Chapter Text
I torture you
Take my hand through the flames
I torture you
I'm a slave to your games
I'm just a sucker for pain
I wanna chain you up
I wanna tie you down
I'm just a sucker for pain
I'm devoted to destruction
A full dosage of detrimental dysfunction
-Sucker for Pain {Lil Wayne, Wiz Kalifia, Imagine Dragons}
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chhhgA8mofI&index=28&list=PLXWn0wLOH6Vdd_1j8D2m3BGirvkAxsmS1
Ellie sat at her computer and checked her e-mail to verify when she was going to be the busiest during the upcoming week. There were a few repeat patients and she noticed that she had two possible intakes as well. Monday was always her day to either have a consultation with a new client or catch up on paperwork. Her first was a couple that was looking to discuss the pros and cons of opening up their relationship to a polyamorous relationship. Well it wouldn't be the first time that a couple came to me to see if the grass was greener in an open pasture; and they're both widely successful to boot. That could complicate their lives, unless they kept it at a very secure and reputable club. She sent them an email and asked if they would be willing to come in for a consultation later in the week. She made a rule that there was a minimum of one consultation appointment before she would agree to see them as clients. It protected her from the possibilities of client backlash, if they weren't able to come to an agreement on treatment. It also protected her clients from not having a good working relationship with her as a therapist. Sometimes the people that came in for therapy didn't like the answers that she had, and were only going because they were under duress or they were trying to save their dying relationship. When their relationship didn't go the way that they were hoping some became outraged, rarely did that result in a physical altercation, but she was adamant about protecting herself from that type of threat as well. It also helped that her neighbor was a cop, so if she ever had the feeling of not being safe from her clients she could file legal actions against them. The strict Non-Disclosure Agreements that her clients signed along with an air tight patient confidentiality agreement that she signed usually kept them both protected from any issues that could possibly form. The next person on her perspective client list was someone she wasn't expecting to see. I guess even those that grace the silver screen need unbiased help with their interpersonal relationships. At least he isn't known for being a dog within his relationships, and he had a few stable relationships in the past. She saw that he preferred to be contacted via text message or phone call. She dialed his phone number, preferring to at least gauge his reactions over a phone call, and text messaging could be so very impersonal.
“Hello?” Sebastian asked.
“Good morning Mr. Stan, this is Dr. Thompson, I saw your intake paperwork this morning and wondered if you were free today. I have some time this afternoon, and I know that you asked for me at my earliest convenience.” Ellie asked.
“Oh yeah, hi, I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon. Your website said you were fairly busy.” Sebastian replied. She could hear a mild note of apprehension in his tone.
“Did I catch you at an inopportune moment?” Ellie asked. “You can always call me back when you're ready to start the initial process.”
“No, you didn't catch me at a bad time if that's what you're hinting at, I just was surprised.” Sebastian said. He was standing on his balcony lighting a cigarette while he contemplated even going through with this, his girlfriend had suggested he see a relationship therapist because of his 'jealousy' issues.
“This wasn't your idea was it.” Ellie calmly stated. She could hear him inhale sharply before hearing him chuckle. Not the kind of chuckle that would warm someone, but a chuckle that denoted that he was annoyed, it sounded brittle to her.
“Ah, well you've caught me, I'm not sure if I believe in therapy.” Sebastian said honestly.
“Well if you're not comfortable with the idea revolving around it, I would suggest taking some time to think over why you contacted me. I don't mean to sound so cut and dry, but I believe in being honest. I wouldn't want to waste your time with something that isn't in your wheel house.” Ellie said. She was grinning because this was far more common, usually one of the people in the relationship didn't want to go to counseling.
“I'm sorry, really, I'm sure I sound a little crazy, I did contact you because my girlfriend thought therapy might help our relationship.” Sebastian gritted out. He re-lit his cigarette before continuing. “It's not that I don't think you're qualified or anything, but I don't know how therapy will help my situation.”
“Are you having issues with infidelity, trust issues or a combination of both?” Ellie asked.
