Chapter 11 - Hayley

There are only 15 chapters in the book, so we're nearing the end

[Link to Chapter 1 (Beginning of Book)]

[Link to Chapter 10 (Previous Chapter)]

When life gives you lemons, you’re supposed to make lemonade. For example, here’s a life hack: when a court requires you to attend therapy to keep your daughter in your life, sleep with your therapist. Then she signs your court paperwork without all the stupid questions.

“My therapist is off-duty right now,” I say, deflecting Dani’s previous question.

“Off-duty means I can ask whatever I want,” she responds, with the sly smile of someone who’s never had a close encounter with consequences.

She slips her hand over mine, too familiar for a second date and way too familiar for a former therapist. “Besides, if your date – not therapist – has a question, you should probably answer it.”

I give her hand a squeeze then pull away to pick up my napkin and wipe something imaginary from my cheek. “I was going to fire you soon anyway. Then you asked me out. Sort of.”

“That was for a session, not a date!” she declares. “You were a difficult client. I thought meeting in person might be productive. Since my entire practice is virtual – never bothered with a physical office – I figured restaurants are easy.”

We’re back at the same place. It’s close to where I live. Dani, too, apparently. A little trendy for my taste. The kind of place rich girls treat like a McDonald’s.

“So you told me. Though dinner and drinks at 9 p.m. seemed like a date to me,” I reply. “I think I’ve hooked up with a girl I brought to this very restaurant.”

Two now, I guess.