We sat in the sun for hours building the castles and talking about kid stuff. Between the two of us, we built some really awesome sandcastles. A little more sophisticated than your average eight-year-olds. Suddenly, it was the day Charlie died. We had just returned back to the shore and I stood on the boat and stared at AJ as he and his family were out on the deck. My eyes were red and swollen and Madeline put her arm around me and escorted me off the boat. AJ’s mother and father came down and tried to console her while AJ just stood there with his hands tucked into the pockets of his shorts, staring at me. He slowly began to walk towards me and then hooked his arm around me.
“Let’s go build a sandcastle, Addison. We’ll build one for your dad.”
I looked over at my mother and she gave me a simple nod, telling me that it was okay. We sat down in the sand with our buckets and began to build one big castle together. I’d never forget how he was there for me. The sun was setting just as we finished. People all along the beach stopped to see the magnificent castle we built in honor of my father. AJ reached over and placed his hand on mine.
“Remember what your dad always told you. If you're ever sad or lonely, just look at the stars, for they will watch over you and light your way." He leaned over and lightly kissed my cheek.
I gave him a small smile and then I heard Madeline shouting my name from the patio door. That was the last time I’d ever see AJ again.
I awoke to several knocks on the door and my eyes soaking wet. I got up, looked through the peephole, and saw Andrew standing there.
“What the fuck, Addison?!” he shouted as he walked inside. “I’ve been calling you and texting you for over an hour.”
“I didn’t know. I fell asleep.” I stared at him blankly.
“Have you been crying?” His voice calmed.
I wiped my eyes and went into the kitchen for a glass of water.
“I just had a dream about the day Charlie died. I didn’t even mean to fall asleep.”
He walked over to me and wrapped his arms tightly around me, pushing my head against his muscular chest.
“I’m sorry for yelling. I was just worried,” he spoke as he kissed the top of my head.
“What are you doing here?” I asked as I broke our embrace.
“I was worried about you. I went home thinking you’d be there and you weren’t. And then when I couldn’t get hold of you, all sorts of thoughts crept into my mind. I thought something happened to you.”
I was on edge from my dream and I could feel some anxiety setting in. I took in a deep breath.
“I’m sorry that I made you worry. I didn’t intend to fall asleep.”
He pulled me into him. “Come back to my place with me. I missed you.”
It was at that moment, I decided to put him to the test.
“Sure. I’d love to. There’s this great new Thai place that just opened up around the block from here. Can we grab some dinner first before heading back to your place?”
“Of course we can. What’s the name of the restaurant? I’ll call us in an order and we can pick it up on the way.” He smiled.
I took in a deep breath as the level of my irritation started to rise.
“I really want to eat inside the restaurant, Andrew.”
He clasped my shoulders.
“Maybe some other time. It’s been a really long day, and I’ve been in back to back meetings. All I want to do is go home with you and cuddle on the couch, eat dinner, and watch a movie. Your choice. Anything you want to watch.” He leaned in and kissed my forehead.
“That sounds nice.” I softly smiled.
“Great. Are you ready now or do you need a few minutes?” he asked.
“I’m ready. Just let me grab my purse.”
The truth was I didn’t feel like going out and I wasn’t even that hungry. I asked him to see what he’d say or what excuse he’d come up with again. The dream I had about Charlie was still fresh in my mind and I didn’t feel like arguing or starting a fight, so I just gave up. Cuddled on the couch with him and watching a movie together sounded like the perfect evening anyway. I’d save my words for next time.
Chapter Fifteen
A few days later, in the middle of the afternoon, I walked down to the Coffee Pod for a latte. As I was waiting in line, my phone dinged with an incoming text from Jasper.
"Addison, grab Mr. Hottie and come to the restaurant tonight for dinner. My treat. I miss you.”
“Sounds like fun. I’ll ask Andrew. Regardless if he goes or not, I will be there. See you later and I miss you too."
I looked up from my phone and saw Andrew walking towards me.
“Hey, beautiful," he whispered as he walked by.
Before I could respond, he was gone. I stood there in silence trying to wrap my head around the fact that he just walked by me as if I was just one of his employees and nothing else. After getting my coffee, I stepped onto the elevator and thought again about how we never entered the building together, how he never once came to my office to see me, and how we didn't go out on dates. All of our nights consisted of ordering in and making love, and I was getting sick and tired of it.
When I reached my office, I sent Andrew a text message.
"Hi. I was surprised you didn't stop and talk to me. Jasper wants us to come to the restaurant for dinner tonight. Sounds fun. How about it?
Andrew quickly replied.
"I was running late for a meeting. About tonight, I'd rather stay in and show you how much I love you.”
I clenched my jaw and took a deep breath.
"You can show me after the restaurant. I really want to go out tonight, Andrew. It's Friday."
"I'm in a meeting, Addison. We're staying in tonight and we'll talk later.”
My blood started boiling as I read his words. Who the fuck was he to tell me what I'm doing?
"Maybe you're staying in tonight, but I'm not, and you will not tell me otherwise. See you around, Andrew. And another thing, don't reply to this message."
I threw my phone on my desk and sat back in my chair. It only took thirty seconds for his reply. The one I told him not to send.