“What if it was a sexual performance issue? I did see that you were licensed to take care of sexual therapy as well.” he said jokingly, what is sexual therapy anyways? “I'm kidding, it's definitely more of a combination of both more than anything. Never had any complaints otherwise.”
Ellie tried to cough to coverup her brief bark of amusement. Well Mr. Stan you are just as amusing as they say.
“You or her?” Ellie asked. “And I didn't see that box checked on the profile you sent me. The sexual therapy part at least.”
“Honestly Doc, I am free this afternoon.” Sebastian said while evading the question. “What time should I meet you, and how much time do you have?”
“I'm free around 1 o'clock if that works for you, and I'm free all afternoon.” Ellie said. She was mildly surprised that he was being so amicable about seeing her, considering that he already stated that he wasn't a believer in therapy.
“Yeah I can do that, is there anything I need to bring?” Sebastian asked. Why the fuck am I agreeing to this? Because you want to save whatever you can with Sarah. She asked me to do this, and I need to at least show that I'm willing to work on our relationship.
“Proof of identification and an open mind.” Ellie replied. “Therapy only works if you're willing to leave any preconceived notions at the door.”
“That's fair I suppose.” Sebastian said.
“I'll text you with my address, when you get here you'll want to ring the bell on the side of the house. There will be a camera and as soon as I can check that it's you and not some nutcase I'll buzz you in. Take the stair case and I'll be waiting for you on the other side of the door.” Ellie said.
“This almost feels clandestine.” Sebastian said with a hint of amusement.
“It probably does seem like that, but I take the safety of myself and my clients very seriously.” Ellie replied.
“Alright Doc, I'll see you at one. Thanks for agreeing to this.” Sebastian said.
“You're welcome, do give yourself some credit though, you're the one heading down the rabbit hole.” Ellie said with a light laugh. “Until this afternoon Mr. Stan.”
“See you soon Doc, and it's Sebastian.” Sebastian said gently. Was she making an Alice in Wonderland joke because of my work in Once Upon a Time? At least she sounds like she will take the middle ground and not sit there and chastise me for my insecurities. Is it too early to start drinking?
“Good bye Sebastian, until later.” Ellie repeated.
“Good bye Doc.” Sebastian said as he hung up. He could hear Sarah moving around the apartment they shared. “Sarah I'm going to that therapist you recommended.”
“Oh good, glad you took my advice, I'll be home late tonight, I have a few things to finish up at the gallery.” Sarah said, she was wearing a turquoise dress that she had worn on their first date over a year ago.
“Alright, I'll see you later. I love you.” Sebastian said, we watched her send another text as she was slipping on her shoes. Another night where she won't be home, go figure. He almost wanted to mention her 'assistant' and ask if he was going to be there all evening with her, but he held it in, he was tired of fighting with her over her employment of her ex fiancee. At least this gives me a creative way to discuss my issues.
“Yeah love you too, good luck.” Sarah said before slipping out the door, she didn't look up from her phone before shutting the front door tightly.
Sebastian stood at the kitchen counter and poured another cup of coffee. He sighed dejectedly before wandering to their bedroom. He noticed that she had already made the bed and picked up a few of their stray items from the weekend. He sat in the arm chair before pulling on his next movie script. He didn't start filming for 3 or 4 months but he needed to make sure that he researched his background more thoroughly. Playing Bucky Barnes was becoming second nature to him, but there were a few things changing in his upcoming movies. He slowly read over his lines relaxing into the fictional world he was playing in. Sometimes I think being brainwashed would be easier than dealing with the real world.
When Sebastian got the text message from Dr. Thompson with her address he smiled, she wasn't that far from him. As he walked up to a nice looking town home he saw a black gate with a buzzer, there was also a camera situated to see who was ringing the bell. He took a deep breath before pushing the button. Time to follow the white rabbit and see where this rabbit hole leads.
Ellie heard the buzzer ring, she looked up from her tablet and cursed. She had been starting a general psychological profile questionnaire for Sebastian to fill out. She put her tablet down and walked into her office before sealing the door to the rest of the house. She had set her office up to be more like a panic room. Clients would enter the house through an exterior door that would let them directly into a foyer connected to her office. She set it up this way to prevent the possibility of one of her clients entering her home, she didn't want to risk a crazy person that would get pissed off at her and try breaching her home and shooting the place up.
