“It really is. You’re in control of your life. You make the decisions and I’d say now you’re away from your family, you’re finding you like your independence.”
“You’re not saying anything I haven’t already thought about.”
“Well then, there you go. Decision made.”
Nadia laughed. “Maybe. But I’m not going to jump in and make stupid mistakes. My parents would have a field day with that.”
Cerise leaned forward and grabbed Nadia’s hand. “How about this—I want you to stay. Besides you promised when I get out of here that I can glitterfy you. I’m holding you to that.”
“You and your glitter. But yes, I did and I always keep my promises.” Nadia glanced at her watch. “Oh shoot, I’ve got to go. I’m already late.” She leaned over and gave Cerise a quick hug. “I probably won’t be able to pop in again. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yep, and hopefully in a couple of days I’ll be home.”
Nadia clutched the doorframe. “I can’t wait. See ya.”
“Bye.”
As she hurried down the hall Nadia went over the conversation she’d shared with Cerise. There were so many things to think about, her career trajectory was a big one. But her possible relationship with Mitch was even bigger.
Relationships had never played a huge part in her life. She’d been so busy concentrating on college and then medical school. She’d had boyfriends who’d turned to lovers, but she’d never envisioned a future with them. They’d been for-right-now boyfriends. Mitch didn’t fit in that box though. She wanted to know all about him. She wanted to help him with his PTSD issues. Encourage him to get help, but not force him too. If she pressured him, she may as well kiss any chance of a relationship away.
There were so many factors for her to consider but she was excited at all the possibilities available to her. Her parents may not have thought her move to Kerrville was a good idea. But she did. It was turning out to be the best decision she’d ever made.
Mitch wipedhis sweaty palms down the side of his jeans. A sense of accomplishment had filled him when he’d made the appointment to see Dr. Valero. Now all he wanted to do was turnaround and walk away. Facing his demons wasn’t going to be easy and he wasn’t sure he was ready to delve into the psyche of his mind. What if he didn’t like what he uncovered the more he talked?
Intellectually he knew that he’d done everything right. He’d saved many lives during his tenure in the army. But had he done enough to help those he hadn’t been able to save?
His pocket vibrated pulling him from sinking further into the abyss of doubts. He grabbed his phone out smiled when he saw Nadia had texted him.
Hey, I just had a feeling I needed to send you a text to say you can do it. I know it’s scary but you’ve got this. Can’t wait to see you when my schedule isn’t so crazy. Nadia xxxoooxxx
How the hell had she known he was having second thoughts? That he was about two seconds away from blowing off the appointment and sucking up the fee he’d be charged. He couldn’t let her down. Couldn’t look her in the face and admit he’d been too scared to take the necessary steps to help himself.
They hadn’t seen each other since the picnic because of life and their busy schedules. But they’d talked on the phone and they’d gotten to know each a whole lot better. They’d talked about their families and they’d touched on his attacks. She’d encouraged him to seek help when he’d mentioned he was considering it.
Mitch could admit he was doing this as much for Nadia as for himself.
Quickly he typed out a response. A brutally honest response because that’s what Nadia deserved.
Are you some kind of mind reader? I was standing out the front of the building getting ready to skip the appointment. Your message was timely. I’ll text you after. Mitch xx
He hit send and pocketed the phone. It vibrated again, and he didn’t need to look at it know Nadia had responded. He would check the message when he got out.
Rolling his shoulders and shaking out his arms a couple of times he strode into the building toward the bank of elevators. The ride up to the floor was quick and he was glad he was alone. He used the time to get his head in the right space it needed to be for the journey he was about to embark on. He was surprised he hadn’t succumbed to another attack, he was stressed about the appointment and sometimes stress caused his attacks.
What he hoped to achieve was to find out what his major triggers were and some techniques to combat them. He figured medical situations were high on the list, but over the last few days the urge to flex his medical muscles again had increased. Working on the injured after the tornado had awoken his dormant medical instincts. But he had to fix himself first before he travelled down that path.
Mitch paused when he reached the wooden door to the doctor’s office. This was it. The doubts that had bugged him out the front of the building had been tempered and he felt more in control. Nadia was right—he had this.
Fifteen minutes later, Mitch wasn’t feeling so confident. His flight instinct was kicking in again as he sat in front of Dr. Richard Valero.
“So Mitchell, good to meet you. Glad you made the time to come and see me.”
“Not sure I am,” Mitch responded.
Dr. Valero chuckled. “Not the first time I’ve heard that. You’ve taken a big step in getting help and that’s a good thing.”
“Yeah.” Mitch sighed and shifted in his seat. Dr. Valero’s scrutiny wasn’t anything sinister, but it made him feel like he was in front of his CO and was about to get a dressing down for something he’d done wrong.
