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? Not much,” I

laughs at

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

You don’t have to tell me if you’re not ready. I completely understand. It

I shrug. “Soon, hopefully.

always dropped by after my session. Andrew mentions that he crashes the couch

who was so pissed at

strangers, and you’re not just breaking my rules, you let a stranger live with you, and a man for God’s sake. I’ll talk to Howard later. How he didn’t report this to me?” He sounds so furious over the phone.

Howard is going

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 me.” I roll my eyes because he’s overreacting again. He thinks all the people

calm down? You’re living with a stranger who could be a psychopath. You’re not an adult yet Mackenzie. Does he even

and just give him a chance.” 

to meet him, and if I don’t like him, he’ll be out

know. Thanks, Dad.

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

furrow. “And

for you to find out.” 

pats my

You didn’t even notice me coming in. What’s with zoning out?” His brows creased, but he looks

thinking about my exams tomorrow.”

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

I rise from my chair. “What do we have for dinner? Or would you cook for us tonight?” I follow him, passing by

He could make something from scratch, and good thing, I have fast metabolisms otherwise, he’s turning me into a hippo because of

sitting on the stool, leaning his elbows on our granite countertop. I

you got me pizza. How about you? What you’re gonna eat?” I take

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

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.

have a date tonight.” He didn’t look

his mouth, my eyes grow

you start dating. That’s good news.

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 and wear a headset?” I grin like an idiot.

so funny. Did you check 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

when you’re both attracted, duh!” I roll my eyes. 

course, when you’re serious about dating her, you can wait until you

and it’s nice to eat directly

Rich people like to make their life so

think sex like every seven seconds?” I inquire and laugh at my question.

not just a

but not too serious. I didn’t even get a chance to meet anyone he dated, and that was over a year ago, then he stopped dating all of a sudden. The reason? I

client. I happened to be the one who installed the security system in her apartment. She’s beautiful. I even follow her to

a security agency for three years now, but I didn’t meet his co-workers yet. He

tall, blue skin, yellow eyes, with tail, and says I see you,” I

laughs again and sips his soda. See, he even laughs at my lame joke. We always choose