“Oh, come on. There’s been plenty of people falling in love recently. Maybe it’s your turn.”
“I don’t do love.”
“Yeah, yeah. So you say. Have you told her that yet?”
“She hasn’t asked.”
“And what would you say if she did?”
“The same thing I told you.” My body tensed as I said it. And I knew it was a lie.
Kelsey frowned. Thankfully, she didn’t know me well enough to call me out on my bullshit.
No one did.
11
PIPER
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Tammy Jane:Did I just see the new girl running out of The Reserved Bean with coffee all over her? Damn, what did Theo do ...
Comments:
Kelsey Marie:Mom, this is one of those times you delete a post.
Tammy Jane:Well shit. How the hell do I do that?
Kerry Winsor:I saw too! She was crying, so we should probably delete this.
Kerry Winsor:In other news, Tammy, can I DM you about something?
Jade Clark:Real subtle, Kerry ...
Kerry Winsor:What! Can I not have discussions in DMs?
Tammy Jane:What the hellis a dm?
Scarlett appearedon the screen and I let out a sigh of relief. Her hair was messier than usual and she was in an old-looking hoodie, but I was lucky she was even able to see me at all.
When she told me she offered emergency sessions, I’d assumed I would never need to use them.
Today proved me wrong.
My skin burned from hot coffee that had spilled on me. My mind was a complete mess even hours after my panic attack. After the memories of the past receded, all I could do was think of what I’d let happen.
And now, I was so angry at myself that I knew I needed to talk.
“Hi, Piper.” Scarlett’s voice was as it always was, and it soothed some of my nerves. “What’s going on today?”
“I can’t do this.” I shook my head, tears immediately springing to my eyes. “I can’t get over the anxiety. I can’tfunctionon my own.”
Scarlett’s eyes went wide. She’d seen me talk about some of the worst points in my life. Most of the time, I kept it together.
This was not one of those times.
“A toddler ran into me today,” I continued. “A little, tinychild. And I lost it. I almost let coffee fall on her.” I squeezed my eyes shut. “I don’t understand why it’s not getting any easier. I’m trying so hard. I’m doing everything I can.”
