by Suzie Nelson
Usually, with her clients, there came a moment of self-awareness, a point where their behaviors – and the consequences of said behaviors - became clear to them and they understood why they needed to change. It might take them a long time to solve their problems, if they ever did, but the will to do so was there. With Lewis, there was no spark, no dawning of comprehension. He just kept answering her questions and nodding along, but he never actually seemed to grasp that there was something wrong with him, that his actions were hurting himself and others. It didn’t help that she had to stay on her guard every second of their appointments together because Lewis was constantly flirting with her.
It wasn’t that Rosie minded being hit on - she liked to flirt as much as anyone – but, first of all, he was her patient. Second of all, he was an asshole, and third of all – hell, she didn’t even have a third of all. Those were good enough reasons on their own. It was a pity, really, because sometimes he could be really funny and, instead of being able to just enjoy the joke, she’d have to swallow her laugh and keep her face straight, just to keep him from getting any ideas. Men like Lewis were constantly pushing the boundaries, wanting just a little bit more, and Rosie knew that if he thought he could make her laugh, he would think that he could get her into bed with him as well. And that was definitely not happening.
But all her efforts went to nothing at the end of their third week together. It was Friday morning and they were nearing the end of their session, practicing the breathing exercises that Rosie hoped would one day help Lewis to control his outbursts.
“Do these really help people?” Lewis asked as he sat on the floor with his legs crossed and his eyes closed, breathing deeply.
Rosie nodded then realized he couldn’t see her. “They do,” she said. “But the trick is taking them seriously and remembering to do them when you feel yourself getting angry. It’s all well and good to sit around at home doing deep breathing exercises but, if you don’t do them when you need them, then all you’re really getting is a bigger lung capacity.”
Lewis nodded. “And the last thing I need is more air for yelling at people,” he joked, cracking one eye open.
Rosie chuckled despite herself. “Too true,” she answered. “Or maybe you could take up opera singing? Because I’m afraid you might be a lost cause when it comes to anger management, Lewis.”
Her patient opened both eyes, his usually snarky expression suddenly worried. “Don’t say that, Rosie,” he said, his voice unusually soft. “I thought I was really making progress.”
Rosie raised her eyebrows. “You just seem to be going through the paces to me, Lewis.”
Lewis shook his head. “What? No way, doc. These sessions are really helping me. I swear to God. Sometimes I even do this shit at home,” he said, gesturing to his crossed legs.
“You do?” Rosie was honestly surprised. “Well, that’s nice to know. But, like I said, you need to do it in the heat of the moment. I bet if you got a few drinks in you, you’d be just as wild as ever.”
“You think so?” It was Lewis’ turn to raise his eyebrows. “That sounds like a challenge, Rosie Suarez. Not to mention a very good reason for us to go out tonight.”
“Only you would take that as an invitation, Lewis,” Rosie replied, shaking her head. “I’m not about to go out for a drink with a patient. Some of us take our jobs seriously.”
“Ah, come on, Rosie. Just one drink. Just so that I can show you that I’m not going to become a ravenous beast as soon as I do a tequila shot.”
“Oh, now we’re doing shots, are we?”
“So you’ll come?” Lewis grinned at her.
Rosie eyed him for a long moment before deciding. “I will go out for exactly one drink with you, Lewis, just to prove my point.”
“Sure, sure, whatever you need to tell yourself,” Lewis winked.
“This is not a date, Lewis,” Rosie insisted, keeping her voice calm. “Nor does it mean I’m going to sleep with you. I want to be very, very clear about that. Do you understand?”
“I understand that you’re coming for a drink with me on a Friday night,” Lewis waggled his eyebrows.
Rosie sighed, already regretting her decision. “If you keep acting like that I’ll change my mind,” she warned him.
“Okay,” said Lewis, miming zipping up his lips. “I’ll be good.”
“Ha,” Rosie laughed, unconvinced. “We’ll see about that.”
“I’ll pick you up?”
Rosie shook her head. “I’ll meet you there,” she said. She didn’t want him anywhere near her house. “And I have to be home early.”
“Sure, sure, okay. And it’s my treat.”
“Obviously. The only way I’m spending time with you is if I’m paid for it,” she joked.
“Ouch, doc,” Lewis smiled. “You can be mean, has anyone ever told you that?”
“It’s tough love,” she replied, making him laugh.
***
Later that night, Rosie was sitting at the bar of an upscale restaurant downtown and feeling very uneasy. She was a confident woman and didn’t often feel like she didn’t belong somewhere but, looking around the dim lounge with its tables dotted here and there with celebrities, she’d never felt more out of place. That, coupled with the prospect of having a drink with Lewis, was giving her stomach pains already. Trying not to let her nervousness show, she crossed her legs in the opposite direction, a nervous habit she’d had all her life.
“Looking for someone?” the bartender asked, looking down his nose at her. He clearly thought she was here to spot a star, even though it was guest list only.
