Descending the stairs, Paris spotted Dr. Reed and Celeste at the kitchen island, mimosas in hand, immersed in laughter and conversation. As she drew near, she interjected, "What's so funny?" before taking a seat beside her mother.
"Paris, I've arrived for your session. Shane mentioned he'd go upstairs to fetch you when I got here. While waiting, I had a conversation with your mother. I've been considering, and since we've discussed the subject previously, it might be beneficial to conduct a joint session with both you and her," Dr. Reed suggested, looking at each of them in turn.
Paris glanced at her mother, observing as she took a sip of her drink, their eyes locked. Her mother's gaze held an expectant air as if anticipating a witty comment from her daughter. Lord knows their relationship had been bumpy and her daughter resented her for it but Celeste was more than willing to refurbish what was left of their relationship. As long as her daughter agreed with it.
She sat there, visibly contemplating her choices before offering a strained smile. "It's okay with me, as long as she's fine with it," Paris said.
"It's more than fine with me, I think it's long overdue," Celeste responded, receiving a sharp look from her daughter in return.
"Alright, let's proceed," Dr. Reed announced, her smile betraying her keen interest. Paris noticed she was starting to view her as a puzzle that needed solving. Which made her want to speak to everyone involved in her life.
"You want that to happen today?" Paris inquired.
"Why not today?" Kayla countered.
Paris paused, opening her mouth to speak, then glanced at her mother. "I apologize, Dr. Reed, but I need to prepare for that session. I'm not ready today," she admitted honestly, recognizing the magnitude of the challenge. She understood that mental preparation was crucial for this conversation to occur.
"I don't need you prepared, Paris. I want your genuine emotions. No rehearsals. Let's do it today," she responded.
"Agreed," Celeste said, topping off her glass with more champagne.
Paris rolled her eyes. It was two against one. "We have a flight to catch, so it'll have to wait," she replied, piling on more excuses.
Amidst it all, Paris was picking her battles wisely, and therapy with her mother was not on her agenda for the day.
"Well, I was scheduled to fly out with you, just on a different flight. If it's alright, I could join you and conduct the session on the jet," Kayla suggested.
"It's not my call. I believe Shane wanted only us and the kids on this flight, so—" Her words were cut off once more, this time by Celeste, who stood up. "Let's just ask him, he's right here," she said, approaching her son-in-law descending the stairs.
"What's the question?" Shane inquired.
"Would it be an issue if Dr. Reed joined us on the flight to California? She's proposing a joint session for me and Paris," she explained.
With all eyes on him, Paris watched as he met her gaze. Silently, she mouthed 'no' as she rose from her chair, heading towards the kitchen.
"It's fine with me," he replied, prompting Paris to stop abruptly.
"Are you sure?" she asked, spinning around to face her husband.
"I'm positive. Kayla, I'll have somebody drive you to get your luggage and take you to the airport," he said, striding towards his office without breaking eye contact with his wife.
"Well, that's settled then," Celeste declared, grinning.
Paris just rolled her eyes at him.
"I'm going to Kelsey's," she said, heading toward the foyer in defeat.
