by Darla Baker
Thalia turns back to face Robin. “You’re asking if your relationship with Charley will survive this?”
Robin nods.
“I don’t know, Robin. No matter what happens with Charley, I’ll be here for you in therapy to see you through this. We’ve had a long session today, and I’m sure you’re exhausted. I’ll see you next Thursday unless you want to schedule an appointment for earlier in the week. I think that would be wise. But I’ll leave it up to you. And Robin, you have the phone number of my service. If you find yourself in crisis, don’t hesitate to use it.”
“Thanks. I will make an additional appointment for earlier in the week.”
“Okay, good. I’ll see you next week. Take care of yourself.”
RENÉ KNOCKS ON the door as she enters Thalia’s office and finds her stretched out on the sofa. “Hey, rough day?”
“I’m exhausted. So are you heading out tonight or tomorrow morning?”
“I’m going to head out in the morning. I hate to drive at night.”
“I don’t blame you. Did you tell Derrick you’re coming?”
René walks over and takes a seat in Thalia’s chair and pulls her feet up under her. “No, I figured I’d surprise him.”
“Surprise him? Are you sure you’re not afraid to give him advanced notice of the conversation?”
René rolls her eyes at Thalia. “Must you always be the therapist?”
Thalia nods. “Of course. So?”
“Okay, you caught me. I don’t want to tip my hand. And besides, if I call him first, we’ll start having the conversation over the phone, and I prefer to do this face to face.”
“That makes sense. Well, safe travels and be sure to call me if you need to talk.”
“I will. Thanks, sis.”
The door in the waiting area opens and closes announcing Genevieve’s arrival. René walks out of Thalia’s office to greet her while Thalia composes herself and prepares for the session.
“Come on in, Genevieve, and take a seat. I’m going to get a cup of coffee. Would you like anything?”
“No thanks, Thalia,” Genevieve says as she sits down on the sofa looking very relaxed compared to last week.
“So, how did your date with Dan work out?”
“It was fabulous! He took me to Addie’s Restaurant in the Woodford Inn and then we went to see Arsenic and Old Lace at the Woodford Theatre. It was hilarious and I’d never been to that theater. After the play, we went back to Addie’s for some coffee and dessert. I had a fabulous time. He was so easy to talk to—as if I’d known him my whole life. We’re going out again on Saturday. He’s taking me to some local wineries. I’ve lived here my entire life and have never visited the wineries or any of the performing arts theaters in the area.” Genevieve dropped her head and stared at her fidgeting hands.
“What are you feeling right now?”
“I don’t know, Thalia. What if he’s too good for me? I’ve lived in the tiny town of Russell Springs my whole life. I’ve traveled around for my shop. But he’s lived in New York and California, and he’s traveled all over Europe. What if I’m not sophisticated enough for him? What if I bore him?
“Where is this sudden insecurity coming from? A minute ago, you were excited telling me how well the date went and how easily the two of you conversed. What’s going on?”
“When Steve left me, he said I was boring, and all I cared about was Alissa and my shop. What if Dan finds me boring, too?”
“Okay. I’ll play. What will happen if Dan tells you he finds you boring?” Thalia can see the wheels turning inside Genevieve’s head.
She softly chuckles. “Don’t think I didn’t notice what you just did there.”
“What did I do?” Thalia says with a grin.
“I’m driving myself crazy imagining Dan might see me the same way Steve did. But when you asked me to imagine Dan telling me to my face that I was boring, I couldn’t do it. He didn’t seem bored at all on our date. He seemed genuinely interested in my thoughts on the play and stories about my shop and even hearing about Alissa. I’m worrying for nothing, aren’t I?”
Thalia nods, a big broad smile on her face. “Yes, you are, at least at this stage of the relationship. It’s difficult to leave the baggage of a failed long-term relationship out of a new one. I’m proud of you for coming here and working through these thoughts before they sabotage a new relationship.”
