Dr. Halvorsen:
Want to talk?
Five minutes later, I’m sitting on my couch with the phone to my ear, staring at the van keys on the coffee table like they’re judging me.
“You’re putting an inordinate amount of pressure on yourself. Why?”
“Because it’s Amy,” I say immediately. “And her colleagues. I want to make a good first impression.”
“Has she said she’s worried?”
“No.”
“Then whose expectations are you trying to meet?”
I close my eyes. “Mine.”
Silence stretches. Not uncomfortable. Intentional.
“Brennan,” he says gently, “Take a deep breath and relax. Enjoy yourself. You’re stressing out about something that may not come to fruition. All Amy cares about is you being by her side.”
I exhale. “Yeah.”
“You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to perform and earn your place tonight.”
“I know,” I say. “I just want tonight to be special.”
“It already is. You’re going. And you’re doing it as yourself.”
I glance at the Scooby stuffed dog I bought earlier to add an additional prop to our costume. “Define ‘yourself,’ Doc,” I say dryly.
He laughs. “Okay. As much as your costume allows.”
I rub a hand over the back of my neck. “So, what if something goes wrong?”
“Then it does and you fix it the best you can.”
“Since I know Amy values intention over perfection, I’ll believe you.”
“I’m glad you reached out.”
“I can do this.”
“You already are. Oh, and Brennan?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t forget to have fun.”
I hang up, grab my jacket, and head out before my brain can talk me out of the fact that Amy wants me by her side tonight.
I just hope it’s a night she’ll never forget.
The VW van is exactly as ridiculous as I hoped. Turquoise and white. Despite it being lent in perfect condition, I still took it to be professionally detailed. It’s been polished to within an inch of its life. It shines so much I can practically see the stars twinkling off the hood.
I even secured Scooby in the back near the window. He’s buckled in like a good boy, tongue lolling, eyes permanently wide.
“I really hope Amy likes this.” Despite talking with Dr. Halvorsen about intent, I’m still anxious. After pulling up in front of her apartment building, I call her. “Hey. I‘m here. Want me to come up?”
