Therapy is Good for the Soul

“Great girl you got there, Tyler. She couldn’t even bother to show up to meet your family.” Candace snarked as she stomped over to the nearby bench outside the restaurant where they’d been waiting for 15 minutes.

“I don’t know what could be keeping her. It’s not like her to not let me know she’s going to be late.”

“Are you sure you told her 6:30?”

“Yes mom! We discussed the time at length to make sure she’d have time to get home and change after work. She said 6:30 would give her plenty of time. She isn’t responding to my texts; I’m starting to get worried something happened.”

His mom rubbed her son’s back as she noticed the concern in his eyes and voice. “I’m sure she’s fine and is just running late.”

“Yeah, maybe she was in such a hurry she left her phone at home and will be here any minute.” Cassidy chimed in trying to comfort her brother.

“Or maybe she’s just inconsiderate, decided we weren’t important and bailed!” Candace retorted, clearly aggravated that they were still waiting for Bailey.

“Shut the Fuck up! Bailey would never do that!”

“All right, calm down both of you! Tyler, why don’t you try calling her again? Candace, you can go see if they’ll give you a menu we can look at.” Tyler’s mom realized it would be best to separate her two oldest children before the tension escalates into a full-blown public fight.

Tyler reached in his pocket to pull out his phone, which suddenly started playing Green River Ordinance’s “Endlessly”. “Oh thank God! Where are you Bay?”

“I’m so sorry! My last patient received horrible news about her son at the end of treatment. She broke down in tears so I couldn’t leave her and I didn’t have my phone with me. I’m on my way and should be there in 10 minutes, if I’m still welcome.”

“Of course you’re welcome! I’m just glad you’re ok.”

“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to worry you or hold your family up. Why don’t y’all go inside and order and I’ll find you when I get there.”

“Ok, I’ll see you soon. Love you.”

Candace rolled her eyes and stuck her finger in her mouth and mocked like she was gagging after hearing that. His mom snapped at her daughter and pointed her finger to get up and head to the door of the restaurant with a pissed off look on her face.

“Love you too.” Bailey replied and hung up.

“A family got some bad news so she stayed to comfort them. She should be here soon.”

“It’s still extremely rude of her not to call or text you to let us know!” Candace told her brother, still clearly annoyed with the situation.

“God, Candace why are you being such a bitch? She didn’t have her phone on her. She’s extremely sorry about it. She was already nervous about meeting you guys. I’m sure she’ll be more of a wreck because this happened. So you better not make her feel worse than she already does!”

“Whatever.”

“Not whatever, I’m serious Candace! You better be nice to Bailey!”

“We will all be on our best behavior, won’t we girls?” Cassidy immediately shook her head yes. Ms. Seguin stared Candace down until she finally gave a disgruntled yes.

“Go ahead inside and order some drinks and appetizers. I’m going to wait out here for Bailey.” Tyler’s mother and sisters went inside the restaurant to get a table.

Bailey came running down the sidewalk towards the restaurant 10 minutes later. She threw her arms around Tyler’s waist as soon as she reached him.“I’m so so SORRY! Your family must hate me!”

Tyler ran his fingers through Bailey’s hair to help slow her breathing and calm her down. “It’s ok, things happen. They don’t hate you.”

“I’m so embarrassed, I can’t believe this happened today of all days. What a great first impression I’m makin. How am I goin to get them to like me now?”

“Bay, you need to relax! Just be yourself and they’ll love you just as much as I do.” He pulled her in closer to his chest and kissed the top of her head. “Now come on, I’m starving!” He took Bailey’s hand in his and kissed it before he pulled her into the restaurant. Bailey took a few deep breaths as they approached his family. “Everybody, this is my girlfriend Bailey. Bailey, I’d like you to meet my mom.”

Bailey held out her hand towards his mom. “It’s nice to meet you Ms. Seguin. I’m sorry I’m so late! I got caught up with a family that just found out their son has muscular dystrophy. I swear I would have called if I had my phone. I just didn’t feel right leavin this grievin mother. I hope you can forgive me!”

“Nonsense, there is nothing to forgive. We completely understand.” Ms. Seguin stood and pulled Bailey in for a hug. Candace immediately rolled her eyes at how her mother was falling all over Bailey.

“Thank you. Ms. Seguin, that is so kind of you.”

“It’s Jackie. I must say it’s a pleasure to finally meet you! Tyler talks about you all the time.” Both Tyler and Bailey blushed at his mother’s words.

“Only good things I hope.”

“Absolutely! My son thinks you’re an angel.”

