Tame Me If You Can

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

I take an obligatory gulp of my chili-rimmed michelada. "Two things have never been more dramatic: The number of social media content and the craving for knowledge by the younger generation."

"Sexy, sexy. Go on." Anna nods, drumming her nails on the steering wheel.

We're in Anna's car, on our way to Big Bear. She somehow managed to mix cocktails while packing her bag this morning and convinced me that openly drinking alcohol in a moving car was a great idea.

I take another gulp. "Which is why, now more than ever, we need to talk about how mental disorders often get misdiagnosed."

"A little clunky, but go on."

"Too many seek help for OCD, depression, autism, anxiety, when in reality those are symptoms of complex post traumatic stress disorder. It's like labeling food allergies 'chronically itchy eyes.'"

"Oh, love that! That last line is the one."

"Thanks." I glare at Anna. "That's the one line I didn't come up with."

Zhoe pops from the back seat, face looking plastered. "We're going to Big Bear to party for fuck's sake. No work talk!"

"Girl, I know, I got you." Anna smirks. "Why do you think I'm getting Mia drunk?"

"I'm not going to get drunk. I literally have to meet the HMA ambassadors in three hours for a preliminary review."

"But I thought your boss said you're already part of the seminar." She scrunches her baby face with a pout.  "Why are they still interviewing you?"

"The big guys probably want to see what they're investing in." I shrug. "I don't know. Maybe they're worried about my age."

I don't know how I ended up here. I shouldn't have come at all.

First, I have a video interview at 10 PM with the Mental Health Association ambassadors in Australia — or as Dr. Dennis likes to call them — the chapels of psych networks.

Impressing them would land a gloat-worthy stamp on my tenure review. Ensure a one-way ticket to a permanent teaching position. I've been losing sleep over it for the last two nights.

Second, the three bedroom cabin is a trap waiting to happen. Not only will sexy Jake and I be under the same roof, but we'll be surrounded by drunk people and smartphones. It's like I'm stupid or something.

So why am I here? Why?

My best friend Anna really likes Ramon. And she never likes anyone. And she always ruins any relationship that she starts. She needs me here to support her. Be there for her in case she freaks out.

Whether it's guilt or an excuse, Anna's selflessly helped me when I've been at my worst and I'm not about to turn my back on her because of my infatuation.

All I need to do is treat Jake as a friend when others are around. I can do that.

"So how many people are going to be there?" I ask for the millionth time.

"Not that many, Ramon's not likeable." She smiles at his name."The guy gets pissed off at everything."

"Anna you're the everything," I emphasize. "You love getting him angry."

"Ugh, I do." She moans, making Zhoe and I laugh.

"What?" she says innocently. "It's completely unintentional."

"Uh-huh." I roll my eyes and she smacks her lips.

Maluma purrs through the speakers, lightening up the mood despite the dark road ahead. Anna slaps the steering wheel and bounces in her seat.