Page 33 of Rebound With Me
“Yeah. I mean. I guess. I think I’ve figured some things out talking to you already, though.”
“Have you?”
“Yeah.”
“Is that why you came to see me? To tell me about what happened?”
I sigh.Fucking shrinks.“No, not only. I wanted to ask your advice.”
“Okay. It sounds like this woman you’ve met is very special, and my recommendation is that you do not see her again until you’ve sorted through your anger and abandonment issues.”
“I don’t have abandonment issues. Sadie does. Charlie’s mom does.”
She gives me a look, like:Have I taught you nothing over the years, Vince?She thinks I’m projecting all of my youthful fears of abandonment onto Charlie and dealing with them myself by leaving women before they leave me. Whatever, maybe before. Not what happened this time. That shows I’ve changed. And I really don’t think I would do that with Nina.
“There are abandonment issues to be sorted through. Tell her you like her but you don’t want to ruin your chances for a real relationship by rebounding with each other.”
“But I don’t want her to be with anyone else.”
As soon as I say the words out loud I realize it’s true and it’s ridiculous. I barely know her.
“Vince. I’m very pleased to hear that you’ve met someone that you’re responding to in this way. But you’ve just come out of your first long-term relationship. And while I’m proud of you for refraining from punching the principal…Rebounding is a thing. It’s a thing that we do because it’s more fun and easier than dealing with the feelings that are brought up by the end of a relationship. My concern is that rather than unpacking and working through your deepest feelings, you’re merely replacing one physical act for another. Fighting for fucking.”
My eyes flick up to meet hers. Every now and then she uses the f-word to make sure I’m paying attention. It works.
“Uh huh.” My knee is bouncing again.
“I’m not saying that what you’re beginning to feel for Nina isn’t real. I’m not trying to discourage you from being attracted to a good woman that you very much deserve. I’m saying that this is a delicate period for both of you, and if you want it to turn into a real lasting healthy relationship, then it’s better for both of you to deal with your own issues separately now before they get tangled up in hers. Do you understand?”
“Uh huh.” My stomach sinks. “Yeah, I hear you. I get it.”
“It’s just a matter of having patience, and trusting that things will work out with her if they’re meant to.”
“Yeah. I know. You’re right.”
I shouldn’t have come here.
