Granting one last wish

ABBY

Three years later…

I have to flex my neck a couple of times after hours of review for my finals tomorrow, and I feel drained. I study hard to get good grades and to make my parents proud.

I don’t have to go to college to get a job to pay my bills. I don’t have to work at all. My parents are loaded, and I can have everything I ask for. I can buy whatever I want, travel around the world, dine in the most expensive restaurant, spend summer in a yacht, drink the most expensive wine, and have the most luxurious penthouse in Manhattan or have the fastest car in the world, and date the world sexiest man.

My parents own the biggest hotel chains in the world, King Hotel chains, and Restaurants, and I’m the only heiress. My dad is Michael Aaron King, the best dad every girl can dream of, and Catherine Elizabeth King is the most beautiful woman and the world’s number one mom.

I don’t need an annoying private tutor because I excel academically. Yeah, I’m on my third year in college at Boston State University, two hundred and sixty-six miles away from home, away from my parents, and away from friends.

My life sucks! Just kidding.

I am with my roommate/best friend in an apartment that’s not world-class, but not that bad either. I don’t have a friend. I know it sounds pathetic, but whatever.

I met Andrew three years ago during my therapy. He’s also seeing a doctor who was just another floor down my shrink’s office. We met at the reception, and we clicked right away. I guess we have something in common.

“Hi, um, you’re seeing a doctor here?” he asks me shyly.

“Yeah. For a couple of weeks, you?” I answer and ask back with a little smile. Not all people are good at sharing that they are seeing a therapist, but why should I be ashamed of I if I need one.

“Dr. Peters.” He smiles.

“You?”

“Dr. Wallerman,” I tell in a low voice.

“Hmm. Rich people.” He scrutinizes me from head to toe. Dr. Wallerman is famous for her practice, and I don’t look like I can afford to pay a doctor like her.

“Excuse me?” I ask him when he raises an eyebrow.

“She’s like a celebrity doctor. I’m Andrew, by the way.” He offers his hand for a handshake. I hesitate, but he keeps his hand and waits for me to shake it.

“I’m Ma— I’m Abbygail. Please, call me Abby.” I shake his hand, and then we walk me out of the building.

“Sure, Abby. It suits you. Beautiful name.” He winks at me, which makes me blush. I don’t talk to strangers, and I don’t mingle too when someone gets close to me. The bodyguard Dad’s assigned will automatically shoo them away.

“Thanks.”

“I’ll walk you to your car,” Andrew offers.

I pause and face him. “Actually, I’m walking to a coffee shop.” 

His eyes widen as if he has an idea. “Would you mind if I tag along?

“I don’t mind at all.” 

“Good. Just only been here for a couple of weeks. I’m an ex-military, and you know this PTSD kind of shit. Oh sorry, I swear a lot. Used to in the military. How about you?” he says easily without a single flinch. 

lot? Not much,” I answer.

at me.

not comfortable sharing that horrific night even

ready. I completely understand. It took a while for me, too.” He

I shrug. “Soon, hopefully. Thanks.”

talk as we walk to the nearest coffee shop where I always dropped by after my session. Andrew mentions that he crashes the couch of one of his friends, and he’s still looking for a decent apartment with a decent price and that he

I offered without even telling dad who was so pissed at me after that.

talking to strangers, and you’re not just breaking my rules, you let a stranger live with you, and a man

lip. Howard is going

He’s a good person, trust me.” I roll my eyes because he’s overreacting again. He thinks

and your mom, and you want me to calm down? You’re living with a stranger who could be

to meet him and just give him a

He sighs. “Fine I would like to meet him, and if I don’t like him, he’ll be out of your apartment

I’ll let him know. Thanks, Dad. I love you!” I grin and jump.

thank me yet, young woman, and don’t tell him that I’m

My brows furrow. “And why not?”

“That’s for you to find

in my seat when someone pats

a few minutes already. You didn’t even notice me

about my exams tomorrow.” I lie.

“Hmm. You don’t have to worry about it. I’m sure you’ll ace your exams.” He gives me an enigmatic smile.

for us tonight?” I follow him, passing by our small living room to the kitchen.

you your favorite pizza. I’ll cook next time, but not tonight.” Yeah, my best friend can cook. He could make something from scratch, and good thing, I have fast metabolisms otherwise, he’s turning

elbows on our granite countertop. I open our dark

you? What you’re gonna eat?” I take plates and cutlery

Why bother the plates, Abby? You’re so rich that sometimes you forget to

and water for me from the fridge. “You still didn’t answer me. Why aren’t you going to have dinner with me? Going out with friends?” I sit beside him and open the box of Greek Pizza. I grab one slice and start digging.

“Actually, ivadet.”

stop. My brows crease.

I have a date tonight.” He didn’t look at

came from his mouth, my eyes

good news. I’m happy for you.” I put down my pizza, pull him into a

What is she like? I mean I’m sure she’s pretty. How did you two meet? When did you replace your condom in your drawer? I’m sure they’re expired two years ago. Do I need to leave before you come home? Or do I just need to pretend I’m sleeping

that I have a condom on my nightstand? I’m not getting laid tonight, Abby, and it’s our first date. Jeez, you’re far too excited than me.” He crunches his nose, and I can

until the third date when you’re both attracted, duh!” I roll my

went out on a date just to have sex. Of course, when you’re serious about

and it’s nice to eat directly from

people like to make their life so

“Isn’t it most men think sex like every seven seconds?” I inquire and

a fling or maybe a one-night stand or a one week in

to meet anyone he dated, and that was over a year

“She’s different, Abby, and I like her. I met her last week. She’s our new client. I happened to be the one who installed the security system in her apartment. She’s beautiful. I

now, but I didn’t meet his co-workers yet. He said they would

and says I see you,”

joke. We always choose the same movie to watch, even a crappy rom-com—no arguments.