Page 71 of Rather: The Therapist

“Priest. You’re late.”

“Princeton was having a rough evening.”

I tipped my head in the opposite direction, silently commanding movement from Rose. She was free to leave and rejoin the rest of the family.

“I’m sending for him tomorrow. Maybe a day or two in nature will help. Get him out of his environment.”

“Maybe.”

With my father in my ear and Rose inching away from me, I forgot I needed to take a leak. Together, he and I began down the hallway.

His hand rested on my back as he turned to me and asked, “What do you think of her? She’s a gem, aye? Good for the family?”

“She’s a perfect fit for the family.”

Perfect.

“You know son, she’s a therapist. A really good one.”

“Trust me, Pops. I know.”

“You should consider letting her work with Princeton. Talk to him and see where his head is. I’m worried about him.”

We entered the dining hall. The chatter freed me of the obligation to speak. Everyone in attendance stood to their feet. I leaned in and kissed my mother’s cheek. Beside her was Kleigh. I pecked her cheeks and forehead as well.

Killian greeted me with a hand. Our palms slapped against one another. He pulled me in, patting my back as if we were church members who often had a dinner plate together on Sunday evening after the Lord’s word settled in our souls.

“Stop patting my fucking back,” I insisted.

“Would you prefer I rubbed your ass?”

“If you want to see your mother cry tonight then try it.”

“Boys–” Kleigh cautioned. “Please.”

Because Killian had made it clear he was fishing for a reaction from me, I continued around the table. Kofi’s embrace was as theatrical as his choice of attire. While we all were draped in black with hints of color, Kofi was fully clothed in red.

Our embrace provided a better view of the woman who was trying her hardest to disappear in plain sight. Although she was losing it inside, one wouldn’t be able to guess it. From first glance, one would believe she was a well-put-together, unbothered ball of fire.

But, the tapping of her fingers on the table and her lack of ability to acknowledge my presence suddenly revealed just how much she was falling apart. She was losing it inside. But, she wasn’t the only one. The difference between us was I knew how to remain collected and unchanging. Rather, not so much.

I rounded the table, again, stopping at the very end where I sat directly opposite of my father. Because he was the owner of our family home, he sat on one end. Because I was the head of the family, I sat at the other.

Simultaneously, we all sat. Naturally, my eyes gravitated to the most interesting being at the table. She was clothed in a black dress that stopped inches away from her knees and hugged her body like a glove.

“So, Rather and I had a little girl time this week,” Kleigh revealed. “I really enjoyed myself.”

“Was it because you’re still holding onto that dream of having a sister or is it because you actually had a good time.” My mother asked.

“Both, actually.”

“Rather.” My mother turned to our guest. “What about you?”

“I’ve spent the bulk of my life with six girls. Last night didn’t feel any different.”

“Awwww,” Kleigh dragged, “That feels like a compliment.”

“Probably because it is.”

---