“Belinda,” I exclaimed.
She shrugged. “Where’s the lie? Aside from the one where you’re telling yourself that it’s too early to be in love or that it didn’t stop being fake dating almost as soon as it started.”
“It was definitely fake dating for a long time,” I huffed.
“Your response seems very practiced. Almost as if you’ve had to repeat it to more than one person calling you on your bullshit. What does Mal think?”
“You are a terrible friend.”
“We both know that’s a lie too. Mal loves me. And I’m an amazing friend. You just aren’t a fan when I’m insightful about you. I wouldn’t be a very good therapist if I couldn’t read people and see through the bullshit they try to tell themselves.”
“Rude,” I muttered.
She chuckled. “So, really. Want to talk about what is holding you back?”
I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned back in my chair. “No, thank you.”
“Maybe you think that you’ve had a bad run with athletes, goalies in particular, and when a nice and gorgeous man, who is the sweetest guy, happens to also be a goalie, you think history will repeat itself.”
“Isn’t that the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?”
“Not if there’s a clear difference in the person or situation. Gabe is not your father and he sure as hell isn’t Roger. He’s smitten and not a controlling asshole. He shows up when you didn’t even ask, like at the center yesterday. He knows what’s important to you and doesn’t wait for you to tell him. Do you know how amazing that is?”
I sighed. “I know. But he could also be doing that because he’s just a nice guy.”
“Who are you fooling?”
“Hopefully you,” I drew out, and she barked out a laugh.
“Okay, sure.”
“Don’t you have a session coming up?”
She shrugged. “Thought I’d do some pro bono for you.”
I narrowed my eyes. “So not funny.”
She grinned. “I thought it was. But really, I just want you to be happy and respected by the man you’re dating—don’t even try to say fake right now.”
I huffed.
“That’s what I thought. Good guys are hard to come by, and Gabe seems legit. Don’t ignore what could be amazing because of your past.”
“I know. Don’t let your past ruin your future. You’ve said that for years.”
“And it’s true.”
“So, who are you dating at the moment?” I asked, trying not to grin when she gave me an annoyed look. Turnabout is fair play and all.
“We’re focused on you right now. I’ve got no time to date anyway. I’ve got Jasper and my hardheaded friend who can’t see what’s right in front of her taking up all my time and energy.”
“Very funny,” I deadpanned.
“You know I’m teasing. Just be happy, Dani.”
My shoulders slumped. “I want to be, but I don’t want to get burned.”
“I get that you find it hard to trust yourself, but you had an inkling that Roger was bad. Unfortunately, he had a great dick so it slowed down your processing.”
