Neil Tyson’s office should have been the most relaxing place on earth. The walls were a soft sage, and photos of long grass blowing in a meadow decorated the walls. A small water sculpture gurgled in the corner, and the chairs, couch, and loveseat were an inviting taupe suede. It was all so soothing. Emma imagined most of his patients fell asleep mid-session.
Emma was a nervous wreck.
She sat in the corner of the big couch with her legs folded underneath her and chewed on a cuticle. Neil made a note on a yellow legal pad and then placed it under the iPad on his lap. She idly thought she must have so many issues he needed more than one way to take notes.
“Care to tell me what’s going on, Emma?”
Neil had been her therapist since she’d gone away to college. He was a specialist in abduction trauma and had been thoroughly vetted by Jack Webster. He knew everything and was loyal not only out of professional obligation but also because of a sincere concern for Emma’s wellbeing.
“Well, lots.” She knotted her hands in her lap. “I’m interviewing Nathan Bishop for a series of articles for The Sentry.”
“I see. And how is that going?”
Emma met his gaze then, and, with a surety that she felt in her soul, she said, “I love him.”
Neil sighed and smiled kindly. “I know you do.”
“Not like that,” she protested.
“Elaborate.”
“I’m in love with him.”
“How much time have you spent with him?” It was an innocent question.
“Um, a few interviews and a couple of dates, I guess?”
“You guess?”
“He came to my apartment once, and we went to a street fair.”
“Really?” He seemed pleased.
“Yes, he surprised me.”
“Any anxiety about that?”
“Not really. I told him I hated surprises.”
Neil cocked a brow.
“What?”
“I’m just gratified you were so forthcoming.”
Emma guessed that qualified as forthcoming for her. She shrugged.
“Emma, I want to choose my words carefully here. There is not a doubt in my mind that you love him, are in love with him,” he amended. “I also don’t doubt that Nathan could have deep feelings for you. Even as children, you seemed to have an indescribable connection.” He paused and set the things on his lap onto the table next to him, then leaned forward on his elbows. “You’ve spent years guarding your identity, but you’ve never had to guard your heart. Frankly, I’ve always been a little relieved that your romantic life hasn’t added another complication to your recovery.” He rubbed a hand over his bearded jaw, like what he was saying wasn’t coming out right. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that at some point you were going to have to risk your heart, and while I absolutely want you to have those experiences, I also worry.”
“I’m sure about him, Neil.”
“I’m glad. You’re a strong woman, Emma, but parts of you are very fragile. I want to ensure those continue to mend.”
“I’m hoping Nathan can help there too.”
“How so?”
“I had a flashback.”