“Mom!” Tyler pleaded for his mom to stop before she says anything to really embarrass him.

“I’m only telling her what you told me.”

Bailey giggled and gave Tyler’s hand a gentle squeeze as his cheeks became flushed once again.

Tyler quickly changed the subject and led Bailey towards his sisters. “Bay, these are my sisters Candace and Cassidy.”

“Hi, it’s nice to meet y’all. I’ve heard a lot about y’all too.”

Tyler pulled out Bailey’s chair for her and sat down beside her. When he tried to release his hand from hers, she wouldn’t let him. She squeezed his hand tighter to let him know she was still nervous and needed his touch for comfort. Tyler gave Bailey a smile and a nod to let her know he understood and was there for her.

“So Tyler tells us you’re from Georgia, how’d you end up in Boston?” Ms. Seguin asked.

“Yes Mam. I received a scholarship to Boston University and fell in love with the city. I was lucky enough to get a job at one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country after I did a clinical there and I’ve been here ever since.”

“You’re an occupational therapist right?”

“Yes Mam.”

“Oh, please call me Jackie, Mam makes me feel so old.”

“Yes Ma, I mean Ms. Seg, Ms. Jackie.” Tyler leaned over and whispered in Bailey’s ear to relax before kissing her cheek. She took a deep breath before continuing to speak. “I work in the outpatient and inpatient wings of the hospital. I also help with their Summer Games program.”

“Help? She’s being modest. She organizes the Summer Games program, which is like a mini Olympics for kids with special needs all over the city. She also coordinates the hospital end of Bergy’s program.” Tyler was extremely proud of his girlfriend; he wanted to make sure his mom knew all the great things she’s involved in. He released Bailey’s hand and rubbed the top of her thigh as he spoke.

“Wow! That’s impressive. I can tell you’re passionate about your job. That Summer Games program is where you met right?”

“We actually met when Tyler covered for Patrice when he got hurt in a game. The summer Games was the second time we met.”

“I bet it was love a first sight!” Cassidy chimed in.

“Ha! Fat chance! Well maybe for me, but she made me work like a dog to get her to go out with me!”

“Is that true?” Cassidy asked.

Bailey bit her bottom lip and glanced to Tyler before responding. “Kind of, yes. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but your brother was kind of a jerk the first time we met.”

“You don’t have to sugar coat it Bay. I was a complete jackass!”

“Yes, but you showed me the real you at the Summer Games and ever since. I’m just sorry it took me so long to realize how amazin you are!” They leaned into each other for a gentle kiss.

“AWW! So cute!” Cassidy cooed causing Bailey to blush yet again.

A waitress came by to take their orders giving Bailey a moment to compose herself. After they made their orders, Tyler’s mom had more questions for Bailey about her job and life in Boston. Eventually the conversation led to the topic of Bailey’s family and Tyler’s visit over Christmas.

“Is that adorable little red head Tyler posted pictures with over Christmas your niece?”

“Yes Mam. Oh goodness! Sorry, I did it again. Yes, Ms. Jackie, Sarah Kate is my 3-year-old niece who is quite smitten with Tyler. She balled her eyes out when he left to go to the airport. She thinks he’s a real life Prince. Every time I talk to her on the phone or Skype she asks for Tyler.I’m startin to think she likes him more than me.”

“What can I say, the ladies love me!” Bailey gave Tyler a quick swat to his chest.

“Does your niece talk like you?” Cassidy asked Bailey.

“What do you mean?”

“Does she have an accent like you?”

“I guess so, never thought about it. What do you think Tyler?”

“Oh, she most definitely does, which makes her even more adorable! Your entire family has an accent and yours was way thicker when you were home! It was HOT!” Tyler gave Bailey a wink and his infamous devilish smile.

Her cheeks suddenly took on a bright, pink hue, and she smiled a shy grin. “Well there you go.”

“ I really like it!” Cassidy replied.

“Thanks, I like yours too.”

“Mine? I don’t have one. I talk just like Tyler.”

“I know; I like his too.In fact, I use to dream about datin a guy with a sexy foreign accent. Just never thought it would be Canadian.” Bailey, Cassidy, and Tyler’s mom all giggled, while Candace just shook her head side to side and rolled her eyes.

“You think my accent is sexy, eh?” Tyler winked at Bailey and she shook her head and laughed.

