Five Alarm Lust by Elise Whyles (reading cloud ebooks .TXT) 📗

a moment before heading for the checkout. “What can I do for you?”

“I wanted to call you and see how you were doing. You missed Tuesday’s appointment.”

“I did?” Gillian slapped a hand to her forehead. “I did. Sorry, I was busy.”

“Were you doing something you wanted? I see you often enough to know you’re doing a lot better than you were a year ago. I’m happy with your progress and just don’t want to see you letting your mother ruin it.”

“I know. I was out with a friend.” Gillian smiled nervously at the clerk and put her purchases on the counter. “We, um, went to the museum.”

“Gillian, I’m concerned about you. Do you have time to stop by my office today? I know you’re busy, but it’s important. Your mother called me, ranting about you going off your meds. She’s a real… Well, I’m worried about you.”

Gillian bit back a curse, handed over the cash, and took her goods. Obviously her mother hadn’t forgotten her rebellion if she was calling her therapist and not the doctor she’d been seeing before. “I can just imagine that call. I’m not in town at the moment, but I can be back there within the next hour. Would that work?”

“Quite nicely. See you then.”

Gillian hurried from the store. She tossed her things in the back of the car and cranked the engine over. Reversing out of the parking spot, she tapped the steering wheel, fuming at her mother’s high handedness.

Why can’t she just leave me alone? What good comes from haunting me with this bull? Now I’m going to be late for work! Oh goodness, Jack’ll be at the house at eight and I still have so much to do.

Tired, Gillian trudged up to the door of Doctor Reimer’s office and rang the bell. A moment later she smiled at her therapist who held the door open for her. Stepping into the warm foyer, she glanced around. “So, Mother called you, huh?”

“Yes, she’s concerned you’re off your meds.” Doctor Reimer used her hands to make quotations, a wry smile on her face. “Something about being confrontational?”

“I kicked her out of my house when she yelled at me for going out with Jack,” Gillian admitted. “Acting like I’m a two-year-old. So I told her off.”

“She mentioned you and Mike may be working on reconciliation. I nearly died on a spit-take, my poor desk got coffee all over it.” Doctor Reimer paused, her brows puckered. “I was shocked when she called, and even more so when she said that. I don’t mean to be an alarmist, but your mother is not well. Thinking you’re going to rekindle a relationship with the man who attempted to kill you is hardly an indicator of a healthy mind. Were I to hear of this, I would strongly advise against such an act.”

Gillian held up a hand. “She gave Mike my phone number; that’s not reconciliation at all. It’s pure spite. It’s something she has always done: tried to control every facet of my life.”

“Gillian, I think it may be time to consider the relationship you and your mother have is simply too toxic for you to continue. Have you thought of simply disconnecting from her?”

“Yes, I’ve thought of it. Knowing she’s been speaking to Mike has only reinforced my desire to cut her from my life.” Gillian frowned. “Still, it’s a rather daunting idea.”

“Has he called?”

Gillian flushed, ducking her head slightly. The old fear rearing its ugly head again as the memory of his voice slithered over her. Even now, fully clothed, she felt exposed, vulnerable, and she hated it. “Yes. Basically told me he wasn’t going to let me go. Like I’m a piece of meat or something he can own. I hung up on him and then mother called. It was a stressful evening.”

“First thing tomorrow morning I want you to call Robert. Get him working on stopping the calls from Mike. The man is not to be calling you or having any contact whatsoever.”

“Can he get rid of my mother too?” Gillian forced a giggle. “Look, I’m sorry I missed our meeting. Just a lot on my mind and I forgot. I better get going. I still have to grab some boxes before I get home and clean up. I have to work and then I have company coming tonight.”

“Oh? Boxes? Company? Have you been…”

“I started dating a very nice man. We’re going to have dinner tonight at my place. The boxes are because I’ve given up my lease and need to find somewhere to live.”

“Well, I’ll wish you the best with both the dating and the move. I’ve scheduled you in for Friday, so please try and make it this time.”

“Friday? I’ll be here, and thank you for letting me know about Mother. I hope she doesn’t bother you again.” Gillian shuffled from the house. She closed the front door and palmed her cell a second before it started ringing.

She smiled as she recognized her home number. Pride flared at the thought she’d managed to figure out how to forward her calls. She hit Talk. Maybe it’s Jack. “Hello?”

“Hey, babe, where you at?” Mike’s voice oozed over her.

“The police station. Just gave my statement in regards to your harassing calls.” Gillian leaned against the door, her hands shaking violently.

“Now that ain’t nice.”

“Do not call me. You’re insane if you think I’m going to let you back in my life in any way! Fucking nuts,” Gillian ground out, anger pushing at her fear until both were locked in a head-to-head battle she wasn’t sure either could win.

“Don’t take that tone with me. Your momma said she invited you to dinner. I expect you to dress nicely and go.”

“Like hell. You have no say in my life, not now, not ever.” Gillian whirled around, her eyes widening at the opening of the door. Doctor Reimer stood in the doorway, a pensive look on her face. “Rot in your cell and leave me the hell alone.”

“Sexless, useless, and