LA Lovers, The Short Stories: Volume One by Jourdyn Kelly

Author:Jourdyn Kelly [Kelly, Jourdyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jaded Angels LLC
Published: 2020-11-27T23:00:00+00:00

* * *

(Aunt Wills & Claire)

“You look worried.” Willamena watched Claire watching Dani.

Claire shook her head and focused on Aunt Wills. That’s what the paper said, but Claire wondered if she should call her Dr. Woodrow. Or Ms. Wills. Wow, she really needed to branch out and get to know these women better. With Ellie and Hunter, that was easy since they were like her family. Blaise and Eve were helping pay Dani’s freakin’ bills. The others have been incredibly supportive. Why hadn’t Claire taken the time to do this before now?

“I’m always worried about Dani,” Claire answered finally.

Willamena studied the young woman, then handed her an ornament. “Why don’t you draw whatever comes to your mind on that.”

Claire gave Wills an awkward smile. “Isn’t that what therapists do for kids when they try to get them to open up?”

Willamena chuckled. “Sometimes. But it is effective.” She placed a hand over Claire’s. “I’m not trying to “shrink” you. However, I do think you could use someone to talk to.”

“Because of what happened to Dani?”

Willamena shook her head. “Because of what happened to you. Dani wasn’t the only one hurt by what happened.”

“I still have my legs,” Claire pointed out.

“Perhaps. But what about your trust? What about your ability to feel secure? What about your anger?”

Claire frowned. “How did you know I was angry?” Did she show it? Did Dani know?

“I’ve been doing this therapy thing for quite a while, dear. Honestly, I would be more concerned if you weren’t a bit angry.”

“What Rita did to Dani was horrible. What kind of mother does that?”

“Claire, I think your anger towards Dani’s mother is normal. Anyone who treats a child, their child, like that deserves nothing less. But you need to come to terms with your anger towards Dani.”

“Dani? I — I don’t. . .” It was dumb to lie to someone as perceptive as Aunt Wills. “Maybe I am a little, but I think I’m good at hiding it.”

“Until you’re not,” Willamena said softly. “You’re worried about her with Eve because you feel if she gets agitated, she may run. Again.”

Claire blinked at Aunt Wills. “Wow. You really are as good as everyone says.”

“Aww, they talk about me?” Willamena shook her head with a shuffle. “Don’t answer that. I take it, by your reaction, that I’m close?”

“You’re, like, spot on. I don’t know what to do for her. Everyone here has pitched in one way or the other. They’ve opened their houses and their arms to us. They’ve bent over backward for her, for us. Yet, Dani still lets her freakin’ ego get in the way most of the time.” Claire just realized she said “freakin’” to the doc. “Sorry.”

Willamena smiled. “Believe me, I’ve heard worse. I don’t want you to think I’m trying to drum up business here. In fact, I moved to LA to semi-retire. But if you would like to talk more, perhaps bring Dani, I’d be happy to help. Pro bono, of course.”

“Why is everyone helping us?”

It wasn’t suspicion in Claire’s voice, but pure wonder.

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