Page 47 of Hard Pass

“Thanks.” I start to move past him and then stop, dropping my head for a second. “I’m headed to Hawley’s office.”

The words taste like shit. Like failure. Like weakness. I should be able to handle on my own.

Going to see the team psychologist.

Lucas doesn’t laugh or smirk or do a goddamn thing other than hold my stare. “Good.”

I blink. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. I’m proud of you.”

I huff out a laugh. Can’t say I’ve heard that much. “Can’t hurt, right?” I make the joke to cover how weird it feels talking about it.

“Not even a little.”

I nod once and then keep walking. When I push open the door to Dr. Hawley’s office, there’s so much shit I can talk about that I don’t know where to start.

My dad.

My mental game.

The investigation.

Why I suddenly have the yips.

Trouble.

The last one has no business being in my head.

And yet there she is.

Taking up space I can’t afford.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Cole

Dr. Hawley’s office doesn’t look clinical.

That’s the first thing I notice.

Sure, it’s part of our facility but it feels a million miles away when I step into it. No fluorescent lighting. No sterile walls.

Instead, there’s a leather chair sitting across from a couch I have zero intention of sitting on, bookshelves lining one wall, and soft music playing low enough that it’s almost background static.

Still feels like a trap.

“Cole.”

I glance over as Doc steps into the room carrying a mug of coffee in one of her petite hands.

“Thanks for fitting me in.”

“Of course.” She motions in the general area of her office. “Have a seat wherever you’re comfortable.”

Comfortable.

Right.