Chapter 6
6
CHUCK
Exactly on the hour, I’m called back to my new shrink’s office. After giving the couch a sneering glance, I sit in the chair and look expectantly at him as if he can solve all the world’s ills, including mine. He looks back at me with a grave expression, as if I just murdered someone, and asks me to tell him about myself. I realize this is going to suck just as much as I figured it would.
I shrug. “I thought my agent BJ would have filled you in.”
“He did, but I want to hear what you think the problems are,” he says slowly and evenly.
Ugh. Just like in the movies.
“I know I have a temper. Sometimes I act before I think,” I reply honestly.
“And that temper isn’t always contained to the rink. Why do you think your temper is so short?
“I never thought about it. Because it just is?” I answer. “Genetics?”
“Not necessarily, but we can discuss that more. You need a hobby. What do you like to do for fun?
I have to think about this for a minute, and then I smirk. “Cardio. You know, like Henry Cavill.”
“Like Henry Cavill? The actor?”
“Yeah.”
I wait for realization to cross his face. It doesn’t happen.
“Sorry doc. That’s a euphemism. For sex.”
Damn if I don’t finally get a smile out of him, and for some reason that makes me grin, too. Maybe this won’t be so bad.
“I know it’s a euphemism, Chuck, and a well-timed one. I’m glad to know you enjoy a healthy sex life. But for now, why don’t you tell me what else you like to do for fun?”
“Umm… I like hockey. I work out a lot. I read.”
I consider telling him about the porn I watch, but figure he knows enough about me already.
After a couple beats of silence, he speaks again. “That’s it?”
When I nod, he continues. “That may be part of the problem. I know practice and games and all that take up a lot of your time. However, hockey is not a hobby. Working out is related to your job, so while I know you enjoy it, you need something else. Reading is a good escape, keep doing that, but try to find another outlet as well. When was your last vacation?”he asks hopefully.
I cross my legs and think back. Surprised, I say, “Huh. I can’t really remember. Maybe a couple years ago?”
“That long?”
“I haven’t felt like traveling when I’m home here in San Francisco because of all the time we’re on the road during the season,” I explain. “But I didn’t realize it had been so long.”
“Mmm. I think a good vacation, a little time away to relax could help you start the healing process. Why don’t you think about it and write down three or four places you’d like to go. We’ll meet again next week and talk about it some more.”
“Coincidentally, doc, a teammate just suggested I go on some crazy Costa Rican wellness retreat.”
His eyes widen. “Well, that’s great. When are you going?”
“I… didn’t say I was. Not sure it’s my kind of thing. I mean, if I have to take off for a bit, you know, I’d rather climb a mountain or go white water rafting on category five rapids. That’s more my speed.”
He nods thoughtfully and writes something down. I thank him, make an appointment for my next session, and head back to the rink.
I’m early so I grab a protein bar and a bottle of water. A few of the guys have arrived already, and I greet them, laughing as I listen to them bust on one another and, of course, me. I give as good as I get while I change into loose shorts and a t-shirt.
Then Tyler is beside me.
“You good, man?” he asks quietly. I nod, grateful he’s keeping his voice low. No doubt all the guys know about last night in lockup, and that my ass is in deep trouble, but they’re probably not ware I was ordered to see a therapist or how pissed team management is with me.
“So that retreat thing you were telling me about,” I start.
“Oh, yeah.” Tyler brightens. “So, Ruby, is going to Costa Rica next week. The brochure she had looked real nice, all tropical and shit. They have what they call week-long ‘wellness retreats.’ I don’t know what the hell that means, but how bad can it be? You should go, get your chill on.”
I pause. Costa Rica? A tropical paradise? It doesn’t sound half-bad and maybe it would give everyone the impression I’m getting my life in order.A little sea and sun never hurt anyone, especially if there are babes in skimpy bikinis running around.
“Do you have any more information?”
Tyler shakes his head. “I can give you the number to call to book your reservation. I actually booked Ruby for it myself, as a gift, so it’s right here at the top of my recent calls.”
“That was good of you, a real nice thing to do.” I type the number he rattles off into my phone then duck out of the locker room for some quiet while I make the call.
The man who answers isn’t all that fluent in English, so there’s some confusion about which retreat I want. When I explain I don’t care, that I just want to come ASAP, it gets even more confusing.
Finally, I say, “It’s the retreat for next week, the same retreat Ruby Brooks is booked for. Ruby Brooks. Can you book me for the same?”
“Ahhh,” the clerk breathes as I hear him typing something. “Si. Yes. Ruby Brooks for wellness retreat. Yes, yes, I can book you for the same. Your name, sir?”
I give him my information, relaxing now that we’re on the same page. He gives me my confirmation number, promises to send an email, and I’m all set.
I perk up as I head for my PT session. I honestly think a wellness retreat sounds pretty fucking bogus, but I can report back to the shrink, who will report back to Coach and the GM, and everyone will be happy with me.
Look at me, getting shit under control.