The group continued to laugh and enjoy the conversation while eating their meal. Everyone seemed to be having a great time except Candace. She was very quiet and whenever she did speak, it was usually just a single word response or a sarcastic comment. Bailey tried to engage Candace in the conversation, but the more she tried, the colder Candace’s responses got. It was frustrating, but Bailey knew there was nothing she could do but give Candace more time to warm up to her. At least she hit it off with Cassidy and Tyler’s mom.

“We’re going shopping tomorrow, you should join us.”

“I’d love to Cassidy, but I have to work in the mornin.”

“What time do you get off?” Ms. Seguin asked.

“It depends on the census and how many new evals there are. It could be noon or could be after 3:00. I won’t really know until I get there in the mornin.”

“If you get off early, please at least meet us for lunch.”

“I’d like that, thank you. I’ll call Tyler as soon as I have an idea what my day looks like.”

“Great!”

“Well, I hate to be a party pooper, especially since I’m the one that got here late, but I really need to head home since I have to be up early. Hope y’all understand.”

“Of course, dear.”

Bailey and Tyler started to look around to find the waitress to get their check. Much to Bailey’s dismay, the waitress handed the check to Tyler. Bailey tried to get Tyler to let her pay for the meal or at least the tip, but he would have nothing of it. After Tyler paid, he and Bailey walked his family back to their hotel a couple of blocks away. As soon as they reached the hotel, Candace told Tyler good night and ran inside without even acknowledging Bailey.

“She’s just tired from the travel. I’m sure she’ll be better tomorrow.” Ms. Seguin tried to cover for her daughter’s rude behavior. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She pulled Bailey in for a hug before heading inside.

“I really hope you get off early so you can join us!” Cassidy gave Bailey a quick hug, before pulling Tyler in for a longer one. “She’s a keeper!” She whispered in his ear before giving him a peck on the cheek and running inside.

Tyler reached for Bailey’s hand, interlacing his fingers with hers as they walked to his car. “My family really likes you.” He leaned down to kiss the top of her head.

“Not Candace.”

“Just give her time. She was in a crappy mood all day. I’m not sure what her problem was, maybe it’s that time of the month.” Tyler opened the passenger side door and closed it after Bailey sat down.

“Tyler Paul Seguin, you did not just blame your sister’s mood on her period! You don’t know what’s botherin her, for all you know, she does hate me or maybe you said something stupid to piss her off. She can be in a bad mood if she wants. Don’t ever let me hear you use that stupid stereotype again!”

“Ok, ok. I’m sorry. Forgive me?”

“Of course!”

Bailey leaned across the car seat, reaching behind Tyler’s head and pulled him in for a kiss. Tyler opened his mouth allowing an entrance for Bailey’s tongue to dance with his. When they pulled apart, Tyler started his car and drove off.

“My apartment is the other way.”

“I know, I thought you could spend the night at my place.”

“I can’t, I have to work in the mornin and I don’t have a change of clothes at your place.” Bailey took Tyler’s hand and brought it to her lips. “ You can stay at mine though, as long as you don’t mind me getting up at the crack of dawn.”

“I’ll take any time I can get with you. Not to mention I always sleep better when you’re in my arms.”

“I think you need to drive a little faster!” Bailey lifted his hand to her lips again, only this time kissing each finger softly.

Tyler laughed, but didn’t hesitate to follow her direction and put more force on the accelerator.


Bailey went in extra early the next day in the hopes she’d finish all her treatments in time to join Tyler’s family for lunch. Fortunately the census was very low and there were only two new evaluations, so she was done by 11:00. On her way home to change, she called Tyler to find out where she could meet up with them.

“Bailey’s going to join us. She’ll be here in about 15 minutes depending on the T.”

“Oh goody! Aren’t we lucky!”

“Candace, I told you to knock it off with the sarcasm! I don’t know what your problem is with Bailey, but you better cut it out before she gets here. She’s a very sweet girl and doesn’t deserve your rude behavior! ”

“My behavior! Are you kidding me? I’m not the one who was thirty minutes late and didn’t have the decency to call.”

“She didn’t do it on purpose. How many times does she have to apologize for that? If I had let her, she would have paid for dinner last night to make it up to us too. Why can’t you just give her a chance?”

“Because, I’m not falling for her goody two shoes, southern belle act like the rest of you. Tyler I love you and don’t want to see anyone taking advantage of you.”

“Candace, I love you too and appreciate that you think you’re looking out for me. But trust me when I say you have Bailey all wrong. She is as sweet and as genuine as she comes across. She comes from a different culture than us, but it’s all real. Candace I love her and she loves me, so please give her a chance. Please, for me!” Tyler begged his sister.