“Hi Sebastian, I'll buzz you in, just follow the steps up to my office. I'll see you soon.” Ellie said.
“Alright, feels kind of like I'm going to prison.” Sebastian said.
“Safety precautions that's all.” Ellie said as she entered the code to let him up into her office. She moved to the foyer before opening the door. “Good afternoon Sebastian, I'm Dr. Ellie Thompson.”
“Doc, pleasure.” Sebastian said as he sized her up. She was tiny, the top of her head would barely reach his chest if she wasn't wearing a pair of crimson stilettos. She had shiny obsidian hair that was loose and fell neatly past her shoulders, her eyes were a warm chocolate brown. She was wearing a navy blue pencil skirt paired with a sleeveless butter cream silk blouse. He felt mildly under dressed in fitted jeans and a fitted Henley. He noticed that she wasn't wearing any jewelery, and she looked confident standing in front of him. He reached out and waited to shake her hand, her hand was warm but she had callouses and it was just as petite as the rest of her. He followed her into her office, it was a mix of modern architecture and comfortable library nook.
“What no leather chaise lounge for me to lay around on as we discuss my past?” asked Sebastian with an easy going smirk on his chiseled face. “How did you get here, you don't have a New York accent.”
“I unfortunately do not have a couch for you to lay down on, and I ended up in New York after I divorced my husband, I needed a fresh start.” Ellie replied. She gauged his reaction, and watched his deep blue eyes light up clearly amused at her statement. He was every bit as handsome as she guessed he would be, and he was a very tall and very well muscled man, his hair was longer than she expected, but with his ongoing screen presence as James “Bucky” Barnes, she wasn't surprised.
“Wow, and you ended up doing couples therapy?” Sebastian said.
“Well I wanted to help other people and hopefully prevent years of torture and unhappiness.” Ellie said.
“So marriage is your version of torture?” Sebastian said as he sat down on one of the luxurious leather arm chairs.
“In my case yes, don't get me wrong, I do believe in happy marriages and relationships that's why I went into therapy. Before we get off track, let's circle back to why you're here though.” Ellie said. “Oh I need your form of photo identification please, I have to make a copy of it and add it to your file.”
“I don't like her going out with other guys she's boned, having guy friends doesn't bother me it's the flirtation I can't stand" Sebastian stated as he handed over her license.
“Do you talk to your exes or other women you've had sex with?” Ellie asked as she made a copy of his license. She watched his eye brows raise slightly, his eyes held a glimpse of resentment.
“Just one, she was a friend longer than we were together but we exchange the yearly pleasantries nothing beyond that though.” Sebastian answered.
“Well I can't say you're doling out a double standard. Why do you feel you need to be here Sebastian?” Ellie asked, she watched him run one of his hands through his hair. Nervous response to stimuli.
“Sarah wanted me to do this, I figured if it would help put things into perspective then great. I like Sarah a lot, maybe not like marriage ready yet but I'm serious about her. I don't want to get fucked over again either though.” Sebastian said, he sat in the chair straight backed and there was a frown on his face.
“OK, that's a fair statement, and understandable. I do have to ask, has she cheated on you?” Ellie asked, she sat across from him and carefully met his eyes. Infidelity in a relationship was harmful on many psychological levels.
“I, uh, I don't think so.” Sebastian stated.
“But, you have your suspicions.” Ellie said. “Why does she think you need therapy?”
"There's been a few times where she'll ghost on me, and make up excuses for blowing me off, or she will come home from the 'gym' or work and look like she was doing something other than a spinning class or collating a collection. She suddenly pass worded her phone, I sound crazy.” Sebastian said, he meet Ellie's eyes, they held an intense understanding and deep compassion. “She said I needed to talk to someone because I'm irrationally jealous.”
“Intuition is a really interesting thing, usually our guts know something is wrong before we're willing to admit it in a logical sense. Are you naturally suspicious or jealous?” Ellie asked. “What reasons could she have for saying that you're irrational?”
