Page 39 of Breakaway Hearts

“Would you rather I agree with you or tell you you’re wrong and should stay home?” he lets me know I’m not fooling him.

“Which one do you actually believe?”

“That you are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for, but also that you’ve put an immeasurable burden on your shoulders, one you shouldn’t have to carry alone. Or just with Jason.”

“So go for it and hopefully I won’t be too messed up next time you see me?”

“You’re not messed up, Madison.” He sighs. “But I do think you’re reluctant to attempt actual healing. I was thinking we could try exposure therapy.”

“People die of exposure,” I argue.

“They do,” he humors me. “Which is why we’ll try it in safe, controlled environments.”

“A room in here with two-way mirrors?”

“As safe and controlled as we can make it. Baby steps until you’re ready for full ones.”

“I don’t want to be afraid of everything, but I don’t think putting myself in dangerous situations will help.”

“I would never put you in a dangerous situation, but if you’re going to the hockey game anyway…that’s exposure. I would like to expand on that, to give you coping mechanisms. Or alternatives to make you comfortable. Which would be easier if you came on a non-emergency basis.”

“That sounds awful.” I sigh, then notice the time. “I’ll let you get to your actual patients.”

“I look forward to hearing all about the game on Monday,” he tells me with a look that implies we’ll also be dissecting that comment.

“I’ll make an appointment for Tuesday,” I relent, rolling my eyes when that makes him smile like he’s won something.

Chapter Sixteen

Owen

Only when I’m around you

“The student section is sold out, I’m afraid, but there might be tickets at the door.”

Nancy doesn’t sound the least bit apologetic. She hates the rush of students that inevitably arrive late Friday afternoon to claim their free tickets for that night’s game, when it clearly states you have to come before noon or they’ll be released to the general population. Which means there is nothing left three hours before the home and season opener. I shake my head at the poor soul she’s arguing with, but then I hear her voice.

“Of course, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know I’d be coming until a few minutes ago and just thought I’d try my luck. Doors open at…”

“Six,” Nancy says, utterly unimpressed as I backtrack.

“What’s going on here?” I take a certain pleasure in the way Madison rolls her eyes and sighs heavily at the sight of me.

“Student tickets,” Nancy entirely dismisses Madison and focuses on me, which I don’t usually mind, but Madison looks like she wants to bite my head off. “How can I help you?”

“Are Jason Hargraves’ tickets still available?”

“Whatever you’re doing,” Madison warns, “don’t.”

Nancy and I both ignore her.

“The new goalie? I don’t think we have seats for him yet,” she says while checking her computer. “Did you need extras?”

I turn to Madison, and she glares at me.

“I’m not sitting in your seats. I’ll come back at six.”

“I need one for my friend here,” I say, though Madison is shaking her head. “Did you already release my second?”