Honeysuckle Summer (The Sweet Magnolias #7)(55)

There was no doubt that Dr. McDaniels had a valid point about that. When Raylene was being totally rational, she knew that without adequate training there was a better-than-even chance she’d wind up accidentally shooting herself rather than Paul.

Dr. McDaniels stood up. “Will you think about what I’ve said?”

“Of course.”

“And will you be ready to get back on track and go outside when I come back later in the week? I think it’s time to reexamine our goals.”

Raylene regarded her with suspicion. “Meaning what?”

“You told me you used to like to garden. You also told me about the garden that Carter planted for you. Who’s been tending to that?”

“He’s been by a couple of times. So have his sisters.”

“Wouldn’t you like to take care of it yourself?”

“Did you miss the part about me falling apart last time I was out there?”

The doctor shrugged it off. “It was a setback. Don’t let it be an excuse to stop trying. When I come back, we’re going to spend a half hour out there watering and weeding, whatever it needs. Then you’re going to keep it up on your own.”

Raylene wanted to believe it was possible, but she hesitated. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to do that.”

“The only way to know is to try,” the doctor said easily. “I can be pretty persuasive when I put my mind to it.”

Raylene smiled. “Yes, I’ve seen that firsthand. You got me to let you in here today without even half trying. Who knows what you can get me to do if you’re determined.”

The psychologist chuckled at her resigned tone. “You know we started down this path to your recovery because you were finally motivated. There’s nothing to prevent us from finishing, because I’m the one who’s motivated. I believe you’re going to get better, Raylene. It’s not until we both give up that the battle’s lost.”

Raylene smiled at her determination and optimism. “I see why Annie likes you so much.”

“There were plenty of times she hated me, too,” the doctor said candidly. “All that matters, though, is that she got well.”

“Can I ask you a question that isn’t about me?”

“Of course.”

“If I happen to know a teenage girl who could be anorexic, what should I do?”

The doctor’s gaze immediately filled with concern. “Do her parents know?”

“Her parents are dead. Her older brother’s her guardian, and he suspects, too.”

“Do you think she’s ready to admit she has a problem?”

Raylene shook her head. “I thought maybe she was, a couple of weeks ago. She was asking me what it was like to see a psychologist, but then she backed off. Since then, she’s been avoiding me when she can.”

“Can you contact her?”

“I can try,” she said, though Carrie had avoided her prior calls.

“Then try,” the psychologist said. “Push her to get help, gently, of course, and make sure her brother knows not to wait too long before insisting on getting her help if she doesn’t do it willingly.”

“Thanks. I’ll do that. Does she need to get into a program at the hospital, the way Annie did? Or can she just work with you?”

“I won’t be able to answer that until I see her.”

“Okay, then. I’ll do what I can to get her to see you.” In fact, maybe she could kill two birds with one stone, by seeking Carrie’s help with her own recovery. Perhaps if they worked side by side in the garden, if Carrie saw that seeing Dr. McDaniels had helped her, Carrie would not only feel comfortable enough to confide in her again, but feel hopeful about what seeing a doctor could accomplish.

“Whatever you do, don’t wait too long,” Dr. McDaniels advised. “You remember what it was like for Annie.”

“I know,” Raylene said. “That’s why I’m so scared for this girl.”

And for Carter, who’d never be able to forgive himself if anything happened to his sister when he could have done something to prevent it.





13




Rory Sue stood defiantly in the middle of the office at the radio station, hands on hips, eyes flashing. Her posture and the drape of her dress made her look like some kind of goddess, Walter thought. A very angry goddess. He had to admit the sight was impressive.

“You are not putting this off one more minute, Walter Price. I found the perfect house for you, and you keep making excuses not to see it. What is your problem?”

Walter wished he could explain it. At first he’d avoided all the appointments Rory Sue tried to schedule because he hadn’t wanted to give in yet again to the kind of reckless passion she stirred up in him. Lately, though, it was something else. He hadn’t been able to put a name to it.

When he remained silent, she heaved a sigh and sat down in a swivel chair and propelled herself across the room until they were sitting knee to knee. He wanted to back away because he couldn’t think straight when she was that close, but there was no place to go.

“Talk to me,” she said, her voice gentler and less demanding. “I thought we were getting close. That night we spent together was amazing, but you’ve been avoiding being alone with me ever since.”