Page 160 of Nocere

"What are we supposed to do about Nora?" I sighed as I glanced at the door again. "I feel bad for getting on her like that."

"Just talk to her."

"Did you really sleep with her, too?"

Anita smirked and leaned back in her chair again. Sometimes I wondered what a profiler would say about her tell-tale postures. "I'm not supposed to answer that question."

"Okay. You're fired." I pointed at her while laughing. "Did you?"

Her chuckle matched mine and she nodded. "Years and years ago when we were in our twenties and both worked at the same hospital. But that's all the information you're getting."

"I'll take it." I snickered and balled up the tissue in my hand. "Since you're fired, can I tell you one thing?"

"Of course."

"You knew I was gay from like our first year working together. It might've really helped me to know that you understood what it was like. To know that you were part of the community and all. Just, you know, for your future patients."

"I'll consider what you've said, Rosie. Thank you," she said, with sincerity.

"Are you out?"

"In general, I am." She nodded. "But it isn't something I disclose to my patients readily."

"Why not?"

"It could create transference and interfere with our therapeutic relationship."

"Well, I think it could help bridge connections with future patients. Maybe on a case by case judgment," I said.

"Advice well-received." She smiled and we both sat silently for a moment as if a natural closure came to our session and perhaps, work in general.

"Maybe we should get the others back in here now," I said, setting the pillow aside.

"Is that what you'd like?" she asked and I nodded. "Okay. Let's get them."

Anita stood to open the door and not only did Sam and Nora return, but so did Caroline. Sam sat beside me on the sofa and pulled me into a hug.

"I fired Anita," I told her and she chuckled.

"Seems about the right time." She kissed my cheek. "We'll find you another doctor, baby. Maybe a little less gay one so it's not as overlapping."

"Well, I like the gay part," I said and Anita squinted her eyes at me teasingly. "But maybe a gay man to prevent the accidental appearances on Jordan's Mermaid Chart."

Caroline sat in Anita's chair and pulled Nora into her lap. Nora leaned against her, though her eyes fell on me.

"I'm not mad at you anymore," I told her and she pouted at me.

"Neither one of you respect my chair," Anita said to Caroline and she scowled.

"Where's Marita? The party feels incomplete," said Caroline.

"Downstairs at the coffee shop. I banned her until six." Anita perched herself on the edge of the coffee table where she could see all of us.

"Aw, call her up." Caroline egged her on. "Let's get the orgy started." Both Anita and Nora smacked her arm. "Ow. Brats." She grumbled and glanced at Sam. "Your girl is the only non-brat."

"Nope. Not a brat." Sam grinned and nibbled my ear. "Just my kinky little fairy," she whispered and I pinched her knuckle.

Anita pulled out her phone and tapped on the screen a few times before setting it aside. She winked at me then glanced to Sam. I grinned, nodding my understanding of her invitation for Marita to visit with us.

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