Renato was in his apartment, making one final call to Helen, only to be met with the same outcome—a realization that his message never reached her. This was the first time he felt truly alone, longing for a woman's presence, and so he decided to reach out to Samantha—he urgently needed to speak with her. He dialed her personal number and after the third ring, she finally picked up.
"Hello Renato," the woman answered with a sultry voice. "What do you need?"
"I need to see you, let's meet at our usual restaurant."
"Fine, but if you cancel on me again, this is over—here and now."
"I don't get why you're complaining, I pay for your services whether I show up or not."
"But that's not how this works, if you want my help, I need to see you."
"Alright, I want your help, so I'll see you at the restaurant in half an hour."
"Agreed, I'll make Sunday work just because your trip is tomorrow."
"Thanks."
Renato grabbed his car keys and drove to the restaurant. He requested the most secluded table, ordered two coffees, instructed the waiter that he didn't want to be disturbed during the meeting, and sat down to await his companion's arrival.
Samantha was a strikingly sexy woman, tall with long legs and a rich dark skin tone. Her jet black hair was perfectly layered, and she looked stunning in her designer suit. As she entered the room, several men turned to admire her stride, which sparked a fury in Renato. For the first time, he truly understood what most women endure from overbearing men. Greeting her at the table with a kiss on the cheek, he stood up.
"Tell me, handsome, what's been going on in your life this past month? You've been neglecting me," she probed as she laid her hand on his, noticing it tremble. "Relax, I'm here now."
"Samy, I'm traveling to Germany tomorrow, and it's not just for work," he confessed, looking down. "I've finally decided to go through with the facial surgery."
"That's a big decision. Are you sure it's the right one?"
"Yes."
"Okay, you seem determined. What does your family think?"
"My mother is against it, but everyone else is supportive."
"You know the mark will be gone, but you have to erase his words from your mind as well, or the surgery will be pointless."
"I know," he whispered, his voice breaking as he covered his face with his hands, bracing himself for what he was about to say. "I need to forget those words and stop thinking I'm the chosen one. I want to be happy with Helen."
"Renato, you've made a significant step. You're acknowledging that you're seeking happiness, even giving it a name, projecting ahead. I commend you!"
"What are you talking about?" he acknowledged, realizing he had spoken his thoughts aloud.
Looking him in the eyes, she seemed surprised as she took his hands and explained.
"All these years we've been together, you’ve refused happiness, shying away from discussions about a family, children, or a woman. You just get up and leave. A year ago, I began to suspect your interest in your secretary, but couldn't confront you about it. You needed to see it for yourself. Lately, all our sessions have been about the 'unattractive, disheveled, poorly dressed woman.'"
Renato was taken aback to hear his therapist speak so candidly. "She doesn't know you're my psychologist; she thinks you're a call girl," he said, embarrassed, and Samantha laughed.
"Hahaha. She probably thinks I’m terrible at my job. She calls every week to cancel our appointments."
"I'm scared to tell anyone that you're helping me."
"That's fine, no one needs to know. But you must promise to call me at least once a week. We’ve made progress, but there's still a long and hard journey ahead."
"Samantha, there's something else."
"Tell me."
"I've been with Helen twice. The first time, I didn't recognize her; I was somewhat out of it, and the second time was wonderful."
"You broke your rule of only having one-night encounters and never with the same woman."
"Exactly," he said, gazing at the tablecloth.
"Are you okay with breaking your so-called unbreakable rule?"
"I feel good, strangely good about it."
"That's because your rule is nonsense. You think that by having sex, you'll fall in love, but love is different—it doesn't rely on the physical. And unfortunately, you’ve been in love with Helen for a long time without wanting to admit it."
He took a few minutes to digest her words. She took the opportunity to sip her coffee and had the waiter replace it since it had gone cold. Once she was served again, she watched Renato until he looked up and responded.
"I don't love her, I don't know how to love."
"What about your parents, your siblings? Do you feel nothing for them? I can go on if you like."
"They're my family, of course I love them."
"Finding a partner is about extending the family you already have but with your own roots. Renato, you've found that person in Helen."
"You’re right, I think I do love her."
"That's two breakthroughs in one session. Now, what will you do with this realization?"
"I can't do anything; I'm leaving, and I can only hope she'll speak to me when I return."
"Don't take too long. A lot can happen in six months, and from what you've told me, you've humiliated her too many times. If someone else comes along, it'll be hard for her not to fall for them." Renato clenched his jaw at the thought. "Only if she truly loves you will she wait, but she'll need a sign from you," the doctor knew that without a gesture, Helen might move on, and the disappointment of a first love not waiting could be devastating for her patient. "Talk to her."
"She won’t speak to me, I tried."
"Keep trying. First love is difficult and complicated, don't give up." She got up from her seat. "Well, I must go. My wife is waiting."
"Thank you, Samantha, and please apologize to Dina for calling you on a Sunday."
"She's used to it, don’t worry, you're not the only one," she said playfully, winking at him. "I'll be waiting for your call, have a safe trip."
The therapist hugged him warmly and left the restaurant, happy at heart. She had been treating Renato for two years, and this was the first time he had truly opened up.
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