On the plus side, today is my last session as Liam’s patient. I only had to come for twelve sessions and I’m grateful this chapter is about to end. It feels like a fresh start, like we can move past this and really be together now.
I sit in the same comfy chair I’ve sat in the past eleven weeks. The air surrounding me is charged, full of potential and excitement. I know we have to take this session seriously. Liam told me he has to write a letter to the court detailing my cooperation and improvement during this time. It’s not like he’s not going to give me a rave review, but he needs to take detailed notes to prove it. I can’t even slack off during our last session.
“So, Flynn. We’ve come a long way over the last several weeks.”
“I agree.” I’m giddy, but I can tell Liam is trying his best to remain professional.
“I’ve seen a substantial improvement in you all around. How is the medication treating you? Any side effects?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Good. And you’re taking it regularly?” I nod. “Good. Stopping it abruptly could be dangerous.” His smile is handsome and infectious. He could get me to do anything just by looking at me like that. “From what I understand, you’ve made some large strides in your personal life as well.”
I smirk and roll my eyes. “It’s true. I told my boyfriend I loved him and cut off some really shitty friends.”
“And what about your family? I know there are some outstanding issues there.” My smile falls and we return to doctor and patient one last time. I glance down, twisting a tiny bow ring I’m wearing on my right ring finger. “Have you spoken to your mother at all?” I shake my head. He already knows this. “Flynn, after today I am no longer your doctor. You can do whatever you like, but I’m going to offer you some advice regardless. I think you should talk to her and resolve this.”
“Things will never be the same between us and they weren’t good to begin with.”
“You thought things with your father wouldn’t return to normal, either, but they have, haven’t they?” I hate it when he’s right. “Hear her out. You may be able to bridge the gap between your parents.”
“You mean the gap I helped create?”
“You feel guilty.” It’s an observation, not a question.
“None of this would’ve happened if I wouldn’t have started digging. If I left well enough alone—”
“Flynn, if there is only one thing you take from these sessions, let it be this. You are not responsible or accountable for the decisions other people make. None of this is your fault. Your mother cheated. She decided to lie and hide it from you and your father. Those are all her actions, her choices, not yours. Nothing you have done or discovered since could have changed that reality. This is not your fault.”
I nod, though conviction evades me.
“Our time is almost up. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss before we part ways?” He sends me a silent smirk, knowing damn well that after this I’m going back home—to his place. Our place.
“Thank you.” I tell him, a rare moment of vulnerability coming over me. “For everything. In all honesty, you’ve changed my life. You fixed me and I never even thought I was broken.”
“I didn’t fix you, Flynn. You were always whole, I just straightened out your jagged edges.
Twenty-Eight
Flynn
Lucas’ wedding is this weekend. My parents still aren’t speaking to one another, I’m not talking to my Mom, and the person I want to bring as my date is my boyfriend who is also my therapist.
Olivia has been hounding me in her own way to tell her the name of my date, but I don’t know what to say. I’m sure my family assumes I’m going to bring a friend or Damon, but since I cut everyone out of my life, there’s no chance in hell any of that is happening. Even today she’s still texting me, ensuring I’m going to show up with someone because the seating chart is done and the food is paid for and I cannot handle another word of this. I tell her to stop complaining and I’ll send the second plate to go if I have to.
Oddly enough, I don’t want to cause a scene on my brother’s big day. That’s something I probably would’ve done a few months ago, but Liam makes me a better person. It would only hurt him if he knew I was using him as a pawn in a game of retaliation.
But…it’s not a game to me, not anymore. A few months ago it probably would’ve been. Now, though, I wasn’t to bring Liam as my date because I’m proud of him. Because I love him and I’m actually happy for the first time in my life. I want to be with him always. It has nothing to do with Lucas or the rest of my family.
“I’m about to say something crazy, so bear with me.”
It’s Friday morning and I’m packing my bag for the wedding. Although Olivia wanted to get married at the Arlie Gardens, which is right down the street, my entire family decided we should stay at the nearby hotel for a real bonding experience. Gag me.
It wouldn’t be so bad, but everything is messed up right now. My dad is staying with Lucas for two reasons. One being the old school tradition of the bride and groom not sleeping together or seeing one another before the ceremony. On the other hand, I think it has a lot to do with the fact that he doesn’t want to see or stay with my mother.
Since I’m going solo, after the ceremony my dad is pushing me out of my room to stay with my mom so he can sleep by himself in my suite. Not ideal.
Liam is expectant with raised brows as he waits for me to drop the bomb.
“I want you to come to the wedding with me.”
“Flynn—”
“Hear me out. Carson already knows about us and she’s the most judgmental one in my family. Luke isn’t gonna care as long as I behave myself. It’s going to force my parents to room together and hopefully resolve their issues. Plus, you’re not my doctor anymore, so it’s not like they can hold that over our heads. It’s a win all around.”
“I’m pretty sure they can still be concerned over the fact that I was your doctor. Carson knows the whole story and look how she reacted.”
