Page 118 of Wait for Him

"So you think I'm getting worse."

"I think what you've been holding back is getting harder to hold back."

I look at him.

"That's therapist for the dam is breaking, isn't it?"

His mouth twitches. "If that's the metaphor you prefer."

"I don't prefer any of them. They're all very ominous."

"Then forget the metaphor." His expression settles. "You're exhausted, you're having more difficulty containing your emotions, and you've had thoughts of harming yourself again. I don't want you facing that with the same level of support you had when those things were easier to contain."

Well.

That's considerably less mystical.

Also harder to make fun of.

Rude.

I look back down at Jessica's card.

The creepy tarot reading version was almost preferable. Beware of the water, Rosalie. I could've worked with that. Bought a life jacket. Avoided beaches. Maybe carried emergency floaties in my purse.

This version is worse because I know he's right.

I've been feeling it for months. Years, if I'm being honest with myself. Something is getting harder to hold together, and knowing that is one thing.

Knowing what the hell I'm supposed to do when I can't hold it anymore is something else entirely.

Chapter Nine

Jackson

"Mr. Jackson." Emily's voice comes over the intercom, and I hit the receive button.

"Yes, Emily."

"There's a Mr. Finnegan at security in the main lobby. He says he's your father and he's refusing to leave. Security told him he needs an appointment and doesn't have clearance for the executive floors, and he's... causing a scene."

"What the actual fuck?"

"How can I help?"

"I'll handle it. Thanks, Emily."

I'm out of my chair before the line disconnects, scanning the floor for Rose as I head toward the elevators. She's been out most of the afternoon, which means she's due back any minute, and I cannot have him standing in this building when she walks through those doors.

Not here.

Not like this.

I dial Sean on my way.

"Sir."

"Why the fuck is he in this building, Sean?"