He sits there and rubs the back of his neck, she watches as his shoulders hunch down.
“I wouldn't say I'm naturally suspicious or jealous, but I've been burned before and she's acting a lot different than when we first got together, and I know that we all change over time. We've been together over a year now and it feels like I'm treading water and sinking." Sebastian said. “Can I smoke in here?”
“Is smoking a nervous habit?” Ellie asked. “How long have you been smoking?”
“Stress smoker really, been trying to quit, I've smoked off and on for years." Sebastian said.
“If you'll follow me, usually I don't condone smoking, but I understand." Ellie said. He followed her to a set of french doors, they lead to a balcony with a set of chairs and a coffee table. A network of trellises line the patio to give shade and protect from prying eyes. “You can smoke out here let me go find an ashtray.”
Ellie places her thumb on the scanner before moving into the hallway of her home. She looks for a dish she can use for his cigarette butts. Once she finds an ashtray she grabs a tea set and sets it on a tray. She fills the pot with a calming blend of mint teas before moving back towards her office. She watches Sebastian stand next to the low coffee table, he's working on something on his phone and looks up and notices her standing there with a tea tray.
“I'm sorry, I had to check a few things while I was waiting. You didn't have to make me tea, thank you though.” Sebastian said as he placed his phone in his pocket.
“I brought some mint tea out, it's soothing and has always been a favorite of mine, if you prefer coffee I can make some.” Ellie says gently.
“I noticed there's nothing personal in your office and I saw you scan your thumb print before leaving your office. Also thank you for the tea.” Sebastian says while he lights up a cigarette and sits down across from her.
“I keep anything personal away from the office.” Ellie says. “I have a daughter, she's four and I want to keep her separate from my work as well.”
“Bet she's as pretty as her mother.” Sebastian states with a mild grin. “I can't believe I just said that. I'm sorry.”
He takes a long drag off his cigarette having the decency to blush. Well that could have gone better, I'm here because of my relationship issues and jealous tendencies and I'm hitting on her.
Ellie laughs gently before she replies.
“I'm sure you are, I've heard that you're charming. So on with our discussion, do you want this relationship to last?” Ellie asks. She watches his face fall slightly before a worn look of determination fills his handsome features. “What are you hoping to get out of coming here?”
“Yes, I'm not getting any younger, and we do connect well outside of me worrying about the cheating we are good together.” Sebastian states. “I want to see if I'm just being insecure, or if I'm justified in how I'm feeling.”
“The hands of time shouldn't decide who you stay with, but if you want this to work then I guess we need to work on building the trust back up and sift through your reasoning’s for you having issues with Sarah. I can't say that I'll magically know if she is breaching your trust or being unfaithful . You're going to have some homework to take with you. How's your schedule look? Any film projects in the immediate future? Don't give me that look yes I recognized you. Plus I do a very through background check on my patients. I do conduct my business out of my home after all.” Ellie states. “Have you ever heard the saying that there's three sides of the truth?”
“I didn't think that you had a magical wand to wave that will tell me if I'm right or not. I don't start filming for a few months, so I'll be around New York until I have to leave. I wasn't sure if you recognized me or not, I don't make the assumptions that I'm a household name or anything.” Sebastian stated. “I don't blame you for being cautious either, having a family, you have to protect yourself and your daughter, it makes a lot of sense. I may have heard that there's always more than one side to any story as well.”
“I am glad to hear that you have realistic goals set, that is very logical, emotions aren't logical.” Ellie said with a gentle smile. “The process of the truth is a very tricky thing. There are three sides to every story: your side, my side and the truth. And no one is lying, memories shared serve each differently. That's a quote from Robert Evans.”
“The film director, you are a clever woman.” Sebastian said as he smiled at her. He took his final drag off his cigarette before meeting her eyes. He felt his phone go off, and he sighed. “I'm getting a phone call and I'm thinking it's probably my agent with details about my upcoming roll.”
“Go ahead and take it, if you need to use my office I understand I can work on sending you your homework.” Ellie stated.
“Thanks I'll be as quick as I can, I'm sorry to be so rude.” Sebastian said, he walked into her office.