“Right, but like I said, she’s judgy. Plus, my mom will be so focused on my brother getting married and my dad will be worried about avoiding my mom that really they probably won’t even notice that I showed up with anyone at all.” It’s a total fucking lie, but sometimes I can’t help myself. I just really want him to come with me this weekend.
“What if I just come to the reception? Then at least it won’t potentially cause a scene during the actual ceremony.”
“Deal.” I’ll take what I can get. Besides, I told Luke I was bringing someone and I don’t feel like listening to Olivia continue to bitch about paying for an extra plate when no one showed up.
Liam starts packing a bag and within the hour, my obscenely poofy, pastel bridesmaid dress is hanging in the back seat and we’re headed out. The rehearsal dinner is tonight, but he opted out of that occasion too, not that I blame him.
The hotel allowed the caterers to serve us our meal tonight. Olivia makes a sappy speech before we eat, barely able to control her tears. My brother gifted her an expensive looking bracelet with the words seas the day engraved into it—an inside joke I don’t understand and don’t want any part of.
I sit beside my dad and we make mindless chitchat throughout the meal. I tell him I brought a date and he deflates, knowing this means I foiled his plans to stay separate from Mom. He asks me how I know the guy and I artfully dodge the question and change the subject.
“I think you should talk to Mom. It’s time. Think of it as Lucas’ wedding present.”
“I paid for this wedding; I think that’s present enough.”
“Dad,” I admonish. Olivia’s parents passed away, and though my brother is full of pride and wanted to pay for the wedding himself, my dad insisted it was his way of welcoming a new daughter into the family. That makes two of us who aren’t his biological daughters.
He nods in agreement and I consider it a victory. Even if things go south, at least I
got them to talk. I can’t imagine either of them wanting to cause a scene at the wedding, so I think it’ll go on without a hitch.
After dinner, we rehearse the ceremony. I will admit, the garden is gorgeous. There’s an arch full of flowers at the end complementing the color scheme. The place smells like a floral dream, yet somehow isn’t overwhelming to cause a headache. Olivia has good taste.
I watch them run through the wedding and my brother’s hands are shaky with nerves. Olivia, on the other hand, is calm. Cool as a cucumber. Ready and assured. She looks happy and beautiful as she stands in front of my nervous brother, ironically being the one to calm him.
It makes me think of how I would be in this scenario.
I never pictured getting married. I was never a typical girl, planning out my dream wedding with the real-life human version of Ken to my Barbie. It wasn’t a fantasy I ever entertained.
Until right now.
I wonder if Liam wants to get remarried. I can imagine how handsome he’d be in a tux. His face is the one I envision if I ever walk down the aisle.
Not that I’m ready for that step. I’m only twenty-one with my whole life ahead of me. We’ve been dating all of five minutes and I wouldn’t want to spook him with an errant thought. Being in this setting, it’s hard not to imagine it though. But I’m not going to bring it up to him, no chance in hell.
Once the rehearsal finishes, I’m eager to get back to the room, back to Liam. We have the rest of the night to ourselves and if I have any say in the matter, I intend to spend it naked.
My family wants to spend the night together, making memories or some shit. By family, I mean my mother. I immediately nip that idea in the bud, letting her know I brought a date and have plans. She can figure out what I mean by that all on her own.
I’m in my room for a mere ten minutes when there’s a knock on the door. I assume it’s my mother, wanting to beg or bribe me to come downstairs, have a drink at the bar with my brother and future sister-in-law.
Liam is safely hidden in the bathroom, meaning I’m safe to swing open the door. I’m prepared to tell her off, but the words get caught in my throat. My siblings are standing on the other side of the door side by side. Carson’s arms are crossed over her chest and Lucas’ face is furrowed in confusion and disappointment.
“You told him.” I accuse my sister and she doesn’t deny it. “Well then come on in. Let’s hash it out now.”
Liam sits down on the bed and I stand, defensive as I glare at my siblings.
“You told me you two met at a bar,” Lucas says, recalling the night he met Liam when I was drunk and Liam drove me home.
“Because we did meet at a bar. We didn’t lie to you.”
“That’s a bit of a stretch.” My brother sneers, looking over at my boyfriend with disgust.
“What the hell are you thinking, Flynn? Bringing him here? Are you trying to ruin my wedding?”
“No,” I roll my eyes and scoff. “He’s not my doctor anymore so it doesn’t matter.”
“I doubt Mom and Dad will see it that way. They’re going to freak out.”
“They have their own issues to worry about.”
“And you think this will make it any easier on them? You’re throwing a bowling ball at a house of cards.” My brother’s hand has been all but molded into a fist at this point. I’m not sure he could loosen his grip if he tried.
“I’m sorry for bombarding you. I don’t have to come to the reception. I’m not trying to cause any problems.” Liam is ever the gentleman and always willing to step away from confrontation.
I don’t have those same traits. “No, you’re coming. It’s fine.”
Lucas runs a hand through his hair and tugs on the dark strands in frustration. After taking a deep breath, he turns back to Liam, questioning him. I don’t know how many times we can explain ourselves to my family, and we haven’t even talked to my parents yet.
