Chapter Two #4
“With my director responsibilities, I don’t have time for client therapy.
Joni, the speech and language pathologist who replaced me, is wonderful.
Everyone raves about what an amazing job she does.
” And the fact that she was five eight, curvy in all the right places with long wavy dark hair and Southern charm helped.
“I don’t want her. I want you.”
Heat coursed through Carly, and she cursed her body for the warm, gooey feelings pulsing in her veins and other intimate places.
Hormones taunting her for no good reason, because she knew he hadn’t meant he wanted her so much for her but for her therapy credentials.
“I’m sorry. That’s not possible. However, my door is always open if you have concerns or questions about the agency. ”
He laughed.
She frowned. “What’s so funny?”
“You. Acting all professional and throwing out that crap like I wouldn’t see through it.”
So much for hiding behind professionalism. This was exactly why she shouldn’t be his therapist.
“Come on. Make an exception, Carly girl.”
His sexy hoarse voice whispering his pet name for her sent another dose of female happy hormones gushing through her system.
No. It wouldn’t work, especially when he hadn’t used his sexy voice the last time she’d seen him outside Brookshire’s grocery store years ago.
Of course, he hadn’t wanted a favor then.
Possibly, she could work with him if she wanted to, but being Owen’s therapist wasn’t in anyone’s best interest. “I have to put my job running this agency and being accountable for to the board of directors first.”
Before he could respond, Owen’s father, Dean, turned the corner and spotted them. “There you are, Owen. Good to see you, Carly. I can’t tell you how much it means to Dany and me that you’ll be helping Owen.”
Great another Crawford, this one older with salt-and-pepper hair, but just as charming, adding to her guilt. She considered clearing up the misunderstanding but knew she couldn’t hold her own against both Crawford men. “That’s what we do.”
Dean nodded and turned to his son. “I hate to drag you away, but Mel Jablinski wants to say hello, and he can’t stay long.”
The tightness in Carly’s chest eased with her reprieve.
“We’ll talk more later,” Owen said before he stumbled away with his father.
Deciding she’d had more than enough socializing, she left in the opposite direction in search of Reese but ran into Owen’s mother, Dany, instead.
“I never imagined we’d have a turnout like this. To tell you the truth, I didn’t know my house could hold this many people.”
The slender woman dressed in tan slacks and a tan, black and white print cardigan, glanced around the room, splayed a hand over her chest, and shook her head in amazement.
“I wanted to talk to you about that before I leave,” Carly began, her voice hesitant. If she didn’t give Owen’s mother specifics from his file and talked in generalities, she wouldn’t breach confidentiality but could warn them about potential trouble. Right? She paused. But what should she say?
Speaking of the crowd wedged in here like crayons in a box, while everyone else is having fun, it’s probably a nightmare for Owen. You need to watch out for him getting overwhelmed or exhausted. Otherwise, you could have a nuclear meltdown on your hands.
Dany focused a concerned motherly gaze on Carly. “Something’s wrong. I see it in your eyes. What is it, dear? Is it Owen? Where is he?”
Carly placed her hand on the other woman’s arm.
“Don’t worry. Nothing’s wrong. Owen’s fine.
” At least outwardly, so far. “I just wanted to mention people with brain injuries like Owen’s can tire quickly at social events.
Also, because of their speech difficulties, it can be grueling trying to process so much information. ”
“What’re you saying? Is this too much for Owen?” When Carly didn’t immediately answer, guilt flashed in Dany’s eyes. “It is. We should’ve realized. That’s why you left that message to call. Do I need to tell everyone to leave? I will if that’s what you think is best for Owen.”
“No, don’t do that.” Please, no. Any man with a shred of pride would be humiliated if his mother announced the party was over because of his medical issues.
“I only mention it is if you notice he appears weary or on the verge of a—” Carly paused, biting her lip.
She couldn’t say breakdown. Unsure what Owen had shared with his parents, she chose her words carefully.
“Keep an eye on him. If you think he needs a break, quietly suggest one, and make an excuse for him to get away for a bit.”
“Thank you for telling me. You’re such a dear.” Dany clasped Carly’s hand in hers, squeezed, and smiled in relief. “Why some smart young man hasn’t snapped you up, I’ll never know.”
Dany’s innocent comment sliced through Carly, and Max’s words when he ended their relationship rang in her ears.
I understand your obligation to your family and wanting to continue your mother’s legacy, but with all that there’s no room for me.
If she had much more fun at this party, she’d need therapy.
Note to self. When you have a bad feeling about attending a party, listen, and if Reese threatens to hog-tie you to make you come, call her bluff.