“Fine, but I’m keeping my guard up. No-one is going to hurt my brother!”

“Thank you! It’s good to know you have my back.” Tyler pulled Candace in for a hug.

“Good, now that you two have made up, can we please go inside? In case you haven’t noticed it’s a bit chilly out here.” Cassidy linked her arm through Candace’s and they went inside a little clothing boutique.

Tyler was signing a credit receipt when he felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist. When he turned he was greeted with a kiss. Bailey peaked inside the bag of items he just purchased and pulled out a coral chevron and mixed print infinity scarf. “Hmm, not sure this is your color.”

“Ha Ha! It’s Cassidy’s.” Tyler quickly passed the purchases to his sister. Bailey laughed as she stretched on her tiptoes to kiss Tyler’s cheek.

“Bailey, you made it!” Cassidy pulled Bailey in for a hug.

Tyler’s mom then followed suit. “I’m so glad you’re joining us.”

“Me too. It looks like y’all have been very busy.” Bailey glanced at the multiple bags each of the Seguin women were carrying.

“Oh yes, one thing you’ll learn is the Seguins love to shop!”

“I think you mean the Seguin women love to shop.” Tyler corrected his mother.

“Oh please Tyler, you love to shop just as much, if not more than us.” Candace chimed in as they headed down Newbury Street.


“She’s got a point Tyler, even I know how much you love to shop. You probably have more clothes than Emily and I combined. Not to mention all your electronics and cars.”

“She’s got you pegged.” Cassidy laughed at her brother.

“You better be nice to me, or I won’t buy any of you anything ever again.”

“All right girls, lets give Tyler a break.” Ms. Seguin gave her son a pat on the back as the group continued to move forward down the street.

“Ooooh! Can we go in here?” Candace didn’t wait for an answer before entering the jewelry store.

Candace, Cassidy, and her mother immediately started looking around the store. Bailey walked over to the side of the store and watched as they shopped.

“Why don’t you look around Bay?”

“Because, I don’t need anything. Besides, even if I did, pretty sure I couldn’t afford anything in here.”

Tyler took Bailey’s hands in his. “If you want something, I”

Bailey touched her finger to Tyler’s lips to stop him. “I know what you’re goin to say, but you know how I feel about that Tyler. You’ve already given me way too much! Anyways there’s only one thing in here I want and it even comes in a beautiful package.” She moved her hand to pat the left side of his chest.

Tyler didn’t understand. “Please tell me what you want and let me give it to you.”

Bailey looked directly into Tyler’s eyes and smiled. “You already have; it’s your heart. That’s all I’ll ever need and want.”

Tyler was caught off guard by Bailey’s testament of love for him. He covered her hand that was still on his chest with both of his. “It’s all yours for eternity.”

Bailey pulled her hand out from under his and placed both of hers behind his head, pulling him close until their lips finally graze. Cassidy cleared her throat, and just like that the kiss was over. Bailey suddenly became aware of her surroundings and couldn’t hide the red glow that came over her face. “Uh… I need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.” She said as she stepped back creating space between her and Tyler.

“Ok.” Tyler leaned forward to kiss the top of Bailey’s head before she walked away. He had a big goofy grin on his face as he chatted with his baby sister while Bailey was gone.

When Bailey returned, she found Tyler looking at some watches with Candace and his mom. She didn’t want to interrupt them, so she decided she ‘d wait in one of the chairs by the window. Cassidy hooked her arm through Bailey’s before she had a chance to sit down.

“Come on, let’s have some fun!” Cassidy dragged Bailey over to look at some rings. “What’s your birthstone?”

“Diamond. So as my daddy use to tell me, I won’t get one unless I get engaged. What about you?”

“Mine is a ruby. I think they have some over here.”

Cassidy and Bailey looked through the display and Cassidy tried on a few ruby rings. After she was done, she convinced Bailey to look at the diamond rings with her. The girls were really having a good time, taking turns trying on various styles of rings. They each pointed out their favorites. There were beautiful rings and several large tacky ones. Bailey and Cassidy couldn’t resist trying on a couple of the large gaudy ones. Bailey put on a 10 carat pink diamond with several smaller diamonds surrounding it. While Cassidy opted to wear a 10 carat canary diamond, surrounded by other small diamonds and emeralds. The girls couldn’t believe how heavy the rings were, nor that anyone would actually want them because they were so ugly. Bailey said she thought they looked like some of her niece’s costume jewelry. Bailey took a photo of their hands next to each other wearing the large rings and posted it on Instagram and twitter joking that they found their sugar daddy.

