I'm amazed at the lies we tell ourselves everyday to make our souls feel more complete. "I'm not fat, I'm not judgmental, I'm not that much in debt, I'm not angry." And yet, sometimes you just have to face the honest truth.

Today was one of those days, when Harlan Blickster--- THE football legend--- and loyal patient of mine for over 8 years, cancelled his regular quarterly check-up. He NEVER misses an appointment.

Later, as I was going through some records on the computer--- I found his name under Doctor Granville's roster. Instead of confronting Granville directly, I decided to call Harlan. I had a home phone number and after debating patient confidentiality, particularly a celebrity, I decided to dial.

"Hello?" said a deep voice on the other end of the phone.

"Harlan?"

"Yes."

"It's Eric from Granville Sports Clinic."

"Hey," His tone relaxed. "How's it going?"

"Good, good. But I was wondering if you could help me with something." The sudden lull was loud and I could hear his mind thinking--- someone else wanting something. "Not a favor...just...well, let me ask you. You're now with Dr. Granville--- and I was wondering if it was because of something here at my office."

"God, no. Eric, he said...that you're going through something and right now it would be better if he handled my arrangements."

"Menopause?"

Harlan laughed, thank God. "No, you're problem."

"Problem?"

"I've been there, I know. I mean, drug addiction can be very persuasive and difficult to kick."

"He said I have a drug problem?"

There was more silence on the phone. "Let me tell you what a counselor once told me, 'Denial isn't a river in Egypt.' You can get through this and once you do maybe I can come back."

"I don't have a drug problem."

More silence and then I realized it was futile.

"Look Eric, I don't want to get in the middle of anything. Understand?"

"Don't worry about it. Thanks for...talking."

I hung up the phone and could feel the rage rising inside of me like a loaded gun.

I walked out of my office, barged through Dr. Granville's reception area, his Assistant protesting, and found myself in his mahogany walled office.

"I just spoke to Harlan Blickster. A drug problem!?"

"Eric, calm down."

"You lied!"

"Would you prefer the truth--- a sex addict?"

"At least that would be the truth. Ever since I came out of the closet here you've been dropping my client list, rearranging my schedule. Do you want me to quit?"

"If you're not happy here Eric, then I suggest other alternatives."

Our eyes locked and in that moment I realized what was going on. He didn't like who I slept with, pure and simple. And if he could make me disappear, he would try.

"I will contact my attorney and fight what is going on here."

"Nothing is going on here, Eric."

"You're wrong. PLENTY will be going on. My lawyer will be in touch."

I left his office, my hands trembling, and in that moment I knew I was about to embark on the fight of my life.