Exposure by Annie Jocoby Read Free Book Online Page B

that I can afford to live here with you much longer. I’m trying, though. I’m trying very hard to get over my mental issues so that I can become productive again. But let’s face it – even with SSD, I won’t be able to afford to live here. The government doesn’t give you much. And who’s to say that I would even qualify? I would have to have a doctor examine me and tell the government that I’m cuckoo for cocoa puffs. Again, I don’t know how I’m going to see said doctor. I’m pretty much screwed, no matter how you look at it.”
    Scarlett just shook her head and said nothing. “I don’t want to lose you, CJ. I really don’t. Maybe we can just take on a third girl to stay here until you get your bearings?”
    “I can’t have you carrying me,” I said. “As much as I love you, I can’t be a burden to you. I have to either try to overcome my trauma or die trying. For lack of a better phrase, it’s go time.”
    “Well, then,” she said. “Let’s do it. Let’s go outside.”
    I hung my head. “I’d love to, but I think that I need to recover from all my outside time yesterday and this morning. It really took a lot out of me when I walked those two blocks to the restaurant from Asher’s place. I think that I might be ready tomorrow, though.”
    “Take your time,” Scarlett said. “We’re going to overcome this together. You’ll be as good as new soon, just you wait.”
    I felt sad when she said that. “I might someday be able to go outside again and work. But I’ll never be as good as new. As long as Nathaniel isn’t here with me, I’ll never be as good as new.”
    Scarlett just nodded her head.
    She knew what I was saying was true.

8
    T he next day , right before I was trying to mentally prepare myself for venturing outside again, I got a surprise visitor. I answered the buzzer and a disembodied voice said “Ms. Parker?”
    “Yes?” I said into the speaker.
    “My name is Dr. Valence. May I please come up?”
    Dr. Who? “I’m so sorry, what did you say your name was?”
    “Dr. Valence. I’ve been sent here by an Asher Sloane. He didn’t tell you?”
    I had to admit that it was early, and I hadn’t checked texts or emails just yet. So, if Asher had indicated that there would be a doctor coming to my place, I hadn’t yet read the message.
    I buzzed up the woman and waited for her to show up at my front door. Internally, I was curious and excited. I assumed that I wouldn’t ever hear hide nor hair from Asher again, so just having somebody in my place who was connected to him was more than a thrill. The next best thing to being with him, at any rate.
    The lady finally appeared and I let her in. “Please, have a seat,” I said, gesturing to the couch. Scarlett was at work, so it was just me and this doctor in the apartment.
    She sat down and said “I’m so sorry for startling you. Mr. Sloane told me that he would tell you that I was coming. But you’re obviously not prepared to meet with me.”
    “No, no,” I said. “I am. I’m just confused on who you are and why you’re here.”
    She smiled. “Mr. Sloane told me that you’re suffering from agoraphobia and really needed therapy. I make house calls for just this purpose. I’m a psychotherapist who specializes in panic disorders and phobia.”
    I nodded. “Well, thank you for coming, but I’m really sorry. I can’t afford your services right now. So, I’m just going to have to try to muddle through on my own.”
    “Mr. Sloane is paying for my services,” she said.
    Huh. Paying for her services. While a part of me was thrilled that she was there, because I really did need somebody who could help me, another part of me was feeling very weird that Asher was paying this woman. He hardly knew me.
    Yet that was probably the kindest gesture that I had ever heard of.
    “Oh, okay,” I said. “Well, in that case, I guess I’m happy you’re here. How long do I have you for?”
    “For as long as you need,” she said.