Page 98 of Bloom: Part 2

A few minutes later, Dr. Simms’s door opened, and a man stepped out. Dr. Simms’s gaze flicked over me, then shifted to Logan.

“I’ll see you again next Thursday,” he said to the man.

“You’re the best, Dr. Simms. I already feel better after our sessions.” The man gave Dr. Simms a nod, then headed for the assistant’s desk.

Logan rose to his feet, so I did as well.

“Bloom,” Dr. Simms said evenly. “I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see you again, but I’m glad you’re here. Dr. Collier, will you be joining us?”

“Not this time, but if you feel I’ll benefit from attending one of his sessions and Bloom agrees, then of course I’ll be here.”

“That’s a good idea, but we’ll revisit it.” He stepped aside. “Come on in, Bloom. We only have an hour, so let’s make the most of it. A lot must have happened since the last time we spoke.”

I glanced at Logan, who gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll be right here waiting for you to finish,” he promised.

I followed Dr. Simms into his office, which looked very different from his space at the hospital. The room was dimly lit, with bookshelves lining the walls and a mustard-colored chair. The couch seemed new and more comfortable than the one at the hospital.

“Why didn’t we ever have our sessions here?” I sat on the long couch, used to what was expected of me by now.

“You came to me through the hospital system. It would have been a conflict of interest if I had poached you away for my private practice.”

“But isn’t that what you are doing now?”

“No. After the debacle with me testifying against Dr. Collier, the hospital insisted that I no longer work on your case.”

“Oh.”

“Shall we begin, then?” He crossed his legs and rested his hands on his kneecap. “How have you been since our last session?”

“Very good, actually.” His gaze lowered to my left hand. Damn, I was twisting my engagement ring.

“Is that…” He stared at me with a look of shock.

“Yes. Logan and I are getting married in a few days.”

“When did this happen?”

“Recently.”

“And you’re getting married that quickly. Why? Is there something going on?”

I stared at the beautiful, unique ring. “He wants to give me his name, and I want it so badly.”

“I see.” Dr. Simms’s voice had dropped. I stiffened my spine, sensing our pattern returning where I expressed how happy I was with Logan and he tried to tell me how everything Logan did was exploitative and not considering my mental health.

“And of course you want his surname because you were never given one.”

“Yes, but that’s not the only reason I am marrying him.”

“Interesting.”

“What is?”

“That I never mentioned that it’s the reason you’re marrying Dr. Collier but you jumped to that conclusion. Could there be any truth in it?”

“No, I just know how you think.” I crossed my arms, suddenly feeling colder, even though the room was warm. “Look, if you’re going to criticize my relationship with Logan, I don’t want to be here.”

“I understand, and I’ll be respectful of your wishes. Is there anything else you want to talk to me about?”

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