Her Pleasure His Pain

A NEW LOVE

"Happy Anniversary," Dr. Reese greeted as we entered her office, together. This time, we sat next to one another, not touching, but also not cringing because of one's proximity to the other. I silenced my phone, then placed it in my pocket. Bry turned hers off, then tossed it into her purse.

"Wow." Dr. Reese exclaimed. "Aren't we focused today."

"We have a lot to talk about."

"Okay, then let's begin. JL, would you care to start? How are you feeling about your marriage?"

"Troubled."

"Why?"

"We're getting along better, even sharing the same bed, but there's something still off between us."

"Off from your perspective or based upon Sabryna's actions."

"I don't know, just off."

"Sabryna?" Dr. Reese asked as she scribbled in her notepad.

"Mostly, things had been good, but lately he's constantly asking where I'm going, calling me back to back when I'm out or starting an argument out of nowhere."

"JL, why do you feel a need to do those things?"

"Because it has been easier to forgive than to trust."

"And how are you supposed to be in a healthy marriage without trust?"

"That's the problem, I'm not. I love her. Bry knows that, but some things can't be solved by great sex and nostalgia."

"So, what's currently causing this disconnect?"

"My contract is nearly done. Right now, I have no viable options for a new publicist other than SDG or Bry's firm. They've been in negotiation on how to move forward, which means she has to talk to him about my shit."

Dr. Reese asked. "By him, you mean, Mason."

I nodded.

"Sabryna, how have these conversations with Mason been going?"

"They're business, Dr. Reese, strictly business. I've even offered for Justin to join me for the face to face meetings."

"I'mma bust the other side of that nigga jaw if I see him again."

"So, JL, you're choosing not to attend these meetings."

"Doc, didn't you hear what I said? I meant that shit."

"And what will that accomplish?"

"Other than knowing that bitch has to sip broth from a straw for the rest of his damn life, absolutely fucking nothing."

"See, what I'm dealing with, Dr. Reese?" Bry, leaned toward the opposite side of the love seat, then sighed.

"Okay, JL. You know how this goes. You can't give me a problem without providing a solution. It seems as though Mason and Sabryna have to speak and that you've been offered the opportunity to be part of these conversations. So, either you join or not hold Sabryna accountable for your emotions."

"That's easy for you to say."

"What has she done to make you feel, think or believe she has had improper communications with Mason or another man since the two of you have begun to reconcile your differences."

"The same thing she did the first time she had dealings with another nigga, nothing."

Dr. Reese asked. "Sabryna, are you having any inappropriate conversations, interactions with Mason or any other man?"

"No, I'm not."

"Why would you admit it?"

"Is her word reliable to you?"