Page 45 of Heal Me

“No one has died, but I did get word that you were about to kill your future, so here I am.”

“And you know this how?” I demand.

“Charlotte, I have a copy of the police report and I’ve been in touch with the DA’s office. You and your mom downplayed the details of what happened, but I know the truth of it.” The truth of it. He doesn’t know the truth of it; how could he? “Trauma has a real impact on decision-making.”

“Dad,” I start to interject but he holds up his hand, silencing me.

“That’s why I agree with Dr. Murray—you should take a year off.” I grit my teeth, annoyed everyone is talking about me, trying to make decisions for me, without considering what I want. “Harvard deferral paperwork.” He pulls documents from his inside blazer pocket. “I’ve already spoken with my dear friend Dean Becker. You just fill out these forms and I’ll get it all squared away.”

“Sounds like you’ve thought of everything,” I say bitterly, taking the paperwork. Everything except asking me what I want.

“Of course.” He nods, missing my tone—or choosing to ignore it. “Move to Boston with Jen as planned, and I’ll pay for your living expenses for the year. We’ll find you a new therapist in Boston. Or we can even look at inpatient PTSD treatment options. Whatever it takes to get you healthy and happy again.”

Taking a deep breath and releasing it, I say, “Thank you for the offer, but my answer is no. I’m already healthy and happy.” In fact, I can’t think of a time in my life where I’ve ever been this happy. “I don’t want to be a doctor, and I have no desire to move to Boston.”

“Charlotte, of course you do. That’s always been the dream.”

The dream, but not my dream. “Dad, I’ve already been accepted into a midwifery program here in Memphis. It starts this fall.”

“I’m sorry, what?” he practically shouts.

“You heard me,” I say, bumping up my protective shield and envisioning the new-and-improved Charlotte who doesn’t need her dad’s approval. “I’ve made my decision.”

“What kind of nonsense have you gotten yourself into? Jen told me all about this new devil worshipping friend of yours.”

“This has nothing to do with my new friend, who is not a devil worshipper.” Well, maybe Aubry is, but what she and Damion do in the bedroom is their business. “But let’s talk about my old friend Jen. Did she also tell you she practically dragged me out to the bar that night, ditched me without a car, and that’s how I wound up abducted?” I lower my voice as people from across the shop are giving us curious looks.

“If you want me to deal with Jen, just say the word. I had to pull a few strings to move her off the waitlist to be in your class. I can just as easily cut those strings.”

I let out a frustrated breath. “No, that’s not what I want. But what I do want is for everyone to accept I am a grown woman, and I make my own decisions. That’s it.”

“That’s not it, young lady,” he thunders, slamming down his coffee, sloshing it on the table. I grab a napkin and toss it on the coffee spill. He takes a deep breath and calmly says, “Charlotte, you’re my only child. My legacy. You’ve worked so hard, your mom and I have always supported you, and this is how you’re going to repay us?”

“Don’t bring Mom into this guilt trip. She’s happy if I’m happy.”

“You’ll take a psychological evaluation. I’m not going to let you throw your life away.”

“I’m not going to take a psychological evaluation, and I’m not throwing my life away. I’m making an informed decision about my future. You don’t agree with my decision, but that’s not my problem,” I say as I square my jaw and cross my arms. It’s almost like I’m having an out-of-body experience right now, as I’m watching this woman stand up to the man she’s never been able to before.

“I want to meet this new boyfriend,” he says, already sounding unimpressed.

Thanks a lot, Jen. “When is your flight back to Boston?” Please say in three hours.

“Tomorrow morning at nine. Let’s go out to dinner tonight, the three of us.”

I send Gabe a message:

Me: Could you meet me and my dad for dinner tonight? I’m so sorry about the short notice. Dad surprised me with a visit, thanks to Jen’s big mouth, and he wants to meet you.

Gabe: For my beautiful girlfriend, I’ll make myself available. Shall I make us a reservation for 7:00 at Butter?

I try not to smile like an idiot.

Me: Yes, thank you. I owe you tribute.

Gabe: Worship is also acceptable.

Glancing up, I see Dad watching me like a hawk from across the table. “Seven at the restaurant Butter. Do you need us to pick you up from your hotel?”

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