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“The crazy thing is, I think I might love him . . . There’s a part of him that really understands me. It’s like we’re broken in the same places, but also healing in the same places too.”

“That sounds deeply connecting.”

“It is.” I pause, feeling the need to lighten the session up. “I also think it’s relevant to note that he’s extremely hot—like objectively hot.”

She chuckles. “Oh good, I was worried we were missing something.”

“Like, you need to write it down.”

She scribbles on the notepad. “Client requests it be documented that Casper is quote, objectively hot, end quote.”

That gets a real laugh out of me.

“Have you told Rhys or Micky you’re seeing someone?”

I groan and drop my head back dramatically. “No . . . but only because I don’t want Rhys to get all protective and check him through the drywall.”

She laughs. “Would he do that?”

I bring my chin back down. “No, But I mean, come on, he’s my big brother and an NHL defenseman. It’s a terrible combination for me—and worse for anyone I date.”

“But he and Rhys knew each other first.”

“I think that makes it more awkward. His tattoo artist hitting on his sister?”

“You were friends first.”

“Yeah, but I’m not confident Rhys will see it that way. I want my brother to trust that I can pick someone good. Someone healthy. That I’m not repeating old patterns. Not that I think he would, it’s just . . . I don’t know.”

“What about Micky?”

“Oh, Micky will be thrilled.” I chuckle. “She’ll interrogate me, obviously, but she’ll be happy for me.”

“You sound pretty sure of that.”

I nod. “I am.”

Joan studies me. “Do you need their approval in order to be happy with him?”

My cheeks fill with air and I puff out a breath. “Jesus Christ, Joan. Do you mind? I actually have shit to do after this.”

She chuckles.

“No, I don’t, but I really want it. I want them to see how happy I am and be proud of me.”

“There’s a game next week; I was thinking about asking Casper to come.”

“Hm.” She tips her head thoughtfully.

I explain my thought process. “It gives Micky a chance to meet him first. If it’s weird, then the game is a good distraction, and if not . . . then it’s a gentle introduction to my family.”

“Nervous?” she asks.

“Yeah, but also . . . excited.”

She grins. “Sounds like growth to me.”

I roll my eyes. “There you go again with your proud therapist language.”