Page 27 of Broken Boundaries

“It could be your home. You’ve got a job. You’ve made friends.”

“But now I have no place to live. I don’t know if you know this, but it’s slim pickings around here.”

Before I can think better of it, I say, “You can stay in my cabin. The one next door. Until you find something better. I just need to give it a good clean.”

“I can’t ask that of you, Brooks. You’ve already done so much for me.”

“You’re not asking. I’m offering. It’s selfish of me, really. I don’t want to have to train another assistant. I need you here.” It’s selfish, alright. It’d probably be better for her to go if she wants to move on with her life, but I want her here. I like Aspen. In a strictly platonic, work kind of way…

She chuckles. “Thank you. I’ll think about it. I’ve got a lot of thinking to do tonight.”

“Please consider it. Seriously. It’s the least I can do.”

“I will, thank you.” She drains the rest of her wine glass. “Well, I’m going to go cry myself to sleep. Thanks again for getting me out of there.”

“You’re welcome. Do you need anything for bed? There should be a spare toothbrush or two under the sink in the bathroom.” I hate the thought of her crying herself to sleep, but I know this is probably what she needs to do right now.

“Um, do you maybe have a shirt I could borrow?”

“Yeah, of course.”

I follow her into the house. She stops in front of the room she’s sleeping in while I continue to my bedroom to grab one of my shirts. It’s probably inappropriate to let my son’s girlfriend wear my shirt to bed, but I don’t really have anything else. This option is better than having her sleep naked in my house. I quickly shake that thought from my head.

I hand her the T-shirt and tell her good night. She gives me a sad smile before she closes the bedroom door.

How could Zach do something so stupid? He had a great girl. Someone it sounds like he was planning a future with, and then he goes and throws it all away.

As if he can feel me thinking about him, my phone lights up with a text from him.

Zach: Have you seen Aspen? I can’t find her and she isn’t answering her phone.

Rather than texting him back, I go back outside and hit the call button. For once, he actually answers.

“Hey, Dad. Is Aspen with you?”

“Yeah, she’s with me.” I know she probably doesn’t want him to know, but I know the feeling of not knowing where someone is. They can talk about their future tomorrow, but at least he’ll know she’s safe. I have to believe he still cares about her.

“Ok, where are y’all? I’ll come meet you.” It’s loud behind him, so I imagine he’s still downtown.

“We’re at my house.”

“What? Why?”

“Because Aspen was looking for you and then found you with your mouth glued to Melinda’s.”

He sucks in a breath. “Fuck,” he mumbles.

“What were you thinking, Zach?”

I hear the frustration in his voice when he answers, “I don’t know. It wasn’t… it was a mistake. Melinda has been trying to get in my head ever since I’ve been back.”

“And you’re that weak? The two of you broke up for a reason. And isn’t she with Cory now?” I ask. Not only did he ruin his relationship with Aspen, but he went behind one of his best friend’s backs.

“Yes. I know. It wasn’t my best moment, alright? I need to talk to Aspen. Can I come get her?”

Oh, now he wants to come to my house? As much as I’d love to have my son here, I know Aspen needs her space right now. They could both use a night to think about what it is they want.

“Not tonight. She needs some space. I’ll bring her back to your place in the morning.”