A short time later, the group left the jewelry store and went to Tyler’s condo. Bailey offered to cook a nice lunch for everyone. Once at his condo Bailey got started right away. She decided on lemon-grilled chicken breasts and a grilled asparagus cashew rice pilaf for everyone, as well as a large salad for Tyler. Tyler’s mom offered to help Bailey, but Tyler immediately stepped in and told his mom now may be the only time they’d have together to watch the show he’d been telling her about. His sisters enthusiastically joined Tyler to convince their mom to watch the show. Based on conversations with Tyler and Freddy, Bailey knew what all the fuss was about and reassured his mom she had everything covered. Bailey worked diligently in the kitchen so they didn’t have to wait long to eat, knowing Tyler would want a nap before his game. When there was just a short amount of cooking time left for the dishes, Bailey stepped away to use the restroom. She returned to find Tyler’s mom in the kitchen placing her rice pilaf dish back in the oven.
His mom was startled when she turned to see Bailey. “You scared me. Everything smelled so wonderful; I just couldn’t resist taking a peak. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Of course not. It will be ready in just a minute.”

Tyler’s mom went back into the living room to watch the show. Her children were so engrossed in the show, they didn’t even notice that their mom had left for a little bit.Bailey washed a few dishes while waiting for the food to finish cooking. She noticed an odd odor when she pulled her rice dish out of the oven. After taking a closer look, she realized Tyler’s mom must have added some spices to the dish. Bailey immediately took a spoon to the dish and tasted it. As soon as the bite touched her mouth she gagged and started coughing. She spit the food into a paper towel and grabbed water from the refrigerator, guzzling it down. Once she recovered and her throat was no longer on fire, she went into recovery mode to save the meal and put a pot of water on the stove. By the time she got the pot out, Tyler had come into the kitchen.

“Everything ok.”

Bailey fibbed and said yes, but told him dinner would take a bit longer than she expected. She knew time was of the essence, so she told him to go ahead and start eating his salad. Tyler knew something was up, but he didn’t question her and took the salad to the table. A few minutes later there was a huge crash and Bailey let out a small scream. Everyone came running over to see the Corningware dish that held the rice pilaf shattered in pieces on the kitchen floor.

“Are you ok Bay? What happened?”

“Tyler, I’m so sorry! I promise I’ll buy you another one. Can’t believe I was so clumsy and knocked the dish off the stove. I must not have pushed it back far enough, when I took it out of the oven.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He stepped around the mess to grab the broom and dustpan from the cupboard. “Let me help you.” Tyler started to sweep up the mess that Bailey had been picking up chunks of with paper towels and throwing them away.

While Tyler swept up the mess, Bailey threw a couple of handfuls of pasta into the boiling pot of water on the stove.

“It’s such a shame after you worked so hard on that for us.” Tyler’s mom said.

“What are we going to do for lunch now?” Candace asked.

“No worries, the chicken survived and I’ve got some pasta going now, and can whip up a quick sauce, so it won’t be long.”

Not wanting to be in the way, Tyler’s mother pulled her daughters back to the living room. Bailey grabbed some cleaning spray from under the sink and gave the floor a few squirts. She got down on her knees and started to mop up the spray with a few paper towels. After Tyler put away the broom and dustpan he bent down onto Bailey’s level and whispered in her ear. “That was a nice save and quick thinking.” He gave her a wink.

“How’d you know?”

“The fact you nearly choked to death earlier, lied about it to cover for my mom, and had a pot of water for the pasta already going before you dropped the rice.”

“You really weren’t kiddin about your mom’s cookin. Everyone would be sick if they ate that. Droppin it on the floor was the only thing I could think of.”

“That was very sweet of you not to embarrass my mom. Thank you.” He gave her a quick kiss before helping her get up from the floor.

They threw away the paper towels and washed their hands. Tyler fixed drinks for everyone, while Bailey plated lunch. Everyone sat at the table and enjoyed their meal. Everybody complimented Bailey on their lunch, including Candace, which was a pleasant surprise to Bailey and Tyler. During lunch, after much pleading, Tyler’s sisters convinced him to let them spend the night after the game. Because of this, his family decided to take a cab back to the hotel so the girls could change for the game as well as pack a few things to bring to Tyler’s later. Tyler arranged for Freddy and Bailey to pick them up so they could all go to the game together. As soon as his family left, Bailey and Tyler went to his bedroom and took a nice long nap.

Notes

It was time for Bailey to meet Tyler's family; hope you like it.


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