Page 104 of Broken Grump

“Yes. He’s a renowned family therapist. Go on, Jer. Tell her about all the celebrity couples you’ve counseled.”

He chuckles humbly. “Well, I unfortunately can’t give names. But let’s just say, some of the most beloved A-listers are still together because of me.”

“I mean, right? That’s awesome.”

Addie shrugs. “I suppose.”

To her credit, she’s taking a complete stranger, and a shrink, nonetheless, as well as being at her house. I probably would act the same.

“So—” Jerry starts.

“Right. I just figured that if we are going to give this newfound connection a proper go. It might help to have a licensed professional facilitate our conversations.”

She shrugs. “Yeah, okay.”

“I just want to make sure this transition goes smoothly for us and for Luna, at least from here on out.”

“For sure.” I’m hoping the expression on her face is one of optimism. “No, I think that’s a great idea.”

Yes!“I’m hoping he’ll help us both get to a place where we’re comfortable opening up and being completely honest with each other.”

“But this is just the introductory meeting,” Jerry clarifies. “We won’t get to the nitty-gritty until I get to know each of you as individuals and as a pair first.”

“Exactly,” I agreed.

“Well, in any case, thank you for coming, Jerry. It is much appreciated. I’m sure you have a busy schedule.”

He tilts his head back and forth. “Eh, I’m always happy to meet with new clients. You keep my job interesting and unexpected.”

Soon, there’s a knock at the door, and a woman with brown hair and striking eyes makes her way through the threshold. Even without the context clues, I probably still would’ve been ableto guess based on their similar appearance that she is Paige’s mother.

A few minutes later, everyone who doesn’t live there, besides me, is shuffled out of the house.

“So—” I’m still very impressed by how well Addie seemed to take everything I’ve sprung on her tonight.

“Alright,” she says curtly. “If that’s all, I’ll talk to you la—tomorrow, I guess.” She moves towards the door and opens it before gesturing for me to get out.

Oh.“Okay.”

“It’s getting late. I’ve got to get Luna ready for bed.”

I know that I’m new to this parenthood thing, but seven o’clock seems a little early for someone her age.But what the hell do I know?I suppose her routine may be more involved than I realize.

However, the way in which she’s rushing me out also leads me to wonder if she wasn’t as appreciative about the whole therapist thing as I originally thought.

Nevertheless, I take her lead and head outside. But once I turn to face her again, to tell her about how much I’m looking forward to building a healthier future together, I’m met with aslamand cold wood in my face.

“Good night, Hayden,” her muffled voice calls from behind it.

“. . . Good night.”

Chapter twenty-nine

Addie

While I appreciate Hayden’ssentiment with the therapist or whatever, it still isn’t enough to prove to me that he’s changed—that he trulywantsthis. “This” being Luna and me.

Playing pretend is one thing. But actually having and maintaining a family are completely different beasts. Sure, I’ve seen him be dedicated to his business. But when it comes to anything else, he’s bailed faster than a group of teenagers who are teepeeing a house and started to hear sirens in the distance.

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