Page 69 of One Night With You

“You haven’t had a nightmare in a couple nights,” he said, and I blinked at the change in subject.

“Where did that come from?”

“I said the word psychoanalyzing, and then my brain went down the therapy trail.”

I winced but got out of the car at the same time as he did.

“I haven’t, but I never know when they’ll show up. I’m doing better now. Maybe just time?”

“If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here. I don’t know if I’m the best one to actually have an answer. But I’m a sounding board.”

“I know you are. And no, I don’t have that many nightmares anymore. But I still go to therapy.”

“Therapy helps.”

“Do you go?”

He shook his head, and I frowned.

“I thought you did.”

“No, Kane does. But I haven’t really needed it.”

“You’re not serious, right?”

“What? I talk with you, I talk with my family, I talk with everyone at work. I don’t know why I need to talk to anyone else.”

“Because you keep blaming yourself for everythingthat happens around you, maybe?” I hadn’t meant to let that slip, and my voice had risen just slightly.

He looked taken aback and shook his head. “I don’t take on the weight of the world.”

“I beg to differ.”

“Claire, I’m tired. After a long fucking day, and seeing all those kids? I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Maybe you should. Maybe not with me, but you lost your friend. You should talk to someone.”

“I did. I talked to you. I talked to my parents. I’m fine.”

I nearly asked him what fine meant to him, and then realized right now was not a good time. He was angry, annoyed, and hurting.

“Since my car’s here, I’m just going to pack up my things and head home. I have a lot of work to do.”

“Claire, you don’t have to go. We were going to have dinner. Just hang out and veg.”

“It’s been a hard day. I’m just going to give you some space.”

He cursed under his breath, and then came toward me. I looked up sharply, and he stopped in his tracks, holding up both hands.

“Did I startle you? I’m not angry. Well, I’m pissed off at the world. About the fact that whatever deity is out there can just give this kid cancer and there’s nothing I can fucking do about it. I’m angry about that,but I’m not angry at you. You’re allowed to call me on my bullshit, you know.”

“I just don’t want to upset you.”

“Upset me. Yell at me. Be mad. I’m kind of an asshole sometimes.”

“But you aren’t though. That’s the problem. You are a nice guy.”

“I don’t really like the term nice guy.”

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