Page 60 of Forever Ink

Dec walked up the short hallway that led from the private sitting room next to his office. We’d done some shuffling around, and with only minimal grouching from Doc, we’d made it work having Declan set up his therapist office here. Declan didn’t look like your run of the mill therapist. With his rockabilly haircut and tattoos he looked more like he should be working at Viking Ink than helping people like myself get a handle on their lives. Not only did he specialise in helping the LGBTQ community, but he was also kink friendly. I didn’t have to hide things about myself when we talked.

“So how did Christmas go? Feels like we haven’t had a chance to talk since you got back.” He dropped down into one of the chairs that dotted the room.

I sat back from my computer and flashed him a grin, holding my hand out to show off the ring Simon had given me. “I did the thing.”

Dec jumped out of the chair to come take a closer look at my engagement ring. “That’s brilliant! What about the other stuff?”

Tilting my head back I sighed. “Are you asking as my friend or my therapist?”

“Both.”

“I haven’t spoken to her since Christmas day, but I think I’m going to contact her on the number she rang on. Sooner we get this done, sooner I can move on.” I sighed. “Simon has opinions, but he also agreed that this is my choice.”

Declan ran his hand down his beard, the sun coming in through the front windows glinting off the heavy silver skull ring he wore. “I agree with Simon’s concerns, but I also think you are emotionally strong enough to meet with her. You’re a strong guy, Rhys, and I think that meeting with her and finally laying that part of your life to rest is going to do some good. I— it’s not something I would recommend for all of my patients, but I think you need this. But saying that, you need to remember the tools we’ve worked with if things start to get uncomfortable or you can feel yourself panicking.”

“Yeah, Simon and Donald have already stated that they will be close by when I arrange the meeting.” I slumped forward at my desk, picking up one of my desk plushies to cuddle. “I just find it odd that she thinks I can help her? Like, why she would think that?”

Declan crossed his arms and leaned against my desk. “Honestly? I may be a therapist, but how and why some people think and act the way they do still confuses the shit out of me—our local copper for one.”

I unsuccessfully hid a snorting laugh. “Donald is a lovely guy.”

Dec rolled his eyes. “Yeah, well he gave me a warning for parking on the footpath, and then told me to have a nice day.”

“Yeah, that sounds about right for him. He’s been a good friend though, he’s just a bit…” I tried to think of the word.

“Vanilla? Goody–two shoes,” Declan groused.

“I was going to say by the book. And he does a lot of good stuff for the town, not that anybody really knows it. He gets all flustered and growly when he thinks people might make a fuss,” I answered, feeling the need to defend my friend.

Declan nodded, frowning. “I suppose I have my own prejudices where the constabulary are concerned.”

“I was the same. My dad, the way he was, it built this fear up in me of anyone in uniform, and the first time I met Donald I ended up in tears. He felt like a right shit afterwards, and I’m pretty sure Doc gave him hell for it, but we got to know each other well. He’s a good guy, just a bit, well… Donald.”

“I’ll have to take your word on that. But back to the Susan situation. Just remember when you meet her, you are the one with the power. Nothing she can say or do has any effect on your life now, and if she is rude or angry, leave. Get up and go. You no longer have to put up with that bullshit. All right, better head back in. I’ve another client coming in fifteen minutes, and I still have to write up those patient notes.” Dec stood up and ambled back to his office.

He was right. I didn’t owe Susan anything and if I didn’t like what she had to say or felt uncomfortable, I could walk away. Pulling my phone out, I dialled the number she’d called me from before I had a chance to change my mind.

“Hello.” Susans voice was unmistakeable. It had tormented me most of my childhood and teenage years.

“Liz’s Café, tomorrow at three,” was all I said. I didn’t wait for her to agree or speak, and hung up before she could. It was done. Now I had to tell Daddy and Donald. That was going to be fun.

* * *

The day was overcast and miserable, and as much as I’d rather have stayed cuddled up under my blanket watching cartoons today, I had to meet Susan. Simon had reacted as I expected he would, flitting between overprotective mother hen and growly daddy bear. It had taken quite a lot of persuasion, and not a small amount of force, to get both he and Donald to agree to wait outside of the café on the benches across the street. Close enough if I needed them, but not too close to scare Susan off.

“I still don’t fucking like this.” Simon slouched down on one of the benches. With his dark beanie on and his leather jacket zipped up he looked quite intimidating, all brooding and tattooed, but not to me. Right now he was acting like a big sulky teddy bear.

“I know, but it’s not your call. Do I need to send you home?” I pulled my hoodie tighter around me and crossed my arms.

Donald made a rude sound alongside me. Dressed in his civvies, he always looked less stern. With his oversized Aran sweater and his dark jeans, he almost looked cuddly. “You know we aren’t going to win this one.”

“There is nothing to win. I know you both are worried, but there’s nothing she can do to me. If she makes me feel uncomfortable or upset, I’ll get up and leave.” I stepped into Simon’s space. With him sitting on the bench, for once we were close to eye level. “I’ll be safe, I promise.”

“You better. When this is done, I’m hiding you in the flat for a week.” Simon’s hands came to rest on my hips, pulling at me to move closer.

“Hmm. That sounds nice actually, order in food and not leave bed. Though I think Doc might have a few complaints if I left him alone with Dec to try and run the office.” I laughed at the thought. I stepped back, giving Simon’s hands a squeeze as I slid from his hold. “I better head in. I want to be there before she gets in.”

“You’ve got this, baby bear.”

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