Page 164 of Unhinged

“It’s just Simone and me. Criminy.”

“But you’ll eventually want children with her.”

“Are we done?” Why in the hell is everyone obsessed with this shit? Simone doesn’t even mention the subject much. Twice, if I recall, and it was only in passing. Nothing like what I get from everyone else, and she’s the only one I have to worry about.

“Amos will give you your job back in Richmond, or maybe he can set you up at the firm here. I’d love to hire Simone, but right now, there’s no position for her.”

I put my hands on my hips and laugh, but not the ha-ha kind. “Are you kidding me? So you won’t even create a position for your daughter-in-law?”

“Greg, it’s not that easy. I don’t own the practice. And I can’t put her in Cynthia’s former position since she was a nurse. I wish I could hire her.”

“Can’t you find her a job somewhere else?”

“I don’t even know what it is she wants to do. If she’s aiming to be a marriage or family therapist, she’ll need a master’s degree. If a psychologist, she’ll need a master’s and a doctorate. She’ll be in school for years, Greg. Are you ready for that?”

“Why not? I could still go back to school.”

“Are you serious? A lawyer? That used to be your dream. That would be wonderful, but with you both in school, I worry it could strain your marriage.”

“Christ, Mom. I came here to pick up something, and you’re already divorcing us because life sucks sometimes. Is that why you and Dad divorced?”

“Gregory. That’s low. We had our issues. Namely, us pursuing our doctorates and having a daughter with a terminal illness. We hadn’t planned to get pregnant then, but it happened.”

“Well, jeez. I was another accidental baby since having two kids with CF would’ve been horrendous, obviously. But it’s good to hear that my dead sister contributed to your divorce and not me. Nice.”

“Damn it, Greg! It wasn’t Eden’s fault. But no. CF certainly didn’t help.”

“And I’m supposed to be okay with it in my marriage? Yeah. I don’t think so.”

She sighs, recrossing her arms. “Look. I will help Simone find a job and give her guidance. I’m not turning my back on her. She’s a lovely young woman. I think she’ll be great in whatever field of counseling she pursues. I can see she has a big heart, so that’s a valuable asset.” She frowns and asks, “But why did you really marry Simone so soon, Greg?”

“Not this shit. I told you the truth in your office.”

“Yes, you said because you love her. But something doesn’t seem right. You didn’t date before getting married, and your anger with her abated so fast. I believe you love her, but…”

“I fell in love with her in Richmond. No, we didn’t date. Why does any of this matter?”

“Because somehow Hadley plays into this.”

I throw out my hand as she crosses her arms. “Let it fucking go! I don’t love Hadley!” When she psychoanalyzes me with a tilt of her head and a look, I sigh. “I thought I loved her. No, we didn’t fuck.” She cringes, and it tickles me somewhat. “I didn’t know what true love really felt like until I fell into it with Simone. Can I go now?”

“I’m trying to help you. With your past trauma, you have special issues to deal with. Have you told your dad about your assault yet?”

“Fuck, Mom. No. I’m not rushing to do that.”

“You need to tell him.”

“So he’ll also ride my ass about talking about my damn feelings? No, thanks.”

“He loves you. He may help you more than I have.”

“I doubt it. You shouldn’t even know.”

“Yes, I should! I’m your mother! It was my job to protect you! My God! You just graduated from high school! You were still a kid, regardless of your legal age!”

Sliding my hand into my hair, I sigh and grit my teeth. “Can we not do this?”

She nods toward my hand. “I notice you’re wearing a wedding ring. When did you get that?”

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