Ash (24 page)

Sophia soon joined me.

I kissed her gently and pulled myself out of her.

“Tough night at work?” She winked at me.

I shook my head and playfully bit her neck. “You don’t know that half of it.”

I couldn’t believe that I had found myself at the mercy of her seduction yet again. In all honesty, I didn’t know what I was doing, but everything about our intimate encounters felt right. There was something about her that replenished so much of the darkness that had consumed me during the past year. Yet, I was afraid of allowing myself to fall completely under her spell.

I stroked her feet as she recalled a childhood memory.

“I hated school so much. I was the one who never got dates, or was asked out, or included in activities,” she remarked. “So it made me hate everything about life. For a while, anyway.”

I understood where she was coming from. “I kind of get that. I really do.”

“I was an asshole. Most likely a product of my environment. The people I loved the most didn’t see the anger and sadness. It was irrelevant because I was a moody teen, and that’s what teens did.”

She looked at me and smiled.

“I was a complete jackass,” I admitted.

“Is that where your obsession with body art started?” She touched my leg.

“Yeah.” I laughed. “I got my first one when I was about fifteen. I lied about my age, and I enjoyed the whole feeling of being a rebellious, bad-assed prick. But when my mother saw it, she flipped. I got a hard slap across my face. That one always stayed with me. The look of sheer disappointment in her eyes will always haunt me.”

“But it wasn’t enough to stop you.”

“Hell no. That was just the beginning of my downward spiral. If it hadn’t have been for Danny and Connie, I’d be dead or behind bars.”

“That’s a scary thought. Tell me about your wife.”

That wasn’t something I had expected from her. But then again, nothing was ever predictable. I took a deep breath and looked at her.

“She was amazing. I fell in love with her the moment she busted my balls when we were sixteen years old. I never looked back. Connie never gave me a reason to. She was like this constant ray of light that made the darkest of days brighter. I know it sounds like such a cliché, but she really was my forever.

“We had some crazy adventures along the way. Of course, there were the bad times, too. Our struggles to conceive successfully. The illness that stripped her of her zest for life. When she died, it was like a part of me died alongside her.” I could feel the hard ball at the back of my throat. “But we had Jake, and I had to keep on living for him.”

“He’s such a cutie,” she replied, and smiled.

“Every time I look at him, I’m reminded of her. Sometimes, I feel like I can’t breathe. Then, he says or does something that reminds me that we created a miracle.” I let out a long sigh and gazed across the tub at her. “I sound like such a miserable idiot right now, don’t I?”

She sat upright and reached out to take my hand in hers. “No, you sound like a broken man who’s trying his damnedest to live.”

“Trying, being the operative word.”

“Sometimes, Ash, life is hard. We go through things that will define who our future self will become. Some get it tougher than others do, but it’s how you get through the darkness that determines your outcome. I’m living proof of that.”

“When did you get so worldly?” I asked, surprised by her candid reflection on life.

“The day I woke up and decided I had to live for me, not for everyone else.”

“I knew there was a reason I liked you,” I replied.

“Oh, yeah?” She giggled. “Because from the get-go, I couldn’t stand you.”

I laughed. “Yeah, well, if we’re being honest here, I was convinced you were a prissy bitch with an overpowering attitude.”

She splashed water at me and leaned back. “That’s such an assy thing to say.”

“But I’m honest.”

“Well, I thought you were a thug with a rap sheet at long as my arm,” she said.

“Ouch, that one stung.” I played the wounded victim.

“But you redeemed yourself when you gave good head.” She smiled and tilted her head to the side, licking her lips.

I couldn’t believe it. We had just opened our hearts to each other, and now she was turning me on with her plump lips and sexy voice.

“You are going to drive me crazy, ya know?” I remarked.

“I have every intention of draining your balls before we go on shift tonight.” Sophia sat up and knelt between my legs. She reached down and gripped my balls with one hand, gently caressing the growing hardness with her other hand. “Besides, you’ve given me a mammoth appetite, and I’m feeling in the mood for a little water sport.”

I rested my arms behind my head and grinned as the first stroke began. Sometimes, my cock had a mind of its own and I didn’t care.

“Jake, I’m so proud of you,” I said.

The two of us were talking on the phone.

“I was awesome, Daddy,” he replied, sounding proud of himself.

“And did you do the victory dance?”

He giggled. “Yup. I got Maw-Maw to dance, too.”

“That’s my boy.” I laughed. “But Jake?”

“What?”

“You have to be good tonight, okay?” My tone of voice was stern.

“Okay, Daddy, but can I stay up a bit longer?”

“That’s up to Maw-Maw, but you have to be on your best behaviour.”

I could hear him muttering something.

“What was that?” I asked.

“Nothing. I was just getting that huge booger out. I wish you could see it,” he replied.

“Jake, that’s just gross.”

He laughed. “Here’s Maw-Maw.”

