Fifteen Weekends by Christy Pastore

but we are just friends.”
      “So has there been anyone since Nick for you Ashleigh?”
      “A few guys, but nothing serious.” 
      “You know Nick would want you to be happy, Ashleigh,” Jake said as he put his hand on top of hers. “I miss him too. There ‘s not a day that goes by that I do not think about my friend.” 
      Ashleigh peered out the window and felt her throat tighten. She could feel the tears coming on, but she pushed them back as hard as she could. She quickly changed the subject.
      “Well, what are you doing here at the Mandarin, Jake?
      Jake removed his hand from hers and sat back in the chair, “We just wrapped up our corporate planning meeting— budget analysis, financial outlook and things of that nature.”
      She only half heard what he actually said, replying, “That’s wonderful to hear Jake,” she smiled affectionately at him.
      Jake took the final sip of his drink. “Ashleigh, it was great seeing you.” He pushed to his feet. Ashleigh stood to join him and he kissed her cheek. “If you ever need anything at all, do not hesitate to call me,” Jake offered while handing her his card.
      “Thank you Jake. You’re very kind,” she replied softly. “It was lovely to see you. Please take care.”
      Jake walked away and when he was out of her view, the tears began to well up in her eyes. Feeling waves of heat wash over her skin, she began to chew her lip. The tears streamed down Ashleigh’s face, and she quickly turned to the window so no one in the bar could visibly see her crying. She desperately tried to choke back the tears. Looking at her phone she saw it was nearly eight, but she had no message from Liam. She wondered what was keeping him. The crowd seemed to have filtered out, and there Liam stood at the bar in a well-tailored ink-blue Dior Homme suit with contrasting red polka-dot tie. She picked up her napkin and dabbed under eyes, but it was too late. Liam had walked over and saw her mascara had been ruined.
      “Ashleigh what is the matter? Why are you crying, my dear?”  Placing his drink on the table he moved the empty chair closer to Ashleigh.
      “I just saw an old friend and he reminded me of someone special I knew a very long time ago.”
      “I see. Do you want to talk about it?”
      “Actually Liam, I think I need to talk about it. I want to tell you, but it’s a tale of woe and it’s really personal. Not the most inviting dinner conversation.”
      Liam placed his hand on hers and smiled. “You can tell me anything. Would you like to put on some comfortable clothes, drink lots of wine and order room service?”
      Ashleigh wiped her nose and gently brushed the tears from her cheeks. “That sounds like a very good idea.”
      “Come with me and I’ll escort you to your room so you can change.”
      Liam picked up his phone cancelling the reservation he made for the two of them, apologizing and rescheduling for Saturday evening for the same time. Walking to the bank of elevators Liam put his arm around her trim waist, whispering comfortingly, “Everything will be alright Ashleigh. This is what friends are for, to help pick you up when you’re feeling down.”
      He noticed her lips and cheeks were bright red, as if she was trying not to break down in front of him.
      “ Breathe , Ashleigh,” he whispered clutching her hand.
      All of the air that she hand been holding in quickly expelled from her lungs. They stepped into the empty elevator car, and Ashleigh nuzzled herself into his towering frame.  He gently put his arm around her shoulders pulling her in close and tight.

Chapter Sixteen:
    Amanda

     
      Amanda woke up dazed. Sweat was running down the back of her neck and chest. There was an empty vodka bottle on the nightstand. Sunlight filled the room. Why the hell are the goddamn blinds open?   She never slept with the blinds open. Amanda looked at the clock. It was nearly one in the afternoon. Her eyes widened,