"Don't be difficult. I love you.”
Ugh! I yelled as I put my hands on my head and set my elbows on my desk.
"Addison, what's wrong?" Lucas asked as he sat down.
"Just my boyfriend being an asshole type of trouble."
"I didn't know you had a boyfriend. Who is he?"
I had to think carefully because no one except Emma and Jasper knew I was dating Andrew.
"Just a guy from back home."
"Does just a guy from back home have a name?"
I had to be quick.
"AJ. His name is AJ."
"Sounds like an asshole with a name like that. No offense." He laughed.
"None taken and right now he is."
"Why don't you go home for the day? Everything is covered here, and you only have an hour left anyway."
“Are you sure, Lucas?”
“Positive. Go sort out your asshole boyfriend trouble.” He smirked.
"Thanks, Lucas. I owe you one.” I smiled as I grabbed my purse and headed out the door.
I left the building and headed down the street. Where was I going? Hell, if I knew. I just needed to get as far away from the LAC building as I could. As I was sending a text message to Emma, a text from Andrew came through.
"Since you didn't respond to my last text, I'll assume you're mad at me. But it doesn't change my mind. I need to see you tonight.”
"I am mad at you for various reasons. You're an ass, and I don't want to see you right now or tonight. I’m not coming over.”
Maybe that was a little harsh, but I didn't care. The last relationship I was in was very controlling and that was something I would never go through or put up with again. I waited for a response that never came, so I called Emma, but it went to voicemail.
"Hi. It's me. If you can, meet me at Revenge. I had a fight with Andrew and I need some
girl time, love you."
I hailed a cab over to Revenge and as I walked through the door, Jasper took a bow.
"Madame," he spoke.
"Stop that." I smiled.
He laughed and gave me a big hug.
"I take it Andrew wasn’t keen on coming?"
"He wanted to stay in tonight like every night and I told him basically to fuck off."
"Aw, Addison. I'm sorry. Come on, let's go get a table."
Just as Jasper and I sat down, Emma called.
“Hello,” I answered.
"Hey, I just got your voice message. I have a big client coming in about fifteen minutes.” Are you okay?”
“I don’t know. It’s just Andrew.”
“Are you with Jasper?” she asked.
“Yeah. He’s right here.”
“Good. We'll talk when I get home."
"Okay. See you then," I spoke as I ended the call.
Jasper and I had dinner together and we did a lot of talking. I mostly picked at my food since I was still upset about Andrew.
“I thought you were going to have a talk with him,” Jasper spoke.
“I was, but it never seems to be the right time.”
Jasper got up from his seat and kissed me on the nose.
“It’s never going to be the right time. You just have to do it. I have to get back to work now.”
"I think I’ll have a seat at the bar and have a drink, " I spoke as I got up from my chair.
"Not too many, Addison, I mean it.” He pointed at me.
"Yes, sir. I promise to be on my best behavior."
I took a seat at the bar and ordered a martini. There was nothing like sitting by yourself at a bar wallowing in self-pity. I glanced at my phone and there was nothing. No missed call, no voicemail, and no text message. Anger and sadness both consumed me. I ordered another martini when a nice-looking gentleman leaned against the bar and spoke to me.
“Is this seat taken?” he asked with a smile.
“No. It’s all yours.” I smiled back.
"I'll have what this gorgeous young lady is having and make her another one. It’s on me.” He grinned at the bartender.
I smiled as I held up my glass to him.
“Thank you.”
This stranger stood about five feet ten inches tall with a medium build. He looked to be in his late thirties with short brown hair and green eyes.
"I'm Austin.” He grinned as he held out his hand.
"Addison. Nice to meet you." I placed my hand in his.
He bought me a couple more martinis and we talked about life and shared a few laughs. I was feeling good, way too good. Jasper emerged from his kitchen.
"Addison, you're still here?" he asked.
"Yes, I am," I slurred. “Jasper, this is—”
"Austin,” he spoke.
Jasper leaned over the bar and whispered to me.
"Addison, you're drunk as shit. This isn't the way to forget about your fight with Andrew."
I pointed my finger at him. "I'm fine. Join us."
"You need to get home and sleep this off,” he spoke.
“You cannot tell me what to do!” I voiced in a drunken manner.
Jasper shook his head and walked away. Austin and I continued to talk and downed a couple more drinks.
“Let me take you home, Addison,” he spoke as he lightly took hold of my arm.
"That won't be necessary," a familiar voice came from behind. “And I suggest you let go of her now!”
Chapter Sixteen
"Who are you?" Austin asked.
"I'm her boyfriend and I can take it from here," Andrew growled.
Austin put his hands up.
“Hey, sorry, man. She didn't mention she had a boyfriend."
“Well, she does. Come on, Addison, let's get you home," he spoke as he put his arm around my waist and helped me off the stool.
"Let go of me." I struggled, but his grip was tight.
"Be a good girl and don't cause a scene," he whispered.
"What's wrong, Andrew? Aren’t you embarrassed to be seen in public with me? Your little whore you keep to yourself locked up in your apartment," I hissed.
His grip on me grew tighter.
