Page 27 of Playing the Game
“Damn straight it did. He knows better than to blow me off.” She stands tall and looks down at him. “That’s it, big guy. Just open your eyes, and we’ll be squared away.”
We stare at him, but nothing happens, so we settle in and wait.
After an hour, Melanie glances over at me. “Dori, I can feel you shaking from here. What’s going on?”
“I think I’m having a panic attack.” I get to my feet and stalk to the window. “This situation has my brain a scrambled mess.”
She joins me by my side. “Jami’s going to be alright. He won’t leave us.”
“It’s not just that, Mel. My life is spinning out of control. I’m more confused than I’ve ever been. If Jami weren’t in the hospital, I think I’d be hiding out in my loft trying to get my mind right.”
“Don’t you dare go MIA.”
“I won’t, but everything in me wants to take him away and hide because I can’t get my thoughts straight.”
“Call Samantha now and schedule an emergency therapy session.”
I consider it for a moment and then pull my phone out of my pocket. “What if she can’t see me?”
“Then I’ll stay with you until she can. The last thing any of us need is for you to run off and go silent.”
“I know. Let me call her real quick and see what she says.” My hand shakes as I call Samantha. Luckily, she has time available for a video session.
As I trek back to Jami, I address Mel. “Samantha can meet with me in an hour. Will you wait here with me until then?”
“Of course. How can I help?”
“Tell me about your move. Or anything. I don’t care what it is. Just talk about anything to help me focus on something other than my confusing thoughts.” I lean over and move a lock of hair from Jami’s forehead.
Mel takes a seat next to his bed. “I’m ready to go to Miami. All that’s left to do is finish my packing and let the movers do the rest.”
I lower into my chair and sit. “Are you driving there?”
“No. I’m shipping my car so I can fly out early and find a place to rent. I’m currently set up in a vacation rental near my office.”
“It sounds like you have everything worked out.”
“Pretty much.”
Mel helps me stay calm by discussing various topics until it’s time for my appointment. I set up my computer on the far side of the cafeteria and connect to Samantha via video.
My security guy, Trey, stands at the entrance of the area and pretends to be waiting for someone as he keeps an eye on me.
Samantha appears as soon as the session feed is live. “Hi, Dori. I saw you on the news, so I can only imagine what you’re going through.”
“Thanks for seeing me today.”
“Of course. Let’s dive into how I can help.”
My heart thumps wildly. “I’m having a hard time processing my thoughts. I don’t want to make a terrible decision and hurt people for no reason.”
“What does that mean?”
“Jami’s in the ICU and his prognosis isn’t clear, but I know he’s going to need me. I’m all he has. Well, he has Chuck, but he’s older and has had some health issues. He’s not in a place where he can step up and help.”
“Why is that bothering you?”
My throat tightens. “Hunter just got back in town, and I know he’s doubting me. And he has every right because I’m doubting myself.”
