you can consider me homeless,” she said as she took in a deep breath.
“What about your parents? Why aren’t you going to them?”
“They told me that I’m a disgrace to the family and that I need to get my act together. They’ve
helped me countless times, and they refuse to do it again.”
I got up from my seat, walked over to where Ashlyn was sitting, and leaned up against the desk,
trying to figure out why she came to see me.
“Why me, Ashlyn? We haven’t seen or spoken to each other in ten years.”
At that moment, before she could answer, Valerie buzzed in and told me my meeting was about to
start.
“I’m sorry, Ashlyn. I have a meeting, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to help you. So, if you’ll
excuse me, I have to leave.”
She got up from her chair in a huff, grabbed her purse, and started towards the door. She abruptly
turned around.
“You owe me, Connor Black. My life is a clusterfuck because of you. My sister committed suicide
because of you, and it ruined my life. I miss Amanda so much, and she would still be here if it wasn’t
for you!” she yelled.
I stood there, unable to speak, as everything Ashlyn just said was true. She turned away and walked
to the door.
“Wait,” I said. “I’ll take you to dinner tonight where we can discuss this further. Maybe I can help
you. I’ll have my driver pick you up at 7:00 pm. Where are you staying?”
“I’m not staying anywhere. I just told you I was broke, and I sure as hell don’t have enough money
for a hotel.”
I walked to the door and opened it, motioning for Ashlyn to step out.
“Valerie, please book a room at the Marriott Downtown for Miss Johnson and have it billed to the
company.” Valerie nodded and picked up the phone.
“Thank you, Connor, I knew I could count on you,” she smiled.
“My driver will pick you up at 7:00 pm sharp.”
I turned away and shook my head. Why the hell would she just show up here after all these years
and then throw Amanda’s death in my face?
***
I sat at my desk, pondering why she was still in my life a year later, and why I haven’t done
anything about it.
I was startled by a knock at the door as Valerie came in and set a cup of coffee on my desk.
“Good morning, Mr. Black.”
“Good morning, Valerie. Do me a favor and clear my schedule for this afternoon. I have something
that I need to do.”
“Yes, Mr. Black, I’ll get on that immediately.”
“Thank you, Valerie,” I said as she left my office.
I pulled out my cell phone, dialed Dr. Peters, and made an appointment for later this afternoon.
With the return of the nightmares, I figured it was about time. I finished up some paperwork, made a
few business calls, and alerted Denny that I was leaving the office early and to come pick me up.
I stepped into the Limo and instructed Denny to take me to the penthouse, so I could pick up the
Range Rover and drive myself to Dr. Peter’s office. I didn’t want him knowing where I was going. I
consider Denny one of my best friends. He’s been with Black Enterprises for the past ten years. He
drove for my father and now he drives for me.
Denny is in his early fifty’s, and he’s seen a lot from me in the past ten years. He’s always been
there for me and even bailed me out of trouble a few times without ever telling my father. He’s like a
second father to me as well as my confidant. I could always count on him to help me out if I needed it.
In return, I make sure that he and his family are well taken care of.
Chapter 2
“Long time no see, Connor,” Dr. Peters said as he sat in the blue chair across from me. “I thought
you’d given up coming here.”
“I haven’t given up, Dr. Peters; I’ve just been too busy to make an appointment,” I sighed.
I’ve been seeing Dr. Peters for a few years, and he’s the only other person who knows about
Amanda apart from Ashlyn. He’s an older gentleman, with salt and pepper hair and a medium build. I
found him very easy to open up to. I suppose that’s why I continued seeing him for so long. I’ve tried
other therapists, including women, but it became too complicated when they wanted to sleep with me
instead of trying to help me.
“Tell me, Connor, have you made any progress since our last visit?”
I leaned back and rested my elbow on the arm of the chair. “No, I haven’t, but like I told you
before, I’m not interested in being in a relationship. I like my life just the way it is.”
He narrowed his eyes at me. “So, why are you here today?”
“I’ve been having the nightmares again,” I answered as I took in a deep breath.
Dr. Peters looked intently at me and cocked his head, “When did they resume?”
“They came back about a month ago,” I said.
“What do you think triggered them this time?” he asked as if I would really know
