In very few words, Matt managed to tell Dr. Tai the horrific thirty-six hours his wife had prior to her crash.
Strangely, the doctor barely seemed surprised. “Thank you. That certainly helps.” After a short thought, the doctor looked up at him again. “I think I may know how to help.”
Matt was ready for nearly anything. He needed her back. All of her. The woman who lied to protect what they had. The only woman he’d ever love and would always be grateful for.
“Do you think I should tell her? Make her confront herself?”
“Let’s take a different approach. Telling this to Liz won’t help. It might set her back, in fact. Hearing negativity about one’s life usually sets them into a state of denial and fear. Start with good truths that specifically have to do with your relationship. Liz is in there somewhere. Spend time with her, focus on what she focuses on and try to remember what it might be triggering,” he pushed off his chair again and leaned in. “Her mind is always being triggered, Mr. Owen, she just doesn’t stop to realize it. You need to pay attention and embrace it.”
Chapter 36
LIZ
The light knock on the door was so faint, Liz thought she might have imagined it. She hesitated for a moment before striding to the door. It couldn’t have been Matt. Surely, he wouldn’t be back for at least another hour. She pulled the door open and saw the last person she expected. The questionable man from the party that Matt had later insisted was nothing to worry about.
“Hello,” Clyde said, his mouth curving up a bit on one side. The gesture sent chills through her.
“Hello Clyde.” She sincerely hoped it sounded natural. “Matt’s not home right now, so...” she half turned back to the living room as if to prove it. Something in her wanted him to leave immediately.
“That’s okay,” he said lightly, yet effectively pushing the door open further. “I can wait.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She turned to the man, now standing in her living room. For no known reason, her heart started thumping. The only men she’d been alone with were people she knew and trusted. Clyde...was in no uncertain terms a man to be trusted. Of that she was sure. She supposed she should feel some comfort after Matt insisted he was a friend. But not enough.
The man wasn’t leaving. He plopped down on her sofa, instead. She imagined what Matt, Ben or even Megan would have said to Clyde at this moment. “Clyde, I don’t have time for any childish banter today, I’ll let Matt know you stopped by.” She motioned out the door.
Clyde stared at her so hard she felt violated. And then mortally frightened. He relaxed his shoulders. “I know you’re doubting my sincerity Lizzy, but I can assure you I’m trustworthy.”
“You’re right. I do doubt your sincerity.” Feeling more like herself.
“Why, though? Your husband trusts me,” he paused and leaned forward. “Enough to tell me what’s really going on with you.”
Her eyes flared.
“I know you don’t remember me…or anything for that matter.”
Liz hoped the shiver that shot up her spine and disbursed in her temples wasn’t in any way visible.
“Matt told me,” he continued when she froze.
“He told you?”
He laughed. “It’s okay. I’m a friend.”
She swallowed back her fury. “When?”
“Last night. I could tell something was off about you. So, he told me.” He shrugged, as if it were such a simple fact.
She forced herself a quick recovery and lifted her head. “Well then you can understand why I don’t feel comfortable with you here and I’d appreciate it if you left.”
He stood. “Of course. I certainly don’t want to make you uncomfortable. And hey for what it’s worth I’m glad you and Matt were able to work things out.”
She frowned on instinct. The devilish grin forming on his face told her he caught it, and she immediately regretted her slip.
He eyed her, interestingly. “Man, that must have been hard for you both. Matt especially.”
She simply raised her eyebrows and looked away. Still holding the door open for him.
“And talk about timing,” he pressed with exaggerated amazement. “I mean it truly is one for the books.” He waited a beat then went on. “But you guys seemed to have overcome that little…well…colossalroad bump. A power couple indeed.”
