Page 54 of Indecent Ventures

She walks out and closes the door behind her.

What the hell just happened?

CHAPTERELEVEN

JADE

Itexted Dr. Pearl on my way home last night. I told her I needed a session right away. She said she could talk just before her first appointment of the day, which is at eight, so we’re talking at seven. I’m going to the office to do it from there and then start my workday.

I get in early. No one else is here. I grab a cup of coffee. I don’t even drink coffee, but I got zero sleep last night, so I think I’ll need caffeine today.

I set up my laptop in anticipation of her video call. It comes in right at seven on the nose. I accept the call.

She looks concerned. “Jade? Are you okay? Never once in over fourteen years together have you asked for an appointment between appointments. You’ve got me a little worried, sweetheart.”

“I just missed your face.”

She narrows her eyes. “I don’t think that’s it.” She looks closer at her screen. “Are you on a sofa laying down?” She sounds shocked.

“Yes. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do in therapy? Lay on the couch and confess your deepest, darkest thoughts?”

“Is that what’s happening? You’re having deep, dark thoughts?”

I’m quiet.

“Jade, you asked for this meeting, not me. Obviously something is on your mind. Spit it out.”

“That’s not very therapist-like of you. Aren’t you supposed to be nice and slowly draw things out of me at my pace?”

“Jade, we’re over fourteen years into this. I think we can do away with pleasantries andnormaltherapy etiquette. You’ve told me on multiple occasions not tobullshityou. This is me cutting out the bullshit. You are the only patient of mine that I’m comfortable saying this to; tell me what the fuck is going on.”

“You’re cursing too? Wow. I feel so special.”

She yells, “Out with it.”

“Okay, okay. Calm your tits. I’m freaking out. I had sex last night.”

“You have sex all the time. That’s nothing new.”

I take a deep breath.

“It was mind-blowing, life-altering sex.”

She twists her lips. “I’m not sure whether to be concerned or jealous.”

I can’t help but let out a laugh. She’s like eighty years old. Or maybe sixty, but it’s all the same to me.

“Is Mr. Pearl not giving it to you good?”

“We’re not here to talk about my sex life. We’re talking about yours.”

“But you admit you have one.”

“I’m fifty-five, not a hundred and five.”

“You’re only fifty-five?”

She scowls at me. “Don’t start with me, Jade. It’s very early.”

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