Page 43 of Not Catching Love

“Oh yes,” Molly says. “Thisismy serious face.”

“I can’t do that,” Seven says.

“Why? Don’t you love him?”

I scowl. “I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to manipulate people. Like, that isn’t a good thing.”

“Neither is codependency, but we’re doing that reasonably well if you ask me.” Molly turns to Seven and tilts his head my way. “When you’re ready.”

“But—”

“The three of us need you to do this.”

“Three?” Seven scoffs. “I don’t need to push him into it.”

“Not you. Me, Xander, and Derek.”

“Derek?” I echo. “There is no Derek.”

Seven’s face goes blank. “He’s part of this now, huh?”

“I don’t remember a time when he wasn’t,” Molly replies. “I would do it for you, but I don’t think it will be as effective.”

Molly and Seven stare at each other while I wait to see who breaks first. It’s Seven, and I really should have guessed that. He turns to me, and there’s regret on his face.

“Z …”

“It’s not going to work.”

He huffs and turns back to Molly. “See? Pointless.”

“Fine.” I’m surprised by how easily Molly relents. Until he keeps talking. “I guess you don’t want to make me happy.”

“Of course I do, you muppet.”

“Well, I can’t be happy if Xander’s not happy, and he won’t be happy unless he has Derek, andDerekwon’t be happy if Z’s not in therapy. Do you see the problem here?”

“You’re relying on far too many people to make you happy instead of finding that inner well of happiness and tranquility?” I throw back.

“You’re starting to sound like Madden.”

“Well, you’re starting to sound like me,” I tell Molly. “And there’s only enough room for one emotionally stunted, chronically needy person in this relationship.”

“Exactly.” Molly gives Seven his pleading eyes. “Help him.”

Seven lets out a long, drawn-out sigh. Then he does something I never, ever thought he’d do in our entire lives.

“If you don’t go to therapy, you don’t really care about me.”

“What?” I recoil. “Fuck you.”

He shrugs. “Say whatever you want. There’s only one way to prove it. Go or don’t go. That’ll give me my answer.”

“You know I love you.”

“I don’t know that at all.”

I glare from him to Molly and back again. “Well, if you love me, you won’t make me go.”

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