Ellie tapped a few different documents on her tablet before adding them to an e-mail. She looked up and saw Sebastian pacing in her office. She observed that he was a little tense, his hand movements were short and deliberate. He stood still before a smile bloomed fully on his face. He said a few things before doing a short happy dance as he walked back out onto the terrace.
“Well don't you look like the cat that ate the canary.” Ellie stated as she smiled up at him.
“No, just some really amazingly wonderful news!” Sebastian said. “I hate to cut and run but I have to go home and pack quickly.”
“No I understand, where can I send you these documents?” Ellie asked.
“Oh just send them to my personal e-mail address, I'll text it to you.” Sebastian said quickly he typed a message to Ellie before smiling again. “I needed some good news and this really seals it for me!”
“I'm glad to hear that, and I hope you have a great afternoon. Good luck!” Ellie said. She typed out his e-mail address and sent him the documents. “You can fill these out at your leisure, I'm sure you're busy, but they do need to be filled out as soon as you can and before out next session if this is something that you want to continue.”
“Uh well Doc, I might not be around much for the next few days or a week.” Sebastian said as he reached out to shake her hand. “I uh, I think I do want to continue this, maybe it will help.”
“Okay, I am always available to have a session with you through Skype if that works better while you're traveling.” Ellie said. His hand engulfed hers and his grip was warm and firm.
“Great, so am I allowed to text you or call while I'm away?” Sebastian asked.
“Yes I'll make myself as available as I can, that's part of my retainer fee, unfettered access to me. If it's an emergency and you really need to talk to me I have a private number you can call. I answer it 24/7, if I'm with a client I'll make sure to text you and let you know okay?” Ellie said before handing him a business card. “Drunk dials do not count as needs to call me at 3 in the morning either, unless it's a crisis and not a drunk dial.”
“Thanks Doc, I appreciate it. Do you really have clients that drunk dial you? I promise not to call you two sheets to the wind unless it is an absolute emergency. I might drunk text you though, you know for fun.” Sebastian said with a final smirk. “I better get going, I have some things I need to smooth over with Sarah before I leave.”
“In all honesty yes, the only reason to have rules is because someone already went against logic. Great well if I can't read your drunk speak I'll refrain from replying until you sober up, and like I said I hope you have an enjoyable trip.” Ellie said as she walked him to the door.
“Thanks again.” Sebastian said before walking out the door. He dialed Sarah's number, and waited for her to answer. Hi you've reached Sarah Edwards, I'm sorry you missed me. Please leave your name and a brief message, if you're trying to reach me regarding work with Tempest Gallery please call my work number. Thank you. “Hey sweetheart, I know you're probably busy but I wanted to let you know that I have to fly out this evening for LA, there's a few things in the works for Marvel and they need me to come in ASAP. I'll be out of town for a few days up to a week. Well I hope you're having a good day. Love you.”
Sebastian made his way through the hustle and bustle of New York traffic towards his home. It wasn't unusual for her not to answer her phone, but usually she was pretty free during the afternoons. He almost wanted to stop by the gallery, but he decided to wait. She might be back at his apartment, he had been trying to get her to move in with him but she had fought him on it saying that she needed a place to decompress and she wasn't ready yet. He understood but it had been something that bothered him. She lived at his place more often than not, or she had been. The last few months she had been more withdrawn and she'd been staying at work later than normal as well. He arrived back at his apartment and called out to her in the hopes that she came home.
“Sarah? Honey?” Sebastian called. Looking around he didn't see any sign that she had returned since she left that morning. He went and grabbed his suitcase and began packing up some clothes. His agent had said he needed some business casual outfits along with just normal street clothes. Meeting with Marvel was a big deal, sure he'd been in a few movies under their franchise but he was hoping to sign a larger contract with them and there had been rumors that he would be needed for at least 6 movies. He felt his phone vibrate, seeing as it was Sarah calling him back he answered it. “Hey Sarah, did you listen to my message?”
“Yeah I'm glad, it sounds like an awesome opportunity.” Sarah said.
