Page 10 of Silver Secrets

“I need you to take two steps back from me. Right now.”

Her client nodded as he backed up to the edge of the room. “We’re going to end our session here. I’ll be documenting this in your file, and it will be available to your next therapist, should you choose to seek counseling elsewhere. You and I are no longer going to be able to work together.”

“I completely understand. I’m so sorry.”

Sloane nodded. “Take one of those papers off the table in the waiting room. It has a list of other counselors, farther away in Rogersville, or Dallas, that I’ve worked with before and recommend. Contact the emergency line at the top if you feel you need immediate help.”

“I will.”

“Goodbye.”

He nodded again, walking towards Lily who was blocking the exit. She took two steps towards Sloane, her hand held over her heart.

The women waited in silence until the door clicked behind him.

Lily ran into the waiting area and Sloane watched as she clicked over the lock. Marching back into the office, Lily rushed over to Sloane and gingerly inspected her arm.

“Oh my god, are you okay? That was so scary!”

“It’s not the first time I’ve had a patient become physical.”

“Sloane, what?!”

“It’s just been a while. During my practicum. Not since I’ve had my practice in Silver Springs. Thank you for coming in here.”

“We’re a badass team, remember? I know you can handle yourself if you really need to, but I wanted to diffuse the situation if I could.”

Her eyes finally met Lily’s. “Are you okay? Your hands are shaking.”

“Don’t worry about me.” Lily let go of Sloane’s arm, running her hands down her shirt. “But I think I might need to go over to see Gunner and Sage. I was going to take off right after this session to finish up all the last minute stuff for the race this weekend. You don’t mind, do you? I’ll lock the door behind myself.”

“He was the last client of the day. There’s no reason you have to stay longer. Give Sage a kiss for me.”

“Do you want me to send over one of the guys? Or, I can come back with Gunner and stay here until you are ready to leave?”

“No, you don’t have to do that. I’m going to document what happened and then I’m going to go home and take a hot shower, complete with a shower beer.”

“A shower beer?”

“You’ve never done that?”

“No! I’m usually too preoccupied in the shower to enjoy something like that, though.” Lily’s cheeks turned red and Sloane smiled.

“Didn’t need to know that about your relationship.”

“Sorry,” she giggled. “Okay, just call me if you change your mind. We’ll probably be up in the apartment and I can at least send Gunner down to make sure you get to your car safe and sound when you want to leave.”

“I’ll let you know.”

“See you tomorrow?”

“Absolutely.”

* * *

“No, no. You can’t have a sip of Uncle Gage’s coffee. Your mom would shoot me!” Gage laughed as he set his coffee cup back on the counter, shifting Sage from one arm to the other. She had turned into a wiggly beast, never wanting to sit still since she first crawled. But now, it looked like her first steps might be coming and they’d have a whole new little hellion on their hands when that happened.

“We’re going to need to baby proof this place for her soon,” Nash said as he walked in. “Hey there, princess. Are you sick of Uncle Gage? Want to come see me?”

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