Chapter Text
As Dr. Ryan carefully sifted through the papers on her lap, she held back a sigh. It was the last ten minutes of her group therapy session, and she had instructed all of them to write down their feelings and resolutions regarding the upcoming new year on a piece of blank paper. She had then instructed the group to fold the papers in half and place them in the hat that had been set up in the middle of the floor without telling anyone what they had written or why. The anonymity would allow everyone to be able to share their desires, fears, and hopes with the group without judgment or criticism from anyone else. At least, that was the idea. Looking at the papers again, Dr. Ryan bit her tongue to keep her expression blank.
She slid the top paper (I hope to continue to stay with my beautiful wife) to the bottom of the pile and let her eyes flick to the next one. She paused. Reading the words slowly, she took a moment for them to sink in. Then she slid it to the bottom of the pile.
“Alright,” she said, “looks like we’re all accounted for. Let’s get started.”
Ten minutes later, as everyone was getting ready to leave, Dr. Ryan called Wes back. “Could you stay a moment?" she asked, "I’d like to talk to you about something.”
Everyone looked at her, then at Wes, then back to her. Travis simultaneously concerned and amused. Wes met Dr. Ryan’s eyes for a moment before nodding.
The others slowly filed out of the room.
Travis was the last person out, his feet making small scuffs on the floor as he dragged his feet. Eventually, though, he too left the room. Then Dr. Ryan and Wes were alone. Wes rubbed under his chin in the way he always did when something made him feel uncomfortable.
“So, Wes,” Dr. Ryan said. “I assume you know what I want to talk to you about.” She held up the piece of paper.
Wes shifted in his seat, his thumb scratching a red line into his skin.
“You needn’t be so worried, Wes,” Dr. Ryan continued, “whatever you say to me is in complete confidence, you know that.”
Wes nodded. “I know.”
There was a few minutes of silence as each waited for the other to say something.
Finally, Dr. Ryan rolled her eyes. “Wes—“
“I think I’m in love.” Wes blurted.
Dr. Ryan blinked. Then she smiled at the former lawyer. “So I gathered from your note.” She tapped the piece of paper in her lap. “And how do you feel about that?”
“Good.” Wes said dismissively only to blush slightly as the psychiatrist raised her eyebrow at him. “Okay,” he corrected, “it’s the best I have felt in a long time.”
“That’s good.” Dr. Ryan nodded. “I suppose it would be too much to assume that Travis knows about this?”
The detective snorted. “No way”
“And why’s that?”
Wes scratched his neck harder. “Let’s just say that it’s not someone he would expect.”
Dr. Ryan raised an eyebrow. Someone that Travis didn’t expect? Well, that bore some pondering. If Wes had gotten back together with Alex then he would have no problem telling not only Travis but the entire group. The same went for if Wes had found a woman to sleep with or even date. Wes had already made it clear how he felt about Travis dating people at work, so Dr. Ryan doubted the blonde would go out with anyone from the RHD or any of its affiliates and Wes was too much of a gentleman to date anyone related to Travis or any other friends without asking permission first. Which left only one real possibility: Wes was dating a man.
Unexpected indeed.
Her conclusion must have shown on her face because Wes’s blush deepened.
She could have said something about how Travis would be understanding after he got over the initial shock, and how he would be more concerned about Wes’s safety and happiness than about him being with a man. She could point out how it would be better in the long run if Travis heard about the relationship from Wes’s own mouth rather than a third party. She could even say something about how she was proud that he was finally moving on and letting go of the past. But she didn’t do that.
Instead, she dropped her notebook and pen on the floor, placed her elbow on her knee, and lent forward.
“So, tell me about him, this man of yours.”
If possible, Wes’s face grew even redder. "He want's to move in together."
"That's great, Wes!"
Wes looked down at his shoes.
"No," she said with some concern, "it's not good.
"No it's a good thing," Wes corrected, "it's a very good thing. I'm just worried."
"About what?"
Looking up at Dr. Ryan's face again, Wes took a deep breath. "I know what you're thinking: in order for us to move in together, I have to let go of the past. I'd have to let go of Alex."
Dr. Ryan nodded.
"But what happens if I do that and this thing with Sebastian doesn't work out?" Wes clamped his hands together and started to massage his fingers.
"Do you want it to work?" Dr. Ryan asked.
Wes chuckled humorlessly. "I wanted my marriage with Alex to work."
"But this isn't about Alex." Dr. Ryan reminded him gently.
"Isn't it?"
"No, it isn't." Scooting forward on her chair a little, Dr. Ryan looked Wes dead in the eye. "This isn't about Alex, Travis, or anyone else. This is about you and the person you choose to be with. Whatever you two decide to do, it is nobody else's business but your own."
For the first time since the start of their conversation, Wes gave a small smile. "You know, Sebastian said the same thing. Must be an English person thing."
Dr. Ryan raised an eyebrow. So this Sebastian person was English. Huh. She would have to ask about that later.
"You didn't answer my question." She said, carefully steering the conversation back to the point at hand. "Do you want this to work between the two of you?"
Wes swallowed thickly. His eyes darted around the room, following dust particles as though they had the answers to life's secrets. Then, taking a deep breath, he turned back to her and said, "Yes."
Pride filled Dr. Ryan as she beamed at the detective. "That is wonderful, Wes. I am so happy for you."
Wes quickly looked away from her.
Suddenly getting an idea, Dr. Ryan reached into her purse and pulled out her personal business card. Handing it to Wes she said, "Here, take this. If you ever need to talk to anyone, my door is always open."
Taking the card from her fingers, Wes looked at it a moment before slipping it into his pocket. "Thank you."
A sudden ringing filled the room.
Pulling his phone out of his pocket, Wes glanced at the screen then got to his feet.
"Sorry, Dr. Ryan, I've got to go."
Dr. Ryan waved her hand dismissively. "Go on, I'm sure Travis has had enough waiting.
Wes snorted. "Yea." Grabbing his jacket and pulling it on he looked at her one last time, "Thanks." He said, then he turned and walked out of the room.
Dr. Ryan watched him go before gathering up her own things all the while silently wishing for Wes's happiness. She had no doubt that she would see both Wes and Travis about this issue at some point in the future, but for now, she smiled. Maybe she wasn't so unlucky in treating the asshole after all.