Thalia looks past Genevieve for a moment as she remembers their previous session. “Last week, when you came in, you were concerned about having sex with Dan and being unable to have an orgasm. How’s that going?”
Genevieve leans forward and places her elbows on her knees and rests her chin in her hands. She sucks in a lungful of air and then slowly releases it through her mouth, the velocity of the air causing her bangs to fly upwards. “Dan and I didn’t have sex after our first date. He did give me a rather chaste kiss on the lips when he dropped me off at home. He even walked me to my door like a proper gentleman. I thought proper gentlemen were extinct.” Genevieve laughs out loud at her own joke. But Thalia recognizes it as an effort to hide her nervousness.
“He sounds very sweet, and I agree with you. Gentlemen do seem to be, if not extinct, then indeed an endangered species. So, have you given yourself an orgasm.”
“You’re direct. Okay, to end the suspense, no, I haven’t given myself an orgasm. But it’s not from a lack of trying. I followed your advice and didn’t try again until after our date. But since then, I’ve tried twice more with no luck.”
“What’s going on?”
Genevieve’s face erupts into a blush. “Thalia, this is not easy to talk about.”
Thalia leans forward in her chair and crosses her arms in her lap. “I know it isn’t. I don’t need you to give me a play by play on your technique. I’m more interested in the setting, the lighting, and most importantly, your mood and what you were thinking and feeling.”
“The first time I tried again I was soaking in the bathtub like before. But this time, I lit some candles and used some wonderful lavender scented bubble bath and made the atmosphere romantic. I soaked for a while and took deep breaths. I let my mind empty from the chaos of the day and then tried to introduce more sensual thoughts and images into my mind.”
“Sounds like a good start. So what happened?”
“I ran my hands between my legs and started getting busy if you know what I mean. And things were going well until…” Genevieve pauses.
“Until what?”
“I got a bit carried away with my movement, and I knocked a candle into the bathtub. It hit my big toe and stubbed it. The loud bang caused my mom to come running up the stairs and into the bathroom. She knew exactly what I’d been up to. As soon as she saw I was okay and hadn’t fallen, she quickly backed out of the room with an embarrassed look on her face and left me to finish the job. Well, after all the commotion, the moment had passed, and I got out of the tub and went to bed.”
Thalia tries—mostly unsuccessfully, to stifle the laugh as the scene Genevieve painted plays in her head. “Oh, Genevieve, I’m sorry to laugh. I know it wasn’t funny to you at the moment. But I’m sure the look on your mom’s face was priceless.”
Genevieve joins in the laughter. “Yes, it was. It took her two whole days before she could look me in the eye without blushing.”
“So what happened with the second round?”
“After the fiasco in the bathtub, I decided I’d use my bed this time. My mom took Alissa out for frozen yogurt, so I had the house all to myself. I put on some soft, romantic music. But I didn’t light any candles. Without the protection of the water, I was afraid I might burn the house down.” She laughs. “I got completely naked and climbed under the sheets. I cleared my mind again, just like I had in the bathtub, and then once again, placed my hand between my legs and got down to business. It was going well, and I could feel myself ready to climax and then… then… I just lost it. My hand was tired, and a little cramped, and I jus
t lost my concentration. I gave up and put on my pajamas and went downstairs to watch TV and wait for my mom and Alissa to return.”
“You should feel encouraged that your body was responding well to your touch. I’m sure if you give yourself some more time, you’ll have no problem achieving an orgasm. And the more often you have them, within reason of course, the easier it becomes to reach them. Have you considered trying a vibrator? It would certainly help with your hand cramps.”
Genevieve’s neck and face redden instantly. “I could never buy such a thing. I wouldn’t even know where to look, and I’d be way too embarrassed to shop in a store that sold such things.”
“Well, you can shop online. And the stores that ship such items use discreet packaging and labeling. I’ll give you the name of a couple of good sites I recommend.”
“Thanks.”
“Okay, good session. Will I see you next Wednesday or Thursday?”
“Thursdays work better. I’ll see you next Thursday.”
