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“You were a naïve kid from a small town who got taken advantage of and abused badly.I don’t see that any of this—not one single bit—is on you.He’s the one who’s fucked in the head.”

Phillip cocked his head.“You’re really mad.”

“Damn right I am.”

He winced.

I realized I still gripped his biceps.Instantly, I released him.“Sorry.”

“I…don’t think anyone’s ever been mad on my behalf.”

“Maybe I’m the only one who’s expressed it.It’s possible your doctors, and even Anthony, are angry as well.”

“Because they have people who really need help.As opposed to me.”

God give me strength.I wasn’t equipped to deal with this.Helping Mariella recover her reputation was one thing.Counseling a young man so clearly hurting was a bit beyond me.“When do you see Anthony or Dr.Martin?Have you told them how you’re feeling?”

“They both have the report from my psychiatrist in LA.”Again he looked down at his shoes.

“That wasn’t technically my question.I’m asking if they’re aware how you’re feeling now.”

“I’m so much better than I was before.”He scoffed the words.

That derision cut deep.For him and, I was discovering, for myself as well.“Seriously?—”

“Anthony and I were supposed to talk yesterday.Only he had an emergency call and I had to run up to LA or risk losing what little I had in the world.He rushed me to Brooklyn’s, where I left Wally, and then dropped me off at Colin’s.He took off and, as you know, Colin took me to LA.”He let out a long sigh.“I’m supposed to be at a résumé-writing class today at the library, but I’m sure Scott will understand if I don’t show.I mean, I didn’t formally sign up anyway.”

“I can help you with a?—”

He glared.“What?Two years as a philosophy student and four years as a kept pet?I don’t know anyone looking for someone with those talents.”

Jesus.“I bet you have other skills.And plenty of entry-level jobs don’t require experience.We can find a way to explain the past few years.People have gaps.The key is to be keen to work.A few places in Gaynor Beach are hiring—why don’t you let me see what I can find you?”

“There you go again, Jeremy.Always trying to fix things.I have to be able to stand on my own.”He scratched his cheek.“To that end, I have an appointment with Dr.Martin tomorrow.”

“Does he know all the details you shared with me?”

“I’m sure it’s in the report?—”

“You found the courage to be honest with me.”Which humbled me, terrified me, and gave me resolve.Three very conflicting emotions running through me.

“I…” He bit his lip again.“Can we go to Nice Buns?Especially if I promise to just enjoy myself?”

“That sounds like a great idea.We can grab a coffee and sit on a bench near the boardwalk?I’m certain we can scrounge something for our little four-legged companion.”I broke his gaze to crouch to Wally’s level.“You’ve been very good, little one.”I scratched between his ears.

He closed his eyes in bliss.

Phillip cleared his throat.

Wally’s eyes popped open while I stood.

“Shall we go?”Phillip pointed toward the ocean.

“Yes.Yes, we shall.”

And so we did.

Chapter17