Page 35 of Frankie and the Fed

I slump on the gray sofa in front of Dr. Sullivan.

“The dancer is really beautiful.” I point to the statue in the corner of the room.

“I love it, too. But it was also here the previous times you visited. What’s bothering you, Ayala?” His brown eyes study me through his glasses, but there’s no judgment in them. That’s why I don’t mind coming here. No judgment, just help.

I nod and try to get out the words. “Olive asked me to come to her grand opening party.”

“That’s great. It’s nice that you keep in touch from a distance. I understand she’s important to you. Are you planning to go?”

“I meant to. I even arranged for her to receive a PR spread in the magazine. The travel plans have already been made for me and also for the photographer the magazine plans to send.”

He waits for me to continue, watching me in silence.

“Then I remembered Ethan would be there.”

“Ethan Wolf?”

“Yes. There’s no way he won’t be there. He’s Olive’s close friend. He’s very involved in the business.”

“And what do you think of that?”

“I think I’m going to pass out.”

“I understand you’re afraid of seeing him again.”

“Yes. It’s too soon. I’m still... Still...”

“Do you still have feelings for him?”

“Yes.”

“And what do you think will happen if you see him?”

“I’ll fall apart.”

“I think you’re stronger than what you believe. But only you can judge if the situation will set you back. You need to decide.”

We continue the conversation, and I leave with a decision. It’s too early for me. I can’t attend the launch. I’ll have to see Olive and the store another time.

CHAPTER15

Ethan

Ryan

Mom’s birthday party is at eight.

Iclose my eyes and sigh. He doesn’t even bother to ask if I’m coming because there’s no other option. I have to go to Jennifer’s party. I would normally have no problem attending. I’m close to Ryan’s parents, but I’m just so exhausted. I’m tired of the pretense, tired of the fake smiles.

But this is Jennifer. The person who gave me a place when I felt like I didn’t belong. When my parents ignored me. I remember how all my friends abandoned me on the advice of their parents.“You shouldn’t be seen next to the wayward son, the one who dropped out of school and makes trouble.”It might be contagious. Only Ryan stayed by my side. And his mother never made me feel unwelcome in their home. On the contrary, she was always happy to see me as if I were her own. During my tough year, I was a guest in my house and a family member in theirs. I didn’t realize then how much she sacrificed to provide me with that safe place. How our community pushed them aside just for being close to me.

I send a message to Olive.

Can you come with me to a party tonight at eight?

I sit and hope for a positive answer. I need her by my side today. She’ll make sure I don’t do or say anything stupid that I’ll regret later, and she’ll smile even when I’m not able to.

Olive