“Lucas, stop. He’s not taking advantage of me. I love him. I’ve never said that to anyone before. I’m better because of him and I know Mom and Dad will see that and understand, not that I need anyone’s permission. It’s my life and I’m going to be with who I want. If you can’t accept it, I’m not sure you can accept me. I’m only half a part of this family anyway. You could cut me out and not even feel the loss.” I go to Liam, leaning into his side and hugging him around the waist. “I’m not going to continue having this argument with all of you. Either accept us and move on or don’t and lose me for good.”
“I told you,” my sister mutters.
“Told him what?”
“That you’ve changed. You’re serious about this. I told him this wasn’t a fling, that it was the real deal. When you told me about all of this, I was skeptical. I needed time to think and come to terms with it. I love you, Flynnie. All I’ve ever wanted was for you to be happy. And here you are.” Carson walks over and hugs me. Accepting the hug and giving it back is foreign. I’m not sure if I’ve hugged my sister in the last sixteen years. Emotions never came naturally to me, but hearing her accept me for me put a chink in my armor.
I look up and catch Luke gritting his teeth, jaw locked. “I can’t say that I agree with this. You’re my little sister and I want to protect you, but I guess that’s not my job anymore.” He glances at Liam, his gaze searing. “If you hurt her, I swear to God…” He doesn’t need to finish the threat.
“Can y’all leave now? We were kind of hoping for some alone time.”
“Leave it to you to make it weird.” My brother mutters and leaves after giving my boyfriend one last unforgiving look.
Twenty-Nine
Flynn
I would never admit to getting misty-eyed at a wedding. It’s not my style. Even now, as I watch Olivia walk down the aisle, with tears streaming down her face, my eyes burn, but I will deny it to my dying day. Luckily, no one is looking at me. They’re all focused on the blushing bride or my beaming brother.
Shit, even Lucas wipes a tear away as he watches his bride walk toward him.
My brother really grew up. The former popular pothead is getting married and teaching America’s youth. I don’t know if that makes me more hopeful or terrified.
The pastor or reverend or whoever the hell marries people starts the ceremony. They opted to write their own vows because of course they did. I roll my eyes. I’m sure Olivia won’t even be able to make it through her vows because she’ll be too busy blubbering. I don’t know if getting pre-annoyed is a real thing, but here I am.
Forget what I said before. If I ever get married, I’m going to the fucking courthouse and saying “I Do” without all the fuss. A wedding may be pretty, but I don’t think it’s worth the cost. You can’t determine how much you want to be with someone by the size of the bill. Who needs a big party?
Holy shit. Did I really just think that? I really have changed.
I snap back to reality to listen to my brother declaring his love for Liv. “Livvy, I won’t promise to love you every day, because promises can be broken. I’m not going to say how much I love you, because I’m going to show you. My love for you is unwavering. It is not fragile. I am certain that you are my forever and I can’t wait to see where we go from here and how many boats we steal along the way.” He winks at their inside joke and she sniffles as expected.
“I knew I should’ve gone first,” Olivia starts on a sniffle and everyone politely laughs. “Lucas, you make me fearless. My feet have been toasty warm all day because I have nothing to be afraid of, to worry about, not with you by my side. I’m excited to live a little, every single day, for the rest of my life with you. I love you, Lucas Fletcher.”
‘I love you’ he mouths back and soon they’re sharing their first kiss as husband and wife.
Back at the hotel, the reception is being held in the large oversized banquet hall. When the happy couple is in the middle of their first dance, I spot Liam hovering at the entrance. I walk to him and tug him with me to my family’s table.
&nbs
p; My parents are there, plus Carson, Wren, and Ava, and then the spots for me and my guest, as the card reads. Everyone is too busy watching the newlyweds that it takes them a while to notice my date has arrived.
Once the first dance is finished, we all sit at the table and my mom’s eyebrows furrow as she takes in the man sitting beside me.
“Dr. Whitmore. What are you doing here?” She glances between us, her mouth pulled into a frown.
I glance to Carson who’s watching with a face matching my mom’s. The difference is, she knows what’s about to go down.
“He came as my date.” I lift my chin and look right into my mother’s eyes.
“You brought your doctor as your date? Is it a recommended thing because of all the alcohol present or something? Is she not stable enough?” My mom leans into Liam in her poor attempt to whisper the words. Her face is clouded with concern as she glances over to me and back to my date.
“No, mom, I’m not unstable. He’s here as my date. We’re together.” My mom’s jaw drops and I can see the vein in her forehead throbbing.
My dad has a similar reaction. His face is beet red and looks ready to have a stroke. My mom opens her mouth like she’s about to yell and points her finger at me.
“Not here,” Carson begs from across the table. “Don’t ruin Lucas’ day.”
My mother, who is generally always careful and conscientious about appearances and not making a scene, nods in agreement, though I think it kills her a little. Her face has changed from worry to abhorrence as she really takes us in. Her eyes keep flitting away as if it’s too painful for her to look at me.
At least my parents are on the same side about something.
Our table is silent as we eat, aside from Ava’s blabbering to try and lighten the mood. For once, it doesn’t seem to work. After dinner and dessert, our time is up and we have to face the music.
Reckless (A Carolina Coastal Novel Book 3) Page 16