“It is, but like I said I'll be gone a few days or maybe a week while everything gets settled.” Sebastian said. He paused before saying, “Do you think you could head home and hang out with me before I leave? Maybe have some quality time between our sheets?”
“I wish I could but I'm waiting on a group of potential investors, they're coming in to discuss the possibility of expanding my gallery.” Sarah said with a short shudder as she rushed to finish her sentence.
“You okay? I mean this is good news for us right?” Sebastian said lightly, he felt a cold drop of fear roll down his back. “Sarah?”
“Yeah no it's probably great news for Tempest, I mean this could give me the equity to open a new gallery in another major city.” Sarah said.
“Oh okay, well I know that's important to you, I'm sorry I won't get to see you before you leave.” Sebastian said.
“Yeah me too, I'm sorry I have to go it looks like they're beginning to show up. Have a good trip.” Sarah said.
“Thanks love you.” Sebastian said dejectedly.
“Yep bye!” Sarah said quickly and hung up.
Sebastian just stood there and tried not to let the cold hand clasp his heart. She hadn't said I love you back, but that's probably because she was worried about her meeting, right? Usually Sarah was pretty good at letting him know when big things were happening at her gallery but this time she hadn't said anything. I'll drop some flowers off at Tempest before I leave, maybe her favorite champagne too, it causes for a celebration if this all goes well. Sebastian finished putting his clothes and toiletries into his suitcase. He packed his laptop, tablet and electronics into his carry on, he texted the doorman so he could hail a cab quickly. He gave the cabbie directions to Tempest knowing that there was a small florist a few doors down. When he arrived at Tempest he walked a few doors down and picked out a bouquet of tulips, they had always been her favorite flowers. He would let her know to call their buildings concierge service to have champagne ready for her when she was ready to head home. As he walked into the doors of Tempest he saw one of her employees standing at the desk.
“Mr. Stan, how are you?” Jenny the receptionist asked.
“I'm fantastic, how are you Jenny?” Sebastian asked with a smile. “Sounds like today is a big day huh?”
“Just another day, I'm good a little bored today.” Jenny said. “I thought you were going to be out of town this week.”
“Well I will be as soon as I see Sarah.” Sebastian said, that uneasy cold feeling was settling into his stomach. “She told me she was in an investors meeting.”
“Um maybe I misunderstood Ms. Edwards. I thought you two were headed to Boston for the weekend. She told me yesterday that she wouldn't be in the office today, or until Monday afternoon. She didn't come in today.” Jenny said slowly.
“So you haven't talked to her today, or seen her?” Sebastian asked the cold feeling in his stomach was turning into an ember of anger.
“Mr. Stan, I swear I haven't seen her today. She messaged me this morning to see if I would be willing to work the rest of the weekend so you two could have a weekend away. I needed the extra hours so I opened today.” Jenny said, she could see the betrayal on his face. “I'm really sorry.”
“Not your fault, uh well if you want some flowers for your desk just uh, keep these. If she calls or contacts you please don't uh, tell her I was here okay?” Sebastian said as he set the bouquet on Jenny’s desk. “I'll just head out, thanks Jenny.”
“No problem, I can't lie to her if she directly asks me, but I won't say anything unless she asks.” Jenny said.
“Thanks that's decent of you.” Sebastian said as he walked back out to his cab. He dialed Sarah's number before getting back into his cab. When he got her voice mail, he wanted to punch something. “Sarah it's me, I uh was just getting into my cab and was hoping to catch you before I get to the airport. I'll text you when I land.”
“Buddy where to? The airport??” The cab driver asked.
Sebastian gave him her address instead of going to the airport. As he arrived at her apartment he asked the cabbie to wait for him to come back down. He slowly made his way through the lobby and got into the elevator before he pushed the button to Sarahs' floor. He felt like his insides were a combination of fire and ice. Ice was rushing through his veins, it felt like he was being frozen from the inside out. His chest felt like it was home to a blazing inferno, he could feel the intensity of his anger. When he got to her floor and to her door he stood there for a moment and listened to anything that would give his mind peace. He heard some movement but nothing concrete. He knocked on the door and waited until he heard someone say something.
