Love In Rehab

Chapter 4

The next day, Taraji walked into her therapy session with a little pep in her step. She couldn't help it the image of Terrence and Janet together was just too hilarious. As soon as she stepped into the office and saw Terrence sitting there, she stifled a laugh, but it still slipped through her lips.

Terrence looked up from his notes, raising an eyebrow at her. "What's so funny, Taraji?" he asked, a slight smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.

Taraji sat down on the couch, trying to compose herself. "Nothing, nothing at all," she replied, her eyes twinkling. But after a beat, she added, "So... how are you and Janet?"

Terrence shook his head and leaned back in his chair, a resigned expression on his face. "I see word gets around fast in this place."

Taraji grinned, shrugging her shoulders. "Mr. Howard, you know this is a rehab center. No one here can hold water. I could've told you myself that Janet was bad in bed."

Terrence couldn't help but chuckle at her bluntness, running a hand over his face. "Yeah, well... so much for the heads-up. Thanks for nothing, Taraji."

She laughed openly now, crossing her legs as she settled into her seat. "I'm just saying. I tried to tell you, but you didn't wanna listen. We all saw it coming."

Terrence sighed, shaking his head. "Enough about me. Let's get back to the reason we're here—your session."

Taraji leaned forward, still smiling, but more focused now. "Okay, okay. I'm ready. Let's do this."

There was a moment of silence before Terrence asked, "How are you feeling today? After everything... with the group session, seeing Janet and me. Is that what's been bothering you lately?"

Taraji glanced down, thinking. "I mean... yeah, I was mad. I thought there was something between us, you know? But then I saw you with her, and it just threw me off. I guess I felt kind of stupid for even thinking you'd be interested in someone like me."

Terrence looked at her thoughtfully. "Taraji, you're a patient here. You know I can't cross that line. No matter what either of us might feel, I have to stay professional."

"I know that," she replied softly. "But it doesn't stop the feelings. My hormones are all over the place. One minute, I'm thinking I can handle it, and the next, I'm pissed off because I see you with Janet. It's confusing."

Terrence nodded, understanding the complexity of her emotions. "It's natural to feel conflicted. This is an intense time for you. But you have to remember that, as your therapist, my priority is your well-being. If I were to blur those lines, I wouldn't be doing my job properly."

Taraji sighed. "I get that. I do. But sometimes it just feels like... I don't know. You treat me differently than the others."

"That's because I know you've got a lot going on, and I want to make sure you feel supported. But it's not because there's something romantic going on between us," Terrence said gently, looking her in the eye.

She nodded, biting her lip. "Okay. I hear you. But seeing you with Janet... it stung, you know? Like, I know it shouldn't matter, but it did."

"I understand that," he said. "And I want you to know that it wasn't anything serious. I made a mistake, and I realize that now."

Taraji chuckled again. "Yeah, well, I heard it was a *big* mistake."

Terrence groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Please, can we not go there again?"

She laughed, the tension easing between them. "Fine, fine. But seriously, I'll try to keep my feelings in check. I need to focus on me and my baby right now. I don't need any distractions."