For Those Who Need Help To Feel - Paperback

Six Years Ago
"Dude, Reed. I met the hottest girl today. Anyway, if you have plans tonight, you have to cancel them. I guess her friend, Gina, just moved to town, and she refused to go on a date with me unless it was a double date. I offered to take them both out and then home, but Jessa declined that offer."
Reed looks down at the paperwork in front of him. "I kind of have a lot to get done here, man. Another night."
I lean over his desk and put a brown folder over one of the many stacks. "Let's just hide this one, and now you have less to get done tonight. Come on, Reed. I need you. If you combined Jessica Alba with Amanda Peet but made her a ginger, you would have Jessa. I can't switch nights. This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of girl!"
Reed huffs out, "Fine, but you owe me big time for agreeing to this, and I plan to sit there silently the whole night. I will make the entire date so awkward on purpose."
I shrug, "Do it. I don't care how you act. I just need your body there. Your only goal is to make sure that this Gina chick has someone to sit by so I can work my magic."
Reed wipes his hand down his face. "I already know that I am going to regret this."
******
Five Years Ago
"I am telling you, Reed, there is something about her. I can't put my finger on it, but my eyes can see the red flags waving all around her. I think you need to tap the brakes because I just have this really bad feeling."
Reed shakes his head. "Or you can quit being your dramatic self. Gina has no red flags. I don't know why you would even think that."
"Like I said, I can't put my finger on it, but my gut is telling me that something is off, and you know my gut is always right. Always!"