I sigh, my heart beating so fast, I release the lace and plop into my seat.
Mom rolls another chair in front of mine. "Does your therapist know you haven't slept since Sunday?"
I go completely still. Machines hum, scissors snip, and fabric rustles. Blood rushing in my ears, I warn, "Don't."
"Don't what?"
"Talk to me about my therapist."
Sympathy fills her expression. She puts her hand over mine. "Blue, I think he needs to know what's going on. Do you want me to call and talk to him for you?"
She's going to break up my relationship with him just like she took Brax away from me!
"Don't you dare call him! My therapy is my business!" I seethe.
She studies me for a long, painful moment. "Sweetheart…you're unraveling."
"I'm not unraveling," I insist, even as my voice trembles. "I'm inspired. This dress is coming from something real. Something good. Can't you just let me have that?"
Her eyes gloss over. She doesn't take her stare off me. "If your therapist knew you were awake for days, working obsessively, shaking like this, he'd want to know so he could help you."
I swallow hard. The thought of Red knowing I haven't slept and knowing it's because of him, that he's taken over every part of my mind, sends a hot, dangerous thrill through me. But I'm not giving my mother the satisfaction.
I lift my chin. "He doesn't need to worry, and neither do you."
"Iamworried."
"Well, stop," I snap, turning back to the machine. "Worrying doesn't help anyone."
"Blue—"
"I have a session at six," I cut in, lifting the Sundress higher and inspecting it. "He'll see me. He'll guide me. That's all you need to know."
Mom goes quiet. Then, softly asks, "And will you tell him the truth?"
I grip the dress so tightly that the fabric wrinkles. "I'll tell him what matters."
"And the rest?"
"Doesn't," I insist.
Her expression falls, a slow collapsing of hope. "I love you. That's why I'm asking."
I don't look at her. I can't. "I have to finish this."
She hesitates, then steps back, finally surrendering. "Please take care of yourself today."
I nod, refusing to lift my eyes from the white lace.
She walks away, and I smooth the bodice again, though the seams are already perfect.
It still isn't enough.
It won't be until Red sees me in it.
Then he'll understand why I haven't slept.
He'll know he's the reason I'm awake, and it'll turn him on so much, he won't be able to resist me.
