Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series) by Rita Garcia Read Free Book Online Page B

uprooted the family from Sydney and we moved here when I was fifteen.” She rubbed her fingertips across her mouth. “It wasn’t easy at the time, but now—it’s home.”
    They each filled a plate. Dr. Ellie and Catylen sat facing each other on the sofa. Jezzica chose the tufted chaise lounger, giving her sister space but remaining close in case she needed her. Without an invitation, Rusty followed and curled up next to her, as though they had been together forever.
    Catylen propped her feet on the edge of the table in front of the sofa. “Do you live in Serenity Cove now?”
    “Gerald and I moved here from Mariner Bay the beginning of this year. We’ve taken up residence in the cottage year round and are loving every minute of it.” She finished a small bite of her sandwich and continued. “That’s enough about me. I want to hear about the two of you.” Concern filled her eyes. “Jezzica, I heard about your husband. Grief often takes you down some dark roads—if you need to talk, please don’t hesitate to call me.”
    “Thanks, but I’m pulling it all together.” She wasn’t interested in counseling—especially a Christian counselor. “You’ve probably heard I’m the new owner of the Sea Glass Bookshop. Catylen is helping me get it ready for the grand opening.”
    “Yes. I’m thrilled our bookshop is going to reopen.” She turned to Catylen. “Ready to get started?” She paused, and when Catylen nodded, she continued. “I’d like to open our session with prayer.”
    Catylen bowed her head and Dr. Ellie continued. “Father, we invite you to be with us today as we search for answers. Bless us with the light of Your loving peace. Amen.”
    “First, I’d like to know what prompted you to call me?” Dr. Ellie held a teacup as though warming hands.
    Catylen visibly cringed—her stomach had probably knotted about the time “amen” echoed around the room. “My husband had, or is having, an affair.” Catylen closed her eyes and shook her head. “That’s not true. Mike had an affair. I don’t know the details, but I believe he ended it.”
    “Tell me about your marriage. How long were you married? Do you have children? Have there always been conflicts?”
    “Almost twenty-five years, and we have two delightful daughters. My daughters are only fourteen months apart, and both in college now.” She chewed her bottom lip, glancing at the floor as though searching for answers. “Our marriage seemed solid.” She shrugged. “It wasn’t the same as when we were first married and couldn’t keep our hands off each other. But I still found Mike attractive and desirable. When he walked into the room, my heart still responded to his voice, to his touch, to the smell of his aftershave.” Quiet tears slipped down her face and dripped onto her blouse. “I need to know what I did wrong. What made him need to do what he did?”
    “When a spouse cheats, it isn’t about the other person. You’re not responsible for Mike’s decisions. That much I can tell you. The rest of the answer needs to come from Mike.” Dr. Ellie softened her voice.
    Catylen pushed the hair back from her face and tucked it behind her ears. “I wish I could believe that.”
    “One of the goals of our sessions is to help you define your role in your marriage, as well as Mike’s responsibility for his own actions. The ideal way to proceed with these sessions would be to invite Mike to be a part of them. Not to necessarily repair the marriage—although that is possible. The main purpose would be to bring resolution to both sides—and for you to listen to each other.”
    “I’m not ready to talk to him face to face. He wants to work things out. I don’t know if I do.” Catylen leaned her head back on the buttery velvet sofa.
    “Why don’t we continue with a few more sessions and see how it goes.” She reached into her bag and removed a packet and a book. “I have some material for you. A few articles for you to read