On the Bench [Sequel to On the Couch]

Chapter One

Quick Note: First of all WELCOME BACK! The story continues. Second, keep in mind there is a method to this madness and reason for everything going on in this book so don't hate me hahaha. Sequel's should be bigger and brighter than the first book. Third, I do not know when I will have updates, they will not be as quick as they were in On the Couch because I am editing that book for publishing and that is priority number one. I do still plan and it is my goal to at least have two updates a week on this book the sequel. So enjoy the chapter and don't kill me!

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To say life has settled down would be an understatement. The two weeks after my hospital stay have been hectic. I had been looking forward to things returning to normal, but my wish was not granted.

I was happy though. Evan was always with me when neither of us was working and it was blissful.

My wounds have healed and I went back to work a week ago. The first week all sorts of visitors came and went at my apartment. My parents stopped by the most and my mom was the most annoying of them all. She fussed over every little ache and pain that came. After her fifth visit I had to force her to stay away, but I appreciated her love and concern – the crazy woman.

“Sonja the client is here,” Stacy poked her head into my office with a mischievous grin on her face and I nodded. She has been cryptic about this one.

It felt great to be back at work and I had been meeting with potential new clients all week. Today was my last one and I’d make a decision over the weekend on which ones I would choose.

The only issue I had was the strange awkwardness that I felt when I had to interact with Eddie. He acted as if he hadn’t told me he had feelings for me – like it never happened. I knew at work it would be inappropriate to bring it up but he hasn’t visited since my release from the hospital and avoided any means of contact outside of work.

Despite all that has happened between us, I was disappointed and wished our friendship could return to the way it was, but I knew that was not possible anymore.

The visitor that made me the most uncomfortable was the phone call from Dr. Mayweather. There was genuine concern in her voice and she didn’t fish for any more information. I couldn’t tell if she felt responsible for what happened or relieved but I reassured her no one could have predicted what happened. As to Suzanne no one has heard anything except that Detective Riley has questioned everyone again. I could care less; I hoped she was out of our lives for good.

I pulled my ebony hair out of my face and into a loose bun on my head. The day was almost over and I wanted it to be. I had plans. Evan and I have been apartment hunting after work lately and I hoped we could choose one soon that we both agreed on.

I smiled as I walked through the office to the conference room recalling the last time I was in here. I hadn’t realized that I haven’t had official meetings like this since I met Evan in this room – the second time we met. Oh how shocked we both were that he was my client and I was his patient. Now he was neither.

The website I made for Kyle and Evan was up and running. Our tech guys kept it going and smoothed out any kinks or glitches that were being found in the live version and training the tech guys Kyle hired. They were still hiring but the counseling office has had a soft opening, mostly just for their existing patients.

“Here she is…Mr. Hollister this is Sonja Winters, Sonja this is Mr. John Hollister of Hollister Engineering,” Stacy introduces us.

The man turned around and I was taken aback by how tall he was – at least and well over six foot. He was built and I immediately noticed the power that exuded from him in the crisp black suit he wore.