AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That’s correct. I’ll show you to Dr. Shadid’s office. He’s one of the best, you know.”
“I’m sure he is,” he grumbles, falling in step behind her.
We walk down a long hallway, and I realize as we pass the other doors that they’re numbered like hotel rooms. “Are these for the other guests?”
Tina glances back at me. “Mhm. Guests stay on the first floor. Then the second floor is for staff only—it’s where all of the corporate offices are.”
I nod, wrapping my arms around myself. I pack for just about all seasons when I go out on the road, so my sweater and jeans are more than enough for the spring mountain weather. However, I’m still chilled for some reason.
“Here’s his office.” She gestures to a dark cherry wooden door. “He’s always on time, so I’m sure he’s ready for you.”
“Thanks.” Cameron opens the door and then peeks back at me as I linger outside. “Are you coming?”
“I’m sure the sessions with your counselor are private...”
“They are,” Tina confirms, giving me a nod and then looking at Cameron. “Guests aren’t allowed to sit in the sessions without consent.”
Cameron rolls his eyes. “Okay, well, you have my consent. Come on.”
My brows shoot upward—as does Tina’s. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, of course, I’m sure. I don’t have anything to hide. It’s not like I actually have anger management issues,” he adds, ignoring the way Tina shakes her head.
I bet she hears that a lot here.
“If he consents to your presence, you can sit in on the session,” Tina tells me, motioning for me to join Cameron. “It’s okay.”
I nod slowly, not sure how I feel about this. But I force myself to step into the warmly lit office, where an older man with dark-rimmed glasses sits behind the desk.
“Cameron Hastens,” the man says, standing to his feet and extending his hand. “It’s good to have you here. I don’t believe we’ve had an NHL player before.”
“Hmm,” Cameron responds and shakes his hand.
“And I see you brought your partner?”
Cameron’s silence jars me.
“I’m not his partner,” I clarify since he doesn’t. “I’m just here to document the process. My name’s Nila.”
“That’s an odd arrangement,” Dr. Shadid says, extending his hand to me as well. “But it’s nice to have you here. You can take a seat.”
“Well, it’s just part of repairing my image,” Cameron says as he takes a step back, plopping down on the couch.
“Repairing your image.” Dr. Shadid chuckles, taking a seat as well.
I’m the only one left standing, and I opt to sit next to Cameron on the couch, taking in the surroundings—which remind me more of a library than an office. The walls are lined with shelves, and they’re full of books.
“Do you like to read, Nila?”
I whip my head toward Dr. Shadid. “Um ... I do.”
“Feel free to peruse and take a book.”
“Oh ... Um...”
“It’ll give you something to do in your downtime. I always recommend it. It’s a great way to relax. There’s nothing quite like a warm fire, a cup of tea, and a good book.”
I nod. “That does sound nice.”
