Read Online By Appointment Only by Janice Maynard - Free Book Online Page A

actually looked animated. “Over the course of the weekend, Pat and I will discuss what we have learned about each of you tonight. Then we will prepare six individual questionnaires, which will be e-mailed to you no later than Sunday afternoon. I’ll do the women’s and Pat will do the men’s. We ask that you not share the questions or your answers with your partner. On Monday, please return the questionnaires to us either by e-mail, fax, or in person. At that time you will need to contact our receptionist and schedule your first visit.” She nodded to her partner. “Pat . . .”
    He stood up. “If at all possible, we’d like you to plan for two sessions this coming week and two the week after. Then two weeks from tonight, we’ll meet back here in our group. At which point you can decide if you wish to sign up for another rotation. If you can manage only one time each week, then so be it, but for the full benefit of the program, a total of four would be best.”
    Shaun, who had been really quiet, spoke up with a puzzled look on his face. “But I don’t understand. Why the questionnaires? What will the individual couple sessions entail?”
    Dr. Sheila smiled benevolently. “Pat was getting to that. Go ahead, my dear.”
    Dr. Pat resumed his monologue, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his coat. “Your questionnaires will be used for Sheila and me to set up a sexual role-play situation that will be unique to each couple. When you arrive for your appointment, the receptionist will direct you to a room. We ask that you enter and follow the directions inside. Please remain in the situation a minimum of one hour and participate fully. However, you will have the room for a total of two hours if you wish to stay that long.”
    Dr. Sheila picked up the instructions and elaborated. “Be assured that your session is entirely private. You won’t even see Pat or me. Following that first session, you’ll get another set of questionnaires and the process will follow in the same manner until you have completed all four. The group session on the final Friday in two weeks will complete the first module.”
    Timmy seemed confused. “But what do we do when we’re in the room?”
    A muffled choke of what sounded like laughter seemed entirely unprofessional coming from the oh-so-correct Dr. Pat. His eyes twinkled. “You’ll be having sex, my boy. Lots of it.”
    After a split second of silence, the whole room broke into a nervous chuckle.
    Dr. Sheila, a slight frown on her face, perhaps at the unauthorized levity, brought her charges back on track. “For our final exercise before we dismiss I’d like each of you to share with the group as honestly as possible one important thing you think you have learned about being in a loving relationship.”
    Danita frowned. “You mean something we’ve learned tonight?”
    Dr. Sheila shook her head. “No. I want to know something you’ve learned in the past . . . something you feel is of value. Who wants to go first?”
    After several seconds of long, uncomfortable silence, Morgan stretched his arms over his head and then rubbed his palms on his thighs. “I’ll go.”
    Both doctors nodded briskly and spoke almost in unison. “Excellent.”
    Morgan faced the group and not Hannah, so she had to turn sideways in her seat to see his expression. He was solemn, thoughtful. “I’ve learned that people and relationships are not governed by the same dynamics as my work. On the job, I’m the boss. I develop plans and carry them out. I make things happen.” He paused and gave Hannah a small smile. “But relationships are seldom that straightforward. They are delicate and even fragile at times. And they don’t always follow the path you might expect.”
    He fell silent and Dr. Sheila nodded. “Very insightful, Morgan. Thank you.” She glanced at Rachelle. “Will you be next?”
    The girl nibbled her lip. “Can I talk about the baby?”
    Sheila nodded. “Of course.”
    “Well . .