Thalia walks Genevieve out and then returns to her office to close up and head home. She’s looking forward to a quiet evening with her dogs and a good book while lying in the hammock in her gazebo under the beautiful night sky.
CHAPTER NINE
SAMMY, ANNIE, AND Thalia arrive at the animal shelter at nine a.m. Today is going to be a big day at the shelter. They’re having a community outreach festival and fundraiser. The vendor booths are selling organic treats, toys, accessories, grooming services, anything and everything you can dream of to spend your disposable income on your precious babies.
The demonstrations on obedience, agility, and Thalia’s favorite, service dog training are set up in front of the building, and there is a puppy corral along with visitation kennels in the back. Inside the building, there’s face painting and family portraits, which include beloved pets, and what fundraiser would be complete without a bake sale?
It couldn’t be a more perfect day for the event. The sky is a deep blue you typically only see out west, not a cloud in sight.
“Girls, let’s raise some money,” Thalia says as they enter the building.
“Carol, what do you have for us?” Just as Annie finishes the question, the phone rings.
Carol makes an ‘I’m sorry’ face as she picks up the phone. “Hello? Yes, we’re open today. Yes, you’ll be able to adopt pets today. You’re so welcome. Thank you for calling. Goodbye.”
“I’m so sorry, girls. I’ve only been here thirty minutes, and the phone has been ringing off the hook with questions about the event, vendors calling, volunteers calling, staff calling. If this keeps up, I’m going to be running out of here with my hair on fire before noon.”
Thalia’s not sure about her hair catching on fire, but it looks like she’s been trying to pull it out. Carol’s graying golden hair looks like she gave up taming her curls a long time ago. Thalia’s mom used to say her hair looked like Gravel Gertie when it was messed up like that. If she’d known Carol when she was a child, she would have thought Carol was the ‘Gravel Gertie’ her mom was referring to. Carol is one of those people you would call the salt of the earth. Thalia’s never heard her raise her voice or say an unkind word to or about anyone.
Annie chimes in, “If you need a break, I can take information desk duty for a while.”
“Oh, would you, dear? That would be so wonderful. I’d love to get out in the fresh air and sunshine and look around for a bit. Are you sure?”
“Go. Go on, get out of here. I’ve got this.”
Carol grabs her backpack and wastes no time exiting. As she pushes through the front doors, she twists backward and waves. “Thank you, dear. I’ll be back before noon.” And with that, she was gone.
“Well, you didn’t have to twist her arm, huh?” Sammy says with a little snicker. “So, looks like Annie has her assignment for the morning. What are we doing?”
Thalia picks up the clipboard on the desk and runs her finger down the list to locate their names. “Looks like I’m working the puppy corral and you’re working the bake sale.”
Sammy replies, “Well, just great! If I gain even one pound from volunteering here today, I’m not coming back.”
“You don’t have to consume the baked goods. You just have to sell them,” Thalia responds with a poke to Sammy’s tummy.
“Easy for you to say. You’ll be cuddling puppies all morning.”
“True. But imagine how hard it’s going to be for me to walk away from them and not take them all home. Where’s your sympathy for me, Sammy?”
“Pul-leeze!”
“All right, you two. Get out of here so I can do my job,” Annie grumbles as she reaches for the ringing phone.
Thalia waves as she heads out the back to her station. She’s practically skipping to the puppies when she notices a familiar figure in the crowd.
“Hello, Amara. What brings you to our little fundraiser?”
“Thalia, it’s lovely to see you again. I was on my way to the farm and saw all the activities going on and had to stop. I can’t resist the puppies or the food trucks. I’m such a sucker for fair food.”
“Really? I must say that surprises me.”
“Why?”
“You seem more the five-star restaurant and expensive wine type to me.”
Amara shakes her head and looks down into Thalia’s eyes. She’s pretty sure Amara wants to devour her like a dish in a five-star restaurant. Thalia shifts uncomfortably.
