Free The Marriage Intervention by Hilary Dartt Page A

we’ll still have to pay for the appointment. And it would really offend Summer and Delaney if we didn’t take their advice.”  
    “I have so many issues with this, it’s not even funny,” Paul said. “We don’t need counseling. If you have a problem, let’s talk about it.”  
    Tried that. It didn’t work.
    He rolled onto his back and put his hands over his face, then continued speaking. “Second, why are you talking to Summer and Delaney about our so-called problems? Wait. Don’t answer. It’s because you’re women and that’s what women do. Right?”  
    She opened her mouth to speak, but Paul interrupted her, again. “Don’t answer. Third, why do they think it’s okay to just make an appointment for us with some quack we don’t even know? Don’t answer. They think it’s okay because aside from being women, the three of you are perfectly comfortable interfering in each other’s lives. Like when Delaney and a pregnant Summer climbed up the ancient fire escape at your school to make sure you went to your interview. I can’t believe Derek let that fly.”  
    “See? We have lots to talk about with Dr. Strasser,” she said, purposely omitting Derek’s reaction which had been to say he wanted to forbid Summer from spending time with Josie and Delaney (only, he hadn’t, because he knew she’d get into even more dangerous shenanigans sneaking out to see them).  
      Josie had put on her shoes and jewelry by this time, and she bent down to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.  
    “I’ll see you at four.”  
    As she walked out the front door, she could have sworn she heard him muttering, “Your mother would think we’re crazy.”  
    She pretended not to notice, because she knew he was right.

    ***
    Josie was habitually late to everything except work, so she didn’t understand why Dr. Strasser took such offense to her being late to the first counseling appointment. It was only ten minutes.  
    Of course, Paul showed up five minutes early.  
    “I’m a cop,” he often reminded her. “On time is late. Early is on time.”  
    When she finally rushed into the office, Paul looked bored and the illustrious Dr. Strasser looked irritated.  
    I thought psychologists weren’t supposed to look irritated.
    “Sorry I’m late,” she said. “I got caught up in something at work.”  
    “Ms. Garcia,” Dr. Strasser said. “I value my own time. I value your time. And I value your marriage as I hope you do. Please arrive at the scheduled appointment time in the future.”  
    Josie looked at Paul, hoping for some kind of silent moral support, some there-won’t-be-a-next-time shrug or eyebrow raise, but he continued to stare straight ahead as if she hadn’t entered the room.  
    “I apologize,” she said in a voice that sounded stiff and huffy even to her own ears.
    She sat down in the chair next to her husband and put her purse on her lap. Dr. Strasser’s eyes flicked to her purse and then back to her face.  
    “As you know, I’m Dr. Strasser,” he said. “You may call me Dr. Strasser, Dr. S., or John. Let’s jump right in. Why are you here?”  
    Josie realized she was clutching her purse like a life preserver and forced her hands to relax. Her eyes snapped over to Paul, but he continued staring straight ahead.  
    “Um, okay,” Josie said. “We’re here because I feel like we’ve drifted apart. We rarely see each other anymore, and when we do, Paul is distracted with work. His work is way more important to him than our marriage is.”
    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Paul flinch.  
    Oops. Didn’t really mean to say that. But I guess that’s how I feel, so…  
    Dr. John Strasser nodded.  
    “Paul, why don’t you give me your reason for being here.”  
    Her husband smirked at her, and for that split second, she recognized the old Paul. She wanted nothing more than to reach out and take his hand. But the expression was gone as quickly as it had appeared.  
    “Josie