He Heals Me

Chapter 4: Where It Starts

Kina POV

I got in the car, feeling kind of weird about going to dinner with my therapist. As a fashion consultant, I'm used to going to dinner with clients, it kind of comes with the territory. This situation is completely different though. He's my therapist. He saw me have a panic attack a few hours ago. Goodness, why does he have to be so nice? Ugh! I should just relax. He doesn't mean any harm. He just knows I had a rough day. That's all.

I followed his car in silence, not really feeling like listening to music after my episode earlier. He was driving into an area that I wasn't familiar with. I could feel my anxiety rising so I took deep breaths to calm myself. When he pulled into a parking lot next to a little mom and pop shop diner, I was surprised. I prided myself on knowing all of the chill spot restaurants in our city and I definitely had no idea about this one. I got out and locked the door, nervously surveying my surroundings.
Larry walked over to me and led the way inside.

Inside the atmosphere was welcoming. I liked the old school decor and the 90s RnB playing on the jukebox. I felt at ease which I rarely do when out with guys these days. Come to think of it, I haven't been on a date in a while. Not that this is a date. Ugh! Overthinking again. An older woman came out from the back and took us to our booth. I looked over the menu as they spoke.

Server: Hey Larry how have you been?
Lar: Great Mama Kay! How have you been?
Mama Kay: Oh you know just hanging in there. My joints make a fuss every now and then.
Lar: Well you're looking as beautiful as ever. If old Gerald back there hadn't snatched you up I sure would've liked a shot.
Mama Kay: *giggles* Still quite the charmer I see. Now who's this pretty young lady?
Lar: This is my friend Kina. Kina this is Mama Kay. Her and Gerad back there own this place.
Mama Kay: It's nice to meet you Kina. So what can I get for you guys?
Lar: I'll take my usual.
Mama Kay: Double cheeseburger with the works, fries and a tall vanilla shake?
Lar: You got it!
Mama Kay: And for you Kina?
Kina: That actually sounds good. I'll have the same.
Mama Kay: Coming right up.

When she walked away, an awkward silence fell over our table. I looked down and fiddled with my fingers not knowing what to say at this point.

Larry POV
I could see that Kina was kind of uncomfortable the moment we got out of our cars. I realize it might be weird to go to dinner with your shrink. I definitely wasn't thinking earlier when I asked her to come. I just wanted to make sure that she ate. I guess there's nothing wrong with that.

Larry: I hope you're okay with going to dinner with me. I realize it must be a lil weird.
Kina: Yeah to be honest it is. I know you were just trying to be nice though so it's cool.
Larry: How are you feeling?
Kina: I'm a lot better than I was earlier. I just needed to take a break. When I get like that, it just takes longer to get it together.
Larry: I know we're not in the session room but if you wanna talk, I'm always here.
Kina: I appreciate that. I'm just not used to you yet. You're different from my last shrinks. Most of them patronized me with the whole 'you're a beautiful young lady with a bright future bit' or wrote off my issues as ordinary.
Larry: Well that's not what they're supposed to be doing. I just got out of school and even I know that's not right. They should take the time to get to know you and provide treatment for the issues that they diagnose.
Kina: I think that's the problem. None of them knew what was wrong with me. I don't even know what's wrong with me.
Larry: I don't see it as there being something wrong with you as much as I see that you've been through a lot and don't know how to cope with what's happened.
Kina: Wow, that's the first time anyone has ever said that to me. Thanks. It's nice not feeling like no one gets me.
Larry: No problem.

Mama Kay brought the food out and set it on the table. The conversation was at a minimum as we ate. From time to time, we locked eyes and each time Kina would just smile and look down to continue eating. I found it cute how she would blush every now and then. I know it's wrong to mix business and personal relationships but I can't keep my eyes off of her. There's something about her. Underneath all that pain she carries around with her, I just know there's a beautiful soul in there waiting to shine through.

When we were through eating, I paid the bill and got up to walk Kina out.

Kina: Thanks for dinner. I really enjoyed myself.
Larry: It was my pleasure. Here take my number down and any time you wanna chat you can give me a call.
Kina: I'd like that. *hands phone to Larry*
Larry: *Puts number in the phone* Here you go. Well enjoy the rest of your evening Kina.
Kina: You too. *hugs Larry*

Author POV
The two got in there separate cars and drove off towards home. Larry couldn't get the smell of Kina's perfume out of his mind. She smelled so good. Kina on the other hand couldn't stop thinking of how good Larry's embrace felt. She felt so safe in his arms. To say that the two were looking forward to the next session was an understatement. Off to bed they both went thinking about the new friend they had made.

A/N: This could've been better I believe but I promised a chapter and had to push through! Let me know what your thoughts are lovelies! Comment and vote😁😘