“My dear, Thalia, you have so much to learn.” She brushes her hand across Thalia’s chin and walks off in the direction of the food trucks leaving Thalia dumbfounded and frozen in place.
Thalia reaches up to feel her chin where Amara had just touched her. A shiver runs up and down her spine, and she dances off the sensation as she continues toward the puppy corral.
“A puppy kissing booth? What a fantastic idea! Whose idea was it to pimp out the puppies?” Thalia looks over to find Carol in line at the booth waiting her turn.
“It was my idea. What do you think?”
“It’s awesome! So give me the rules. How’s this working.”
“Well, it’s simple. For five dollars, you get to spend five minutes in the corral with the puppies. We let fifteen people in per each five-minute session. If you want more time with the puppies, you get back in line and wait your turn.”
“That works out to… nine hundred dollars per hour. And I’ll bet the crowd is steady all day. Who can resist puppies? So what do you need me to do?”
“Go ahead and join the other volunteers in the corral. You time the sessions, make sure the puppies don’t escape when letting people in or out and that they’re handled with tender loving care.”
“I can do that. What about working the booth?”
“Y’all can rotate the various tasks however you like.”
“Thanks.”
Thalia takes her place inside the puppy corral and picks up an adorable little border collie mix to snuggle and kiss.
After she’s worked several sessions inside the corral, she trades places with the volunteer working the booth. She’s taking the money and making change when Sammy walks up.
“What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be working the bake sale?”
“Carol came back to work the information desk and Annie relieved me.”
“Ahh. Sales good?”
“It was a little slow at first. But it picked up. I’m sure we’ll sell out before the day is over. So this puppy kissing booth is brilliant!”
“Isn’t it, though? It’s been going strong since I arrived. I’m sure it’s going to make tons of money.”
“Do you have time for a break?”
“Sure. Let me get one of the other volunteers to take my place.”
“How are you doing, Sammy?”
“Good. I had a great session with Dr. Masters, and I’m feeling good about getting through the last piece of baggage I’ve been hanging onto.”
“That’s great, Sammy. I’m
glad you and Lauren clicked. So where are we headed?”
Sammy places her arms through the crook of Thalia’s elbow and leads her in the direction of the service dog training demonstration. “There’s someone I want you to see.”
SAMMY AND THALIA take a seat on the bleachers set up to watch the service dog training demonstration. It hasn’t started yet, and Thalia takes a moment to check out the adorable butch who’s going to lead it. Probably in her early thirties, she has short, spiky, two-tone hair, dark at the roots with almost white blond tips. Thalia would guess she works in a first responder role—fire, medic, police, etc. Those small, dark, round John Lennon glasses would look terrible on most people, but they suit her square face nicely. Her broad shoulders and biceps fill out her neon yellow Under Armour rash guard deliciously. And Thalia can’t help but notice she too appreciates her Skele-Toes. That last observation causes Thalia to smile.
“What?”
“What do you mean ‘What?’”
“You’re smiling.”
“So. What’s wrong with smiling?”
“Nothing’s wrong with it. But you weren’t smiling and then all of the sudden you broke out into a big grin. Why?”
“What’s gotten into you? If you must know, I was checking out the instructor and noticed she’s wearing Skele-Toes.” Thalia points down at her feet. “In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m rather fond of them myself. That’s all. No big deal. Why are you making such an issue of it?”
“No reason,” Sammy responds as she’s turning her head scanning the crowd, looking everywhere except at the instructor.
“Mm-hmm. Here’s what I think? You’ve got a thing for Miss Service Dog Trainer, and you’re jealous because you thought I wanted her for myself.”
“And what if I do? What if I am?”
“First, there’s no reason to be jealous. A girl can admire without taking action. Second, I think that’s awesome. So what are you going to do about it?”
“What should I do, Pro?”
“You’re a vet, and she’s a service dog trainer. That’s… like… a match made in heaven. You should have no problem finding something to talk about. As soon as this demonstration’s over, we’re going to march right down there and introduce ourselves. I’ll break the ice and then leave you to work your magic.”