Page 114 of The Perfect Love

“Take your time. There’s no rush. This is a safe space.”

She takes in a shuddery breath, then starts again, relaying her story through choppy breaths and broken sobs. Her tutor decided he needed something in return for helping her, and when she didn’t want to give him what he wanted, he held her down and took it.

Hearing her say the words sends a wave of nausea through my stomach and chills up my spine. And anger. I’m coursing with violent, reckless anger.

Then she starts to do what every rape or assault victim does and blame herself.

Under the table, I curl my hand into a fist, my fingernails digging into the skin.

“It wasn’t your fault. None of it was your fault.”

She looks at me with big eyes. “I—”

And then the words I needed to hear for so long—the ones I still have to repeat to myself every day—pour out.

“You feel ashamed right now, but you shouldn’t. You didn’t do anything wrong. I know the weight of that shame is heavy, but it isn’t yours to carry. Only one person deserves that. Him. You deserve love and support and peace.” I slide my chair over and wrap an arm around her back. “We can help. If you want to talk to someone, we have counselors available right now, and we have a nurse practitioner available to give you an exam. We can also contact law enforcement if you want us to, but we don’t have to. Just know you’re not alone. You’ve already done something amazing for yourself by coming here. We’ll help.”

She sniffs and lifts her head, her puffy, red eyes meeting mine. And realization hits her. Ugly, horrible realization.

“Were you—”

“My story shares some similarities with yours. That’s why I can tell you you’re in the right place. I wish I would’ve had somewhere like this. You did the right thing coming here.”

“When did it happen to you?”

“Almost a year ago.”

She stares at me for a moment. “And you’re okay now?”

“Still healing, but I’ve come a long way. You will too.”

The relief and hope shimmering in her eyes heals one of the cracks in my soul.

“Th—thank you. I think I want an exam.”

One of the counselor’s voices floats from the other side of the room. “I can take you back to the nurse practitioner whenever you’re ready. Is there anyone we can call for you? A family member or a friend?”

“My aunt,” she whispers, pushing out of her chair. “I didn’t know how to tell her.”

The counselor extends an arm. “We can take care of it if you give us her phone number.”

Chloe nods and lets the counselor lead her down the hall, but then she stops and turns back, taking a few steps toward me again.

“Thank you.” Her words hold so much weight they nearly crush me, but I keep my emotions back.

“You’re welcome. I’m here if you need anything else.”

“Thanks,” she whispers, then follows the counselor down the hall to where the nurse practitioner is waiting.

I stand there for a moment, a thousand emotions rolling through me.

Then a thought catches me off guard.

I want to call Trevor. I want to tell him everything that just happened.

But as I turn back to the desk, I’m surprised to see Rae standing here.

“If I hadn’t been to that swanky lake house, I’d ask if you live here.”

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