Page 18 of Cougar

“What hurts, Princess?”

“Everything.”

I slap a hand over my mouth to muffle my cries and rush out to the hallway.

“Jayla?” Dr. Ramos answers, her voice laced with concern.

“It’s Emerson,” I croak. “I need your help.”

* * *

“She claims she wasn’t hurting herself on purpose,” Dr. Ramos informs me.

“Do you believe her?”

“It doesn’t matter what I believe.” She taps her pen on her desk. “I’m putting her under observation for seventy-two hours.”

“Why?”

“Whether it was deliberate or an accident, she still inflicted harm on herself.”

“Please. I need to see her, Dr. Ramos.”

She leans back in her chair and considers me. “I’m sorry, Emerson, but I can’t. I think you should take this time for yourself to grieve properly.”

“I’ve been grieving for the past two years. Trust me, I’m all grieved out.”

“I don’t believe that. I’ve spent time with your family.” It’s true. Dr. Ramos came highly recommended and worked with our family through Marcus’s illness. It’s because of her that I was able to get through the last eighteen months.

She leans forward and props her elbows on her desk. “I’ve seen what you’ve been through. The sacrifices you’ve made for Marcus and Jayla. You’re one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met in my entire career, and definitely the most stubborn. Frankly, I’m a bit in awe of you. That said, you should know that I’m here for you, too.”

“Thank you. I appreciate the offer, but I’m fine.” I lean back in my chair and cross my arms over my chest. “Just focus on helping my daughter.”

She stands and rounds her desk. “She’s in good hands here. Go home and get some rest. I’ll be in touch.”

Emerson

“How bad?” Max asks in a low but firm tone. I had originally called my mother to tell her about Jay, but she got hysterical and hung up on me. I knew my father was likely in the middle of trying to calm her down, so I called Max.

“Pretty bad,” I tell him. “She’s lost eighteen pounds.”

“Christ, Emerson!” he hisses.

“I know, okay?” I roll my teary eyes. “This is my fault. I shouldn’t have left her alone.”

“It’s not your fault, but you should’ve let us take her. She needs her family—”

“I am her family!” I snap. “Bass and Grace are her family, too.”

“I know they’re her family, too. That’s not what I meant—”

“I know exactly what you meant. Can’t you just be my brother for a minute instead of picking a fight with me?”

“I’mnotpicking a fight with you—”

“It’s no secret that you don’t agree with how Marcus and I chose to raise our daughter.” Now I’m the one picking the fight.

“I’m not telling you how to raise your daughter. You know my opinion on that subject. However, she is my niece, and I want what’s best for her.”

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