"I will ignore that comment since I know it's the alcohol talking and not you."
As soon as we exited the restaurant, Andrew picked me up and set me inside his SUV. He climbed in and pulled my head into his lap so I was lying down.
"I'm taking you back to my apartment and you're going to sleep this off," he spoke as he stroked my hair. “Understand?”
“Yes,” I whispered in a soft voice as I closed my eyes.
When we reached his building, Andrew carried me from the SUV and up to his apartment. The elevator ride made my stomach churn something awful. After opening the door, he carried me straight to his bedroom. I placed my hand over my mouth, but it didn’t matter. Before he could lay me down on the bed, I threw up all over me and him.
"Fuck, Addison, you should have warned me."
He rushed me to the bathroom and over the toilet, where I vomited for what seemed like an eternity. Instead of cleaning himself up first, he sat beside me and held my hair, wiping my mouth after each episode. Once I was finished, he took off his shirt and pants and cleaned himself up as I lay on the bathroom floor in humiliation. After pulling on a pair of sweatpants, Andrew walked over to the tub and drew a bath.
“I don’t want to take a bath. I just want to sleep.”
“You have no choice,” he spoke as he took off my clothes and gently set me in the tub. "You don't listen very well, do you, Addison?" he asked as he washed the vomit from my hair.
“Save it, Andrew. I don’t want to talk.”
After he cleaned me up, he helped me out of the tub, dressed me in a nightshirt, and carried me to bed. I didn’t even remember my head hitting the pillow.
I woke up the next day to the smell of strong coffee and a pounding headache. I struggled to open my eyes as the sunlight filtered through the blinds. When I looked at the clock, I couldn't believe it was noon. I grabbed my satin pink robe and followed the aroma of coffee. Once I made it to the kitchen, Andrew got up from the table and grabbed the aspirin bottle from the cabinet.
"Good afternoon, sleepy head. How are you feeling?"
"Like shit. Thank you," I responded with an attitude.
“Take these,” he spoke as he handed me two white pills and a glass of water.
“Coffee. I need coffee.” I laid my head down on the island after taking the aspirin.
“Here you go,” he spoke as he slid the coffee mug towards me.
I lifted my head, grabbed the black mug, and took a soothing sip.
"We should talk about last night,” he spoke as his blue eyes turned gray.
"There's nothing to talk about, Andrew. Did Jasper call you to come get me?"
"Yes, he did, and it's a good thing. And by the way, don't ever call yourself a whore again," his voice commanded, referring to the statement I made last night.
I rolled my eyes as I got up from the stool and took my coffee over to the couch in the living room.
"I'm sorry, but that's how you make me feel sometimes.” I stared into his eyes as he stood over me.
He sat down on the couch and wrapped his arms around me.
"I'm sorry I made you feel that way. I never meant to."
"How do you expect me to feel? We never do anything outside of this or my apartment. Why is that, Andrew?" I sternly spoke.
He softly kissed the top of my head.
"I know and I'm sorry. I just prefer to be alone with you and not share you with anyone."
Those words. The same words Bradley spoke to me. The very words that ended our two-year relationship.
“Do you think you own me or something?” I broke free from his arms.
“No, of course not.”
“Do you even hear yourself, Andrew? You don’t want to share me with anyone?”
“I’m sorry,
Addison. I didn’t mean for it to come out that way.”
“Then explain yourself.” I narrowed my eye at him.
“It’s just I’m around numerous people all day long and sometimes it can get a little overwhelming. When I get home, I just want to spend time alone with you and nobody else.”
“I have needs too, and I like to go out. Sometimes I think you’re embarrassed to be seen with me or something.”
“Why on earth would you say that? I love you, Addison. There’s no way I’m embarrassed to be seen with you.”
“Nobody at work knows about us. You drop me off at the front and you go around the back. You don’t come see me during the day and we don’t have lunch together. Shit, I’ve never even seen your goddamn office,” I voiced loudly.
“That’s because I don’t want people at work knowing yet. I’m protecting you.”
“Protecting me from what?”
“Rumors that could be started. You’re the new girl, Addison. You haven’t worked for me for very long. How do you think that’ll look to everyone? They’ll talk about you and think you’re getting special treatment because you’re my girlfriend. I don’t want to put you through that.”
“I can take care of myself. I’m going to lie back down. My head is killing me.”
He got up from the couch and held out his hand, helping me up.
“I love you.” He kissed my forehead. “Don’t ever doubt that. Go get some rest.” He smiled. “I’ll see you when you wake up.”
Chapter Seventeen
I stood in the doorway of Andrew's study as he was typing away on his computer. He looked up at me and smiled.
"Did you have a nice nap?"
"Yeah. I feel much better."
"Good. Come here," he spoke as he patted his lap.
I walked over to him, sat down, and wrapped my arms around him.
“I have a surprise for you," he whispered as he softly kissed my neck.
"A surprise for me?" I asked with a smile.
"I'm taking you out, so you need to go get ready."
"Where are we going?" I excitedly asked.
Andrew tapped my nose with his finger.
"It's a surprise and you’ll need to pack a bag."
I looked at him in confusion. "How long will we be gone?"