“Babe think the foods here.” An unknown male voice said. Sebastian felt his stomach cleanse and tighten, his hands were balled at his sides. “You're not delivery.”
“No, I'm fucking not. Where the fuck is Sarah?” Sebastian bit out, Kevin Sarah's ex fiancee stood in front of him in boxers. “Sarah!”
“Oh shit, Sebastian what are you doing here? I thought you were on your way to LA.” Sarah stated she was in a a short robe and nothing else.
“So I guess this is where I mention that I was right, you were cheating on me.” Sebastian said. He watched her eyes widen before he added, “I'll have the locks changed before I leave, here's your spare key, I'll ship your stuff to you when I get back, don't bother calling me.”
“Sebastian you were never home! I never got to see you, and when you were home it seemed like you didn't care about my business or my needs.” Sarah said in a condescending tone.
“So it's my fault that I'm busy with work? You cheat on me because I'm doing my job? That's bullshit that you think I didn't care about your business! I helped you get it off the ground!” Sebastian said.
“I was going to buy out your shares of the company anyways.” Sarah said bitterly.
“Send it to my lawyers. Good luck Kevin, hope you know you've gotten such a loyal woman in your life.” Sebastian said as he turned around and walked out. Before he made it downstairs he was dialing Chris. “Hey so I was right, she was a cheating whore.”
“What the fuck, you're kidding me.” Chris said. “You're coming to LA right?”
“Yeah I'm serious, I will land there around 5 I think.” Sebastian said. “Wanna get drunk with me?”
“Yeah sure, I'm sure who ever else is there would want to do that with you too.” Chris said. “Hey my plane is boarding catch you there?”
“Yeah see you then.” Sebastian said as he hung up. Fury boiled in his blood, he had to call his lawyers and super attendant to make sure she was barred from getting into his apartment while he was gone.
When he finished his phone calls he realized his cab had arrived at the airport. He paid the cabbie and made his way to the gate, once he got through the lines he sat down and stared at his phone. His background was a photo of Sarah, it had been last Christmas when they went ice skating together. She looked so happy and in love with him at the time, what happened? He decided to text Dr. Thompson and let her know what was going on. He let her know he was boarding soon, but if she had a few minutes he wanted to talk to her.
“Hello Sebastian?” Ellie asked.
“Hey Doc, you'll never believe what I found out today.” Sebastian said he voice sounded harsh and broken it wasn't the same warm tone she heard before he left earlier. “I was right, she was cheating on me, she lied about going into work, she told her receptionist that she was at a weekend getaway with me in Boston, I go to her apartment and find her and her ex fiancee half naked. I questioned her and she admitted to it. Oh and she's buying out my stock in her company too.”
“Oh my gosh, well I'm sorry to hear that Sebastian, truly I am sorry to hear that.” Ellie said. “I guess we won't need to do that follow up then. Are you still headed out to LA?”
“Yeah, I'm not going to let this affect my career. Actually I wondered if you'd let me see you still, I have issues with it still, I don't know if you're that kind of doctor though.” Sebastian said. He closed his eyes and ran his fingers roughly over his eyes.
“I deal with all types of romantic or sexual relationships so you're still in my wheel house, if you need to get through it, I can still see you for consultations.” Ellie replied. “As a bit of advice contact your PR team and I would avoid posting anything on any version of social networking.”
“They're calling me to board, so can I talk to you when I land in LA?” Sebastian asked, he sounded exhausted and depressed. “I appreciate your help, my PR manager already knows as does my lawyer.”
“Sure I should be free all night, my next appointment isn't until tomorrow afternoon.” Ellie said.
“Great, uh thanks Doc wasn't sure who else to talk to this about, I knew she was cold but this is pretty fucked up. Oh and I got my locks changed so she isn't welcome to my apartment while I'm gone. I'm going to need to call my cleaners and have them burn everything.” Sebastian said with a harsh but choked laugh. “I'll see you later, thanks Doc.”
“Sebastian, I know this hurts now, but I'll be here when you land.” Ellie replied, he could almost see her kind smile and compassionate eyes. He boarded his plane and sat down trying to think of a way to erase the last year or so of his life.