With a stupid smile spread on my face, I look back up at my phone.
My stomach sinks when my reflection stares back at me from the corner of the screen. I scramble to fix it and end up shutting the camera off to avoid a mistake like that from happening again.
I hold my breath to ready myself for the pain of having my identity revealed. I screwed up. He knows who I am. There’s no way he didn’t see my face.
Except the rejection never comes. He never points out that I’m the author his friends harassed. He doesn’t demand an explanation.
Instead, Leo’s deep chuckle chimes through the receiver. “I’ll be seeing you around,Jas. You’ve been misbehaving far too often lately.”
Then the line goes dead.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
9:45 a.m.
Mina: Hi, my name is Jasmina. I found your phone number on your website. I’m not currently a client of yours, but I saw a psychiatrist when I was younger. I’m just wondering how much it would be for an appointment?
Dr. Barnsen: Good morning, Jasmina. Dr. Barnsen asked me to contact you on her behalf. The initial consult is $225 for an hour. Sessions running overtime will incur additional charges in 15-minute increments at the 1-hour rate. Further fees will be added if you require a prescription, report, referral, and/or a medical certificate. If you require an urgent appointment, there is an additional $145 fee. We currently have an opening tomorrow at 2 p.m. We look forward to hearing from you.
Mina: Thank you. I’ll think about it. I don’t have the funds for it at the moment.
Dr. Barnsen: If you have insurance, we suggest arranging this in advance of your appointment.
11:03 a.m.
Mina: 2 p.m. tomorrow works for me.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Mina: *Payment request for $370*
Leo: *Leo sent $370*
Leo: What did I just send you money for?
Mina: Therapy. I need it because of you.
Leo: *Leo sent $300*
Leo: That’s to tell them you’re in a relationship.
Mina: I believe you’re meant to ask someone to be with you instead of just assuming. Or, in fact, paying them to be with you. Besides, lying to a therapist won’t do me any favors.
Leo: It wouldn’t be a lie.
Mina: Excuse me? Spell it out to me like I’m two. Please. And quickly before I spiral.
Leo: *Leo sent $500*
Leo: Buy yourself something nice and big so you feel less... empty. Imagine it’s my cock. I’ll send more if you promise me you’ll go to sleep with it still in because I want to be inside you all night. Is this spelled out enough for you?
Leo: Hello?
Leo: You there??
Leo: Need another towel?
Mina: At this rate, the therapist might tell me to block your number over what you’re doing to my head.
