My collaborator on this story, the real life "Jarod", and I agree that erotic fiction is more erotic if you know the characters' backstories and motivations. For that reason, this story takes a couple chapters before we get to the real "action". If this type of erotic fiction isn't your thing, feel free to take a pass on this one. If you do go forward, we hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it.
Feedback to the author is remarkably helpful. Let me know what you like, and what...not so much. I encourage you to share yours at psorenson9@hotmail.com. If you'd like to reach out directly to the real-life Jarod, you can find him at TherapyPGuy@proton.me.
Finally, please donate to Nifty so they can keep these stories coming: http://donate.nifty.org/.
Chapter 2
The party wound down and everyone, including me, was making the move to leave. After saying my goodbyes to all, I headed to the door to leave and surprisingly Richard met me there. I had already said goodbye to him, so he seemed to have something else to say. He opened the door for me and walked me out into the hallway. Closing the door behind us, he stopped and said, "As I shared earlier, I think something is troubling you and it may have to do with your family. Family issues are my specialty." Handing me his business card, he added, "Take this and please call if you'd like to talk. Knowing Susan and Tom as well as I do already, I want to look out for you. We can meet at no cost to you and decide where to go from there. But only call if you'd be comfortable meeting with me."
With that he turned to open the apartment door to go back in, but just as he was reaching for it, he turned around to me and said, "I hope you do."
As the elevator doors were closing, I was left feeling stunned. Richard's proposal knocked the breath out of me. The most cogent response I could piece together was a simple nod. But our eyes locked when I nodded so at least he knew I answered in the affirmative.
When the elevator doors fully closed, I realized I hadn't taken a breath in who-knows-how-long and exhaled with remarkable force. What just happened? Was he coming on to me? Or was he simply an empathetic therapist who sensed my angst? Or, worse, was he an ambulance-chasing quack who sensed an easy mark?
Richard, for his part, was equally confused. But he couldn't help himself. He wasn't intentionally seeking out Jarod, but his professional instinct to help, combined with his attraction to Jarod made it impossible for him NOT to get the last word. As Jarod disappeared behind the closed elevator doors, Richard thought to himself, "Be careful".
I let a day and a half elapse mulling these alternative realities before reaching out, or not reaching out at all which would send its own signal. Could he possibly be interested in me? Highly unlikely. I'll admit I'm physically a stud, 28, 5'10", broad shoulders and total muscle build that showcases my hours at the gym. I'm proud of my masculinity and am not shy about showing it off. In fact, I've been told more than once I could be Matt Rife's twin brother (comedian, google Matt Rife's Hot Shots and you'll see what I mean.) But after Richard's and my brief conversation that night, he knew I was a mess. He was way too smart to get involved with a headcase like me. Alternative #2, he was just looking for an easy new client; but I still don't believe that was his intent. He just wasn't the type. By process of elimination, I settled on the belief that his intentions were pure...he sensed my angst and wanted to professionally help me sort through my issues.
Once I came to that conclusion, a different question emerged: do I take him up on his offer? If he's as good a shrink as I think he is, he'll force me to face my demons. I'd made progress expunging my father from my mind; did I want to go back and revisit the pain?
But then I'd think about the feel of his hand when we shook and I couldn't get that out of my mind. I decided to make the call. His business card only had a phone number and address so I'd have to call his office to make the appointment. I was expecting a receptionist, but to my surprise, he answered the phone. Nervously I greeted him, "Richard, this is Jarod, Susan's brother. We met last week and I've decided to take you up on your offer."
He responded quickly and enthusiastically, "Yes, Jarod, of course I remember. I'm so glad you called. I'm happy you'd like to continue our conversation. I really think I can help you. I have my calendar in front of me so we could pick a time right now if you have access to your calendar."
I was surprised he kept his own schedule and booked his own appointments, but didn't feel it appropriate to ask, so I replied, "Of course, why don't you let me know when your next few availabilities are. The beginning or end of the day would be best for me so I won't have to leave the office for the appointment."
He replied, "Totally understand. I just had a cancellation for this Friday at 4PM if that would work for you. You'd be my last client in case we went long."
Damn, this is getting real, I thought to myself. Do I really want to commit to this? Was I ready to revisit my past? On the other hand, was I reading too much into the "...in case we go long" comment? But I couldn't ignore his gravitational pull on me and replied soberly, "Yes, that would work. I know where your office, or should I say loft, is. That's where we'd meet, correct?"
"Yes", he replied. Just buzz me when you get here and take the elevator up to the top floor. I have the entire floor. I may still be finishing up with my previous client so make yourself at home in the room outside the elevator. You'll be able to tell where my office is so just make yourself at home."
"Ok then," I replied. "Guess I'll see you Friday at 4."
"Yes, Jarod, I'll see you then." He seemed to pause and then finally added, "I'm looking forward to picking up where we left off". Again, he closed down the conversation with yet another ambiguous remark.
Once again, my heart was pounding. I was hyperventilating. I didn't know what was causing this reaction... the possibility of being dragged back into my past or the reality of being alone with this stunningly handsome daddy. And the irony wasn't lost on me. A strong, virile father-like figure navigating me through the pain caused by my real father.
Hanging up the phone, Richard was feeling the same ambivalence. His `therapist professional' brain kept reminding him this was a potential client. So why, he thought to himself, did he provocatively suggest "...in case we go long," and remark that he was "looking forward to picking up where we left off"? He wondered if a different organ in his body was actually making the calls.
3 ½ days until Friday at 4PM.
End of Chapter 2