Page 105 of Three Pucks and a Baby

“It’s not like I care that much about control,” I lied as I tossed the puck up and down in my hand.”

“Are you sure about that?” he countered.

With a roll of my eyes, I replied, “Jesus, do you have a bullshit meter or something?”

“It was part of my PhD program,” he joked.

I laughed. “Okay, fine. I do like control.”

“What happens when you don’t have it?”

“I get angry and frustrated.”

“And those emotions are a problem.”

“Exactly.”

“So, we have to find a way for you to slowly give up control.”

Unease pricked over my body. “We do?”

He nodded. “You need to be comfortable without control to be successful with your partners in your relationship. Not to mention one of the most unpredictable creatures in the world is a child.”

As my chest tightened, a ding went off on his phone. “And that’s all the time we have for today. Nice job.”

“Thanks.”

“When can you come in again?”

My eyes bulged. “Again? I have to come back?”

“We’ve only scratched the surface.”

“Can’t you just give me some things to read?”

Dr. Zeller narrowed his eyes. “You didn’t become a skilled hockey player overnight, did you?”

With a groan, I swept my hands over my face. “Not a fucking hockey analogy to guilt trip me into coming back.”

“It’s always a good time for a mental health and hockey analogy,” Dr. Zeller joked.

“I’m serious.”

“So am I, Theo.”

At the sudden seriousness of his expression, I shifted in my seat. “How bad is it? I mean, how bad am I?”

“I don’t see success for you in any relationship, least of all a polyamorous one, unless you can overcome your anger and control issues.”

“Thanks for not sugarcoating it,” I grumbled.

“Sorry. I believe in complete transparency.”

Easing back in my seat, I shook my head. “I don’t want to do this.”

“No one does. Myself included.”

“You see a shrink?”

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