Room 702 Read Free Page B

to?”Oscar considers the question.   For the months it’s taken for him to get here, he finally does feel prepared to make some sort of progress on his condition.   He nods solemnly and says, “Yes.”   Nancy smiles in his direction and continues, “Now, I’m not sure what you’ve seen on television or heard from other people, but I want to assure you that what we discuss will be kept completely private and confidential.   Does this sound okay to you?”
    “Yes.”
    “I realize trust is something we’ll have to build over time, but given your status in the community, I am also happy to sign any sort of non-disclosure agreement, if it will make you feel more at ease.”
    Oscar’s dark eyes widen and Nancy puts her hands up and continues, “I don’t want to alarm you, I merely want you to believe me that this is a safe place, okay?”
    “Okay.”“Would you feel comfortable if I record our sessions?”   “Actually, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t.”
      “That’s completely fine and I’m happy to honor your wishes.   So, let’s begin, shall we?   Remember, it’s just an hour,” she says with a reassuring smile.
    “Sounds fine.”  
    From his body language, Nancy realizes Oscar is skeptical and doubting whether his decision to contact a therapist was a good idea.   Unsure how their session will go, she questions, “If I can start our conversation today by asking, why you were not comfortable meeting in my office?”
    “Too many people.”
    “As in too many people who might recognize you?”
    “Something like that.”
    “Are you embarrassed to see me?”
    “Maybe.”
    Surprising her patient, Nancy laughs and answers, “Well, at least you’re honest, and, as the expense is yours for this room, although unorthodox, I am happy to meet you in a mutually amicable space and one that protects your privacy.   However, our location is something I would like to start with today.   Is being a public figure something you are used to?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Mr. Carlton, Oscar, I am merely stating a fact.   As a professional athlete, and a successful one at that, ‘people’ are everywhere you go.   Are you comfortable with your role in the public spotlight?”
    “Mostly.”
    “Then, there is part of you that is uncomfortable?”
      “I guess.”
      “Is that one of the reasons why you contacted me?”
    “Maybe.”
    Nancy scribbles something in her notes and says, “When you first called, you mentioned you were seeking therapy because you wanted to talk about your relationship with your wife.   Is that still what you want to focus on, or would you like to discuss something else?”
    Oscar Carlton takes a deep breath.   In his twenty-five years, he has been far luckier than most people.   He already has a NBA championship ring.   He has an agent, multiple high profile sponsors, and promotional deals with all kinds of companies.   Last year, in between seasons, he married his college sweetheart, Dani Cobb.   But somewhere since his graduation from Georgetown University, he can’t shake the feeling that everything has spun out of control.   After signing with the Sacramento Kings and moving to the West Coast, then recently being bought by the Lakers, he feels like a passenger in the fast forward film that is his life.   After watching too many episodes of Cribs, he had opted for a giant house in Holmby Hills.   Practices, games, traveling, charity events, ESPY awards – all these events floated by and the only thing that changed was his wardrobe.   His life isn’t what he thought it would be.   Now that he has supposedly ‘made it,’ he has no idea why anyone would want to be here.  
    Although Oscar has hidden his insecurities, he struggled through the last holiday season.   He has felt increasingly empty, shallow and disconnected from the world.   Although his playing hasn’t been effected, the basketball player’s slow departure from