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. 

“If I swear a lot?

He laughs at

a month ago, and I’m still in college,” I cut it short. I’m still not comfortable sharing that horrific night even to my Doctor. It takes a while, but I feel better that there’s someone who somehow listens

to tell me if you’re not ready. I completely understand. It took a while for me, too.”

shrug. “Soon,

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 needs a roommate.

without even telling dad who was so pissed at me

my rules, you let a stranger live with you, and a man for God’s sake. I’ll talk to Howard later. How he

Howard is going to lose

down. And it’s Abby’s dad. You can meet him if you want to and do a background check. He’s a good person, trust

of miles away from me and your mom, and you want me to calm down? You’re living with a stranger who could be a psychopath. You’re not an adult yet Mackenzie. Does

and just give

like

My smile widens. “Great. I’ll let him know. Thanks, Dad. I love you!” I grin and jump.

woman, and don’t tell

My brows furrow. “And why not?”

for you to find out.” 

seat when someone pats

a few minutes already. You didn’t even notice me coming in. What’s with zoning out?” His

I was just thinking about my exams tomorrow.” I lie.

about it. I’m sure you’ll ace your exams.” He

dinner? Or would you cook for us tonight?” I follow him, passing by our small living room to the kitchen.

not tonight.” Yeah, my best friend can cook. He could make something from scratch, and

countertop. I open our dark brown cabinet that matches

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

directly from the box. Why bother the plates, Abby? You’re so rich that sometimes you forget to have

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?”

“Actually, ivadet.”

stop. My brows

a date tonight.” He didn’t look at me in the

soon as the words came from his mouth, my eyes grow big in surprise.

mean, you start dating. That’s good news. I’m happy for you.” I put down my pizza, pull him

going on a date tonight with a woman. Do I know her? 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

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,

date when you’re both attracted, duh!”

to have sex. Of course, when you’re serious about dating her, you can wait until you both are ready, so start on getting to

I’m already on my second slice of pizza, and it’s nice to eat directly from the

people like to make their life so

“Isn’t it most men think sex like every seven

not just a fling or maybe a one-night stand or a one week in heaven?”

Andrew dated girls but not too serious. I didn’t even get a chance to meet anyone he dated, and that was

met her last week. She’s our new client. I happened to be the one who installed the security system

agency for three years now, but I didn’t meet his co-workers

I

soda. See, he even laughs at my lame joke. We always choose the same movie to watch, even a crappy rom-com—no arguments.