Pete sways and finally hits the ground. I shoulder Ekatia’s purse, grab his hair, and drag him outside.
“Guys,” I shout as I drag the unconscious Pete. “Lock up in the back. I’ve got the front. Take a few days off. Whoever comes back to work on Wednesday is working for me inmyrestaurant.”
Chapter 14
Connor
Every session, without fail, Dr. J, who is one of the Musketeers, asks me to throw out my gum while I speak with him. Pushing eighty, he’s a retired psychology professor. He may or may not know this, but I prefer caramel candy over gum, and the only reason I buy gum nowadays is so I can chew it when we meet online.
I love breaking his stupid rules. If he were a bird, all his feathers would be fluffing up right about now. I chew my gum the way a bull chews grass and blow a big balloon, then pop it.
“Please discard your gum.”
I spit it onto the screen. “Bull’s-eye.” Right in the middle of his forehead. I let it stay there and focus on it, not on Dr. J’s face. I don’t like him. “Where are the other two today?”
“Couldn’t make it. How was your week?”
“Why couldn’t they make it?”
“I don’t know. But I am here for you.”
I narrow my eyes at the subtle suggestion that I need any of them to be herefor me. “They’re done with me. They won’tcome back unless my brother forces them into these meetings. Bummer. I liked Dr. H. I don’t really like you.”
I watch his reaction. It’s measured, subtle in the way this man shuts down to remain professional.
A deep breath, then an exhale. “I’m sure it’s a personal matter they’re attending to, and they’ll return next week.”
“I thought you didn’t know. Why next week?”
“I am speculating.”
“You’re patronizing me. You know I don’t like that.”
The man shakes his head. “They’re professionals. They wouldn’t miss a session with you if they didn’t have to.”
“Both of them? Maybe they gave up on me.”
“Maybe.”
I take a deep breath, then exhale the way he did only moments ago. “What’s the topic for the day?”
“Whatever you want it to be.”
“Talk dirty to me, baby.” I flash him a smile.
He fights my charm, but I bet he fantasizes about me. I lick my lips, and his eyes follow the movement. Yeah, he liked that all right.
“Your brother said you’ve taken an interest in a girl,” he starts.
“And how does that make you feel?” I ask.
There’s a tic in his jaw, but he remains quiet. He’s married. There’s a ring on his finger. I could keep teasing him, but he showed up while the others gave up. I have zero doubt they’re done with me. Everyone wants to change me, “help” a bad motherfucker, until they come face-to-face with a bad motherfucker. Then they run like the chickens they really are.
“My brother talks a lot.” Actually, Declan talks very little. “I’m surprised he noticed.”
Doc stays quiet, hoping the silence will make me yap. It won’t. When he doesn’t speak, I reach into my pocket and grab another piece of gum.
“Do you want to tell me about her?” he asks.
