Page 99 of Must Have Been Love

“I think you just hit the nail on the head,” he tells me. “It takes as long as it takes. We have this weird view in the developed world that unless you follow the same path your parents and grandparents followed that somehow you’re not worthy. Do well at school, go to college, get a job, get married, and have kids.” He lifts a brow. “But there’s only a small minority of people that actually thrive in that environment. That’s why there are so many dropouts, so many divorces, so many messed up kids.”

“My mom and my sister seem to have it under control,” I tell him. “It’s just me. My mom thinks I have my dad’s blood.”

He tips his head to the side. “What do you think?”

His question takes me by surprise. WhatdoI think? I mull on it for a moment, trying to get the thoughts straight in my head.

“I think that I wouldn’t have wanted to live my life any other way,” I say. “I don’t like doing what I’m told. I don’t like having to conform. And I hate being judged for that.”

His smile is wide. “Good. That’s what I was hoping you were going to say. Hudson is…” He looks like he’s trying to choose his words carefully. “He’s a man who needs to be challenged.”

“He hates being challenged.”

“But he needs it,” Dr. Methi repeats. “I know he’d hate for me to say it, but he’s not always right. Very few people are willing to point that out to him.”

“I like his certainty.”

“And he likes you challenging it,” Dr. Methi says softly.

“He does?”

He lifts a brow. “He’s asked you to be in a relationship with him. It’s not something a man like him does easily. I have a feeling he likes you very much.” He steeples his fingers together, still looking at me. “And I also think that you would be good for Ayda. Hudson tells me that you two already know each other.”

“I met her on my first day on Liberty,” I say.

“And you understand her issues?”

“I’m starting to. I’d like to learn more.”

He nods. “That’s what I was hoping for. It’s not easy having a child with issues like Ayda. Especially not in a new relationship.”

“I know.” I nod. “And I think that’s what I’m worried about. I don’t want to be another reason she’s traumatized.”

“And that’s why you won’t be. Because you care. She’s been pulled a hundred different ways in her short lifetime, and it’s going to take a period of stability for her to come to terms with all she’s had to deal with. She also needs to spread her wings.” He smiles at me. “Something Hudson struggles with a lot. I have a feeling you’ll help him with that.”

“I want to,” I say.

“Good.” He looks up at the clock. “We’re coming to the end of our session. But I’d like to see you again soon. With Hudson and Ayda. I think it would be good to have a joint session.”

“Should we wait until then before we start publicly seeing each other?” I ask.

“There’s no reason why Hudson can’t speak with his daughter before then. And gently introduce you into her life as more than a friend.” He stands up, holding his hand out to me. “I absolutely think this could be a good thing for all of you. Just take baby steps. Use your instincts. And I’m always a phone call away.”

His words fill me with warmth. I stand up, ready to shake his hand, but the sudden movement causes a rush of dizziness to wash over me. I stumble to the left, and Dr. Methi lunges to catch me before I fall onto his perfectly arranged coffee table. His arms are around me as he slowly moves me back to the sofa, setting me down.

I hate being dizzy. I hate the way it makes my stomach twist. “I’m so sorry,” I tell him. “And thank you for catching me.”

“Are you feeling okay?” he looks concerned. “Have you eaten today?”

“I wasn’t hungry,” I tell him. “But I’ll grab some lunch before I catch the ferry back.”

He still doesn’t look happy. “Have you been feeling sick?”

“Not really,” I tell him. “There’s been some flu going around the island but I thought I’d escaped it.”

He walks over to his desk and grabs a pad, scribbling something on it. “Here,” he says, ripping the top page off and handing it to me. “Stop by my secretary and she can give you the information for the lab and how to schedule. Just to rule out any other possible symptoms.” I raise a brow. “If you’re going to be part of Ayda’s life it’s absolutely paramount that you take care of your own health.”

“Of course.” I nod, my cheeks pinking up as I slide the paper into my pocket. “Thank you.” I’m already feeling better, more steady as I stand.

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