Our conversation ended as fast as it began.

Michelle came on and sighed. “I swear he will pick his brains out one of these days.”

“He’s got a disgusting habit.”

“Yes,” she said, “but he’s been a joy all day. He was wonderful, Ashley, and was so helpful. The pastor was very impressed by him.”

“I am glad,” I replied, not wanting to offend her religious engagements. “Give him a kiss from me. I’ll be there around eight-thirty.”

“Absolutely,” she answered.

“Thanks so much, Michelle. I appreciate the help.”

“I know you do, sweetheart. Your job is important.”

I sat in my truck outside the station and watched Sophia walk inside. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Be safe, Ash.”

“I always am.”

The call ended. I grabbed my bag before getting out of the truck. It was a warm evening. Summer was well and truly on its way. I loved this time of year the best. It meant long days at the beach with Jake, and barbecues with the guys. Simple things that made a guy happy. I locked the truck and made my way inside.

“Hey, Ash,” Tracey greeted.

“Evening, Tracey.”

I continued moving toward the stairs, not wanting to engage in conversation with her.

“Joe’s looking for ya.” Her voice followed me as I stepped onto the stairs.

I acknowledged her with a nod of the head and little else.

Danny was in the kitchen, making a fresh pot of coffee. He scowled at me.

I set my bag next to my locker and I took off my jacket. “What’s wrong?”

Before he answered, Joe walked in and looked at me.

“What did I do?” I asked.

“Come into the office. There’s someone who wishes to talk to you,” Joe replied.

I gave Danny a curious look.

He turned his back on me, and my stomach churned.

As I walked to Joe’s office, Sophia strode along the hall, holding her paperwork in her hand. She smirked and carried on with her duties.

“What’s going on, Joe?” I asked.

“You tell me,” he said, and opened the door.

Marcy sat on a chair nearby. A sly smile appeared on her face.

“Hello, Ash.”

“Joe!” I said.

“Take a seat, Ash,” he said.

I almost told him where to go before tamping down the urge and doing as I was told. I took a seat next to Marcy and kept my focus on Joe, who sat across the desk from us.

“Marcy, here, came to me this evening, very distressed.” Joe looked at me. “We are both very concerned about you, Ash.”

“What?” I asked, raising my voice. “What do you mean?”

“Marcy has been very discreet. She’s done you a great service by coming to me,” Joe said. “We didn’t realize that things were so tough for you. You never wear your heart on your sleeve.”

I was completely taken aback. “I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about.”

“It’s okay, Ash,” Marcy said, reaching a hand out to touch me. “You shouldn’t be ashamed.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

Joe sat back in his chair and rested his arms across his stomach. “It’s been a very tough year for you. It’s perfectly understandable that you aren’t in a position to cope. As your friend, I don't want to see you go down this path alone, and I want you to know that I'm here for you. As your boss, I have to inform you I have placed you on leave, effective immediately. Please reach out and use our EAP. They have counsellors that can help you work through it.”

“What?” I shouted. “This is fucking bullshit.” I stood and stared at Marcy. “You twisted cunt.”

“Ash, that is completely uncalled for.” Joe raised his voice.

Marcy looked at him, and then at me. “It’s okay, Joe. I am used to his outbursts. The whole family is.”

“Family? Are you fucking kidding me? You aren’t a part of anything.” I glared at her. “Can’t you see what she is doing, Joe?”

“She warned me you would react like this,” he replied.

“I can’t believe you are stooping this low,” I said. “And you claim that you loved Connie! You are nothing but a bitch with a chip on her shoulder.”

“Ash, you can’t talk to people like this,” Joe snapped. “I think it’s best that you vacate the premises.”

“So, just like that, I don’t have a job?”

“You just need time. You need to heal. You need help.” Joe stood and stared at me. “God knows, you’ve been through a lot. Just take the help.”

“Fuck you all.” I stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind me.

Tunnel vision took over. I saw nothing but red in front of me. Blind rage controlled my every move. I hadn’t comprehended how far Marcy would go to get her way. I had underestimated her.

“Whoa,” Danny said as I slammed my locker, moments later.

“Get the fuck back from me, man.” I gritted my teeth.

“I tried calling you, but the line was busy,” he said.

“Yeah.” My anger swirled like a pool of sludge. “You could have given me the heads-up before I went in there.”

“Joe told me to keep my mouth shut.”

I grabbed my bag and took the keys to my truck out. “And when have you ever listened to anyone?”

“He’s my boss, man.”

“Yeah, well, as of now, I’m off duty until deemed fit.”

He shook his head. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, didn’t you know?”

“What?”

“I’m a fucking head case who can’t cope.”

I walked away, ignoring my colleague’s eyes and left the building before I did or said something I’d regret.

Marcy was going to pay, one way or another. There was only one way to put a bitch like her down, and it was going to get ugly.