Page 114 of Until the Sea Runs Dry

“That’s great! When are you going?”

At Jane’s question, Clare looked embarrassed.

“We actually went already. The end of my shift was approaching, and he didn’t mind coming back to the store for me. Does that make me desperate? I’ve been out of the game for so long I don’t have a clue what the rules are.”

“The rules are that you do whatever you feel like,” Jane was pretty firm on this. She hated that their society decreed games should be played in a relationship, especially in the beginning stages. Honesty was best. It let both parties know where they stood at all times.

“Then that’s OK then.” Clare took her hands back and interlaced her fingers, holding them girlishly to her chest. “He’s so lovely, Jane. He’s handsome, dresses well, and dotes on his mother. I think he must have money too, given how he dresses.”

“Sounds like a winner to me.” Jane shared her friend’s grin, happy they were experiencing romance in their lives at the same time. “When are you seeing him next?”

“Tomorrow. He’s taking me to a classy restaurant for a real date. I can’t wait! It’s been so long since I’ve felt special.”

Her words struck a chord in Jane. She smiled.

“Maybe we can double date in the near future, wouldn’t that be fun?”

Clare’s laugh tickled the air.

“I’m not sure about introducing him to a famous super star just yet. I think even the most well-adjusted man would feel inadequate against that.”

“In a few weeks, then. I’ll wait until you’ve cemented the deal, then we’ll fix something up.” Jane smiled, eyes full of mischief.

* * *

“If you’re sitting comfortably,we can start.”

The therapist sat opposite Jane, legs crossed in a wide armchair. He had a round face with wide, honest eyes that were only half hidden by the thick-rimmed glasses he wore. He spoke with a smooth, easy cadence that put her at ease.

Beside him, he kept a notebook and pen, though neither were in use right now. Soothing ambient sounds played from the walls. The blinds were drawn but angled so that some light still slanted in.

Clare and Loki sat in the waiting room outside, within “shouting distance” as Clare had put it, so if by chance she felt at all uncomfortable, she had only to let it be known.

Her hands rested on either side of a matching armchair, her head cushioned by the headrest. She was as comfortable as she could likely be, given the situation.

“I’m ready.”

It wasn’t a lie.

Despite the nerves dancing a tango in her stomach, she needed to know who she was. With her relationship with Logan developing as it had, it was more imperative than ever to learn her truth, whatever it might be.

“Let’s focus on your breathing. Breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Allow your mind to drift… to silence the chatter. All we’re concerned with, is the air coming in, then out of your body.”

Her chest rose and fell as the air entered and left. He paced his words to match the rhythm of her breathing.

“When you are nice and comfortable, I will begin counting down from twenty. Just keep breathing and listen to my voice as you start to feel yourself letting go. Twenty… Nineteen… Eighteen…”

The room was like a womb, cradling her in warmth and security. Whether it was the ambient sounds or his gentle voice, she soon found herself drifting into another place.

“Where are you now? What can you see?”

His voice was omniscient, coming from all around her. She was comforted by it, assured by its safety.

“I hear water. The ocean.” Although she had answered, she wasn’t aware of her own voice. There was only the hazy vision that appeared in her mind. She wasn’t in her own body, her spirit floating through glimpses of a possible past.

“Where is this ocean?”

She frowned, unable to put a location to it. “I don’t know. I’m in a marina.”

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