“I am,” Vivian admits. “I’m furious that bastard disowned Tegan a second time and threatened her, but… Coming clean has lifted a huge weight off my chest. It’s wonderful to no longer have secrets with my daughter, not to live with the constant fear of Tegan finding out what a jerk her father is. The worst has already happened, and now we can both move on.” She pauses for a moment, turning the paper cup in her hands, and then raises her big, Bambi eyes on me. “And you were right, by the way. Sharing the truth brought us closer.”

My lips curl. “I’m sorry, I must’ve heard wrong. Did you just say I was right?”

“Now, don’t go getting a big head, Doctor, you’re still an awful neighbor. But I have to admit you’re a decent therapist.”

“Oh, come on, would an awful neighbor bring you your favorite breakfast?”

“I thought you were acting in counselor capacity.”

“And as a friend. If you’re still okay with being friends, that is.”

She looks startled. “You’re worried about me?”

“Is that okay?”

“I suppose…”

We hold stares for a long time, as if we’re playing a game of whoever-drops-their-gaze-first loses. But I’m not interested in competing, so, with the excuse of taking another donut out of the box, I break the eye contact. And Vivian breaks the silence.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Did Tegan tell you about her plan? To denounce her father, and possibly get him fired?”

I nod.

“What do you make of it?” she presses. “Is it an act of pointless revenge, or does it have merit?”

“What do you think?”

“Is answering questions with other questions part of your shrinking voodoo, Doc?”

“Sorry, I can’t share my secret juju.”

Vivian rolls her eyes but answers my question all the same. “I’m torn. Tegan’s right when she says I should’ve reported her father years ago, and that if he’s been treating other women the same, he needs to be stopped…”

“But?”

“But I’m also worried she’s just seeking revenge out of spite. He rejected her, and she’s lashing out. And I’m not sure a tit-for-tat approach is healthy.”

I consider for a moment. “I don’t think Tegan is being petty. Yeah, she’s mourning the fantasy of a joyful reunion with her long-lost father, but Tegan went to the meet with no preconceptions—good or bad. She formed her judgment all on her own—and what she saw was a predator in a position of authority who needs to be stopped. I believe she’s being objective. With no previous relationship factoring into her judgment, he doesn’t hold any power on her…”

“Contrary to me, you mean?”