter, claiming, "You're ending it because they're uncomfortable."
His eyes flick to me, sharp but controlled. "I'm ending it because everyone in this room is dysregulated."
I almost laugh. He's not wrong, but it still feels like he's yanking the wheel out of my hands.
Mom nods quickly, grateful. "Okay. Yes. That makes sense. But can I ask one question?"
"Sure," Red replies.
"What about medication?"
"Mom!"
She turns her teary eyes on me. "I'm just asking. Maybe it would help you?"
"Skylar, she doesn't need medication," Dad declares.
"Thank you," I offer.
"Medication could be a tool, but we haven't explored that option yet, minus a prescription I offered Blue for sleeping," Red informs them.
"I didn't take it," I announce.
