Declan kept nodding, listening to her, his smile growing wider as her story continued. “Megan, that’s amazing. That’s even better than what I expected. I’m really proud of you.”
“Uh, thanks,” she responded, seeming embarrassed.
“No, I mean it. I thought you’d tell me you let your mom bake you a cake or something like that. But you let someone in who’s not close to you. That was a huge step. And you liked it, right?” She nodded. “You bought her lunch the next day?” Again, Megan nodded. “Did you sit and talk again?”
“Yep, so?”
“So, how did that make you feel?”
“How did chatting with your assistant make you feel?” she repeated.
“Well, I guess that’s one way to look at it. How did hanging out with a peer, sitting and gossiping, talking about whatever you girls talk about, make you feel? How did getting along with someone you aren’t used to make you feel? How did seeing your assistant—Tracy, was it—how did seeing her get flustered because of your acceptance make you feel?”
“Like I was equal,” Megan blurted out and then looked shocked at her own admission.
“You don’t usually feel equal?”
“Well, no, I guess I don’t. The funny part was that Tracy let it slip that she thought I was stuck up. I assured her it wasn’t that. I told her that I just didn’t want to trouble her. It was the partial truth.”
“Yeah, I guess it was.”
“It’s not like I could tell her about my life, and why I don’t get close to people.”
“I guess it wouldn’t be right to with the first conversation. But do you see yourself becoming friends with her?”
“Yeah, I guess I do.” Her tone indicated she was surprised with that conclusion.
“Good, that’s good. And do you think she’d look at you any differently if she were to know what happened to you?”
“It’s not about that. I, me, not other people, just me, am having a hard time getting close to people. So, no, I don’t think she’ll look at me differently. Well, maybe she’ll pity me and get awkward, but that’s because of the situation, not me. I know the difference.”
“Good, just checking.” Declan smirked. “So, tell me, what do you do?”
“I’m a graphic design artist. I work for a small company, but we have some pretty big clients and some long-standing loyal ones too, so we are doing just fine.”
“Graphic design, huh? So you’re pretty creative.”
“Yep, I guess I am. You have to be in this business. I like it. I like seeing my designs being displayed for the public. I like knowing something I made is touching so many people even if I can’t.”
“Is that why you chose this career?”
“No, not really. I always kind of wanted to do it. I liked drawing when I was younger, but I knew that wasn’t very viable as a job, so I looked at other potential careers and this was it. But the number of people who see my designs is a bonus. I get all tingly when I see someone appreciate a logo I came up with or a marketing piece I put together. It’s nice.”
“I get it,” Declan responded. “Seeing the results of your hard work making a difference is very rewarding.”
“Is that why you do this?”
“Among other reasons,” Declan answered. He could tell she was about to ask him about his other reasons and that wasn’t something he was going to get into with her, or anyone else for that matter. Chuck and his family knew every reason he became a therapist, but they were family, or practically family, in Chuck’s case. Megan wasn’t. So he continued before she had a chance. “What are you doing Saturday around two pm?”
“Um, nothing, really,” Megan responded.
“Good, then be here at two pm.”
“Huh?” Declan almost laughed at the dumbfounded look on Megan’s face.
“We’re going to keep going on this path you’ve found yourself on. I’ve got a surprise.”
“What are we doing?”
“Just dress comfortably, but warmly. Other than that, I’m not spilling anything else.”
“Is this normal?” Megan asked.
“You mean do I do this with anyone else?” She nodded. “Nope, but there is a first time for everything.”
“Okay,” she said hesitantly.
“Okay!” he exclaimed. He was excited. He was very excited. Now he just hoped this was going to work.
Chapter 9
Declan had to remind himself that Megan was a patient, and he was doing this for her when he saw Megan stroll into his office. She was wearing tight fitting jeans and a figure hugging beige sweater. He had only seen her in business attire. Not that she didn’t look every bit the sexy secretary in those clothes, but there was something so sweet about her casual look. She looked like the girl next door, naturally beautiful without even trying. She was carrying two cups of some hot beverage.