Page 51 of Worth the Vow

“What?” I ask.

“Oh, I was just remembering a time Matt called me and scared the crap out of me, and I threw my —” she stops abruptly.

“I don’t think that was the end of that story,” I comment.

Vic’s face turns slightly pink as she chuckles awkwardly. “Uh, so it was self-care time, and I —”

“Oh,” I interrupt. “Good call on stopping the convo there.”

“Figured it was best,” she murmurs. “But my conversation with Matt that night was very rewarding.”

Yuck.

I look over to find Matt studying me, his own phone in his hand. I wonder how much he’ll lie for me if Dominic figures out where I’ve gone. Siblings trump cousins, right?

Dominic

Me: Is she there?

Matt: What’s it worth to you?

Me: I want to be sure she’s safe, Matt.

Matt: Should have thought about that before you went all growly Dom on her.

Me: I did not go growly Dom on her.

Me: I don’t think I did.

Me: Is that what she said?

Me: Fuck.

Me: Just tell me if she’s safe. Please.

Me: She won’t answer my texts. Her phone goes straight to voicemail.

Matt: You texted? Jesus, the world must be ending. Honestly, the fact that you’re texting ME is unprecedented.

Me: I was trying to speak her language.

Me: You still haven’t answered me.

Me: Please.

Matt: She’s fine. She’s pissed as hell at you, but she’s fine. Maybe give her some space.

Me: You know I don’t do well with forced situations like that.

Matt: I’m well aware of your inability to let someone else control the situation.

Me: You make me sound like a complete asshole.

Matt: If the overpriced suit fits …

I’ll admit I’m a control freak. I know it. I’ve got anxiety issues up the wazoo that none of my family know about. In fact, not even my lovely wife knows I’m currently in therapy for anxiety. I’m attempting to handle things without medication, but the anxiety keeps getting worse. My therapist said he wants me to try a medication soon.

I hate feeling out of control. Knowing I can’t control my own brain is the worst.

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