Rosie shook her head emphatically. “Waiting for someone,” she replied. “And not of my own free will.”
The bartender raised his eyebrows. “Well, that’ll be a first here,” he said. “Most people are thrilled to get on the list.”
“Well, I’m not most people,” Rosie replied.
He gave her a once over, taking in her slender legs, dark, glossy hair, and tailored yellow dress. “No,” he said, with a growing smile, “I can see that.”
Rosie chuckled, but her expression abruptly soured as Lewis appeared in the entrance. “Here goes nothing,” she muttered as he caught sight of her and made his way across the room.
“You’re waiting for him?” the bartender asked incredulously. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t really seem like his type.”
“That’s because I’m not,” Rosie replied. “Like I said, I’m here under duress.”
The bartender nodded. “Do you want your drinks extra strong or extra light?” he asked.
She flashed him a grateful smile. “Thanks,” she said, “but normal’s fine. It’ll only be one drink.”
“It’s never just one drink,” said the bartender.
“You made it,” Lewis grinned at her as he reached the bar.
“It wasn’t that hard to find,” she replied stiffly.
“I thought maybe you’d back out at the last minute,” he said.
Rosie shook her head. “When’s the next time I’ll be on the guest list for this place? Gotta take advantage of that when I can.”
“Oh, I see. You just came for the ambiance.”
“Well, I certainly didn’t come for the company,” Rosie shot back, only half joking. Lewis was dressed in a well-fitted, deep green shirt that brought out the green flecks in his hazel eyes and accentuated his muscular shoulders. It suited him and Rosie didn’t like that she liked it. All of which made her grumpy.
“Ouch, man, you’re gonna give me a complex,” said Lewis, putting a hand on his heart.
Rosie rolled her eyes. “A few insults from me are hardly going to let all the hot air out of your bloated head, Lewis, don’t worry.”
The bartender watched this exchange with bated breath, waiting for the baseball star to lose his temper and lash out. To his surprise, Lewis just laughed.
“Okay, okay, I surrender,” said Lewis, holding up his hands. “What are you ha
ving?”
“G&T,” Rosie replied.
Lewis wrinkled his nose. “What are you? 90? Gross. One G&T and a rum and coke,” he said to the bartender.
“The house G&T comes with mint and cucumber,” the bartended told Rosie. “Want to try it? Or would you rather play it safe?”
Rosie smiled. “Let’s go wild,” she said. “Bring on the vegetables.”
The bartender nodded. “It’ll be right out.”
Tired of sharing her with the bartender, Lewis tugged on Rosie’s elbow. “Let’s go grab a table,” he said.
Rosie nodded, smiling goodbye at the bartender as Lewis led her into one of the darker corners of the bar.
“You sure it’s dark enough back here?” she joked as they settled into a cozy booth.
Lewis eyed her. “I can get them to dim the lights a bit more, if you want. But I figured you’d want to be able to admire how good this shirt makes me look,” he replied with a devilish grin.
Rosie laughed and shook her head. “Like I said: a hopeless case.”
“Don’t say that,” said Lewis. “I’m really not.”
“I’ll believe you when you stop hitting on me,” Rosie replied.
Lewis nodded. “Okay, fine. I can do that.”
Rosie raised her eyebrows.
“It’s just…you know you’re really beautiful, though, right?” he asked.
“I’m also extremely smart, loyal, trilingual, and hilarious,” Rosie shot back.
Lewis laughed. “Okay, yes. Sorry.” Then he frowned, “Trilingual?”
Rosie nodded. “Spanish, Portuguese, and English. My dad was from Brazil, and my mom was from Puerto Rico.”
“Huh,” Lewis looked impressed. “My Nona was from Naples, but I never learned Italian.”
“That’s usually how it goes.” She almost mentioned that she was teaching Angelo to speak Spanish and Portuguese as well but quickly bit her tongue. The last thing she wanted was Lewis knowing about Angelo. She didn’t want him near her son.
The bartender brought their drinks and, like in their sessions, they began to banter, throwing barbs back and forth as their conversation wandered from topic to topic. Nobody was more surprised than Rosie when she realized that she was actually enjoying herself. Before she knew it, the bartender was bringing the third round, and she was beginning to feel the alcohol.
“What time is it?” she asked Lewis as the bartender left them.
“Just about midnight,” he replied, checking his watch.
“That late?” Rosie gasped. “Shit, I should really go.”
Lewis frowned. “Who are you? Cinderella? We just got another round. Sit down and enjoy it, Rosie.” His hand closed around her upper arm, gently tugging her back down.
“I really should be going,” said Rosie softly. His fingers were soft on the sensitive skin of her inner arm.
“In a minute,” said Lewis. “When we’re done these drinks. Just to make sure that three isn’t the lucky number that turns me into a wild man.”
Rosie smiled at the joke. His hand still hadn’t left her arm and, she realized with a start, their knees were touching under the table. Lewis shifted slightly so that their thighs pressed against one another. Rosie swallowed, looking over at the baseball star, who now seemed very close. “Okay,” she whispered, her eyes on his, “just one more drink.”
Lewis smiled. For a long moment, they just looked at each other in silence. Then Lewis leaned forward and kissed her.
Rosie closed her eyes, the feel of his warm mouth on hers sending shivers all the way through her. Without meaning to, she moaned softly, her mouth opening to allow his tongue in. Her hands came up to his dark hair, her nails trailing between his thick curls. His free hand slid under the table to grip her thigh, his thumb stroking her delicate skin. It had been a long time since Rosie had enjoyed a simple kiss so much.
Then she came back to her senses. “Shit,” she said, pulling away from him. “Shit, Lewis.”
“What?” Lewis looked confused and, Rosie noticed with a complete lack of surprise, just the faintest bit triumphant. “You seemed to be enjoying yourself.”
“That’s not the point,” Rosie threw up her hands. “You’re my patient. This is completely unethical. Not to mention you’re a womanizing dick.”
Lewis pouted. “You don’t need to be a bitch about it. We were having a good time.”
“Don’t use that word,” Rosie snapped.
“Sorry,” Lewis replied automatically. Then he sighed. “Look, Rosie, we have a good time together. We’re consenting adults. Where’s the harm?”
“It could cost me my career,” she hissed. “I’m sorry, Lewis, but I have to go. This…this has been nice. Thank you.”
“Aw, come on, Rosie—Rosie!” Lewis called after her as she grabbed her purse and slipped out of his grasp, doing her best not to break into a run as she hurried out of the bar.
Her heart racing, she hailed a taxi in the street and jumped in. They pulled away from the curb just in time for her to see Lewis come out of the bar a moment too late. Rosie sighed in relief, her heartbeat beginning to slow. Then she groaned, her head falling back against the cushions. The worst part was that she wished she hadn’t left.
Chapter 5
The next morning, Lewis made his way to his usual Saturday morning workout only to find Ben waiting for him in the gym, looking ever more glum than usual.
“Well, you really screwed this one up, didn’t you?” Ben greeted him.
“I…what?” Lewis frowned, thinking fast. He couldn’t remember having done anything stupid in the last 24 hours. After Rosie ran off on him, he’d had another drink at the bar, bitched to the bartender for half an hour, then had his chauffeur take him home. He’d been sleeping like a log until an hour ago.
“You just couldn’t behave, could you?” Ben continued as if he hadn’t heard. “Couldn’t just keep your head down for a few months and go through the motions. I mean, God knows a little anger management would have been good for you. But oh no, the great Lewis Maserati doesn’t go to therapy like the rest of us mere mortals. Jesus fucking Christ, Lewis! How could you?”
“Ben, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” said Lewis as Ben drew in a breath.
“Yeah, right, I’m sure you have no idea why your anger management therapist suddenly quit. I’m sure your behavior had nothing to do with it. The one therapist willing to take you and you fucked it up. Well, congratulations. You’re being permanently suspended. That’s it. No more baseball!” Ben waved his hands to emphasize his point. “I can’t believe you’re actually this stupid.”
“Wait, Rosie quit?” Lewis gaped at his manager.
Ben raised his eyebrows. “You didn’t know? She called me this morning to say she couldn’t work with you anymore. I’m assuming because you did or said something wildly offensive, as always.”
“What?” Lewis protested, his eyes widening. “But I didn’t—”then he realized what this was all about: the kiss. “Shit! I gotta go, Ben.”
“What? No, Lewis Maserati, you’re staying right here to—Lewis! Lewis, get back here! Oh, for the love of Christ!” Ben threw his hands in the air as his star player ran off into the change room.
As Lewis frantically stripped off his gym clothes, he cursed himself for having pushed Rosie so far. He wanted to be mad at her for quitting without warning, for being such a wuss about a teeny kiss, but, deep down, he knew the reason why she’d quit: he’d jeopardized her career. And, just like him, he knew she would do anything to keep her job. For the first time in his life, Lewis could admit to himself that he had, in fact, fucked something up.
His shirt still only half buttoned, he ran out of the gym, flagging down a passing taxi instead of waiting for his driver. Throwing himself into the backseat, he gasped directions at the cabbie. As far as he could see, his last chance to save his career was to convince Rosie to take him back – even if that meant apologizing to her. Fuck, he thought, even if that meant begging her o
n a bended fucking knee.
It wasn’t until he was taking the elevator up to her office that he realized that his shirt was still only half buttoned.
Lewis was just doing up the last of his buttons as he stepped into the office. Rosie’s assistant, the wide-eyed blonde that had ushered him in on his first day, looked up at him in surprise.
“Mr., uh, Mr. Maserati,” she stuttered. “Today’s Saturday. You don’t have an appointment today.”
“No,” Lewis smiled winningly at the awe-struck woman, “I don’t. But I was really hoping to talk to Rosie about some…issues…I’ve been having. It would really help if I could just have a quick word with her.”
