Next Door (StudxStud) sfs s4s

Chapter 2: Chance Encounters

(Ash's perspective)

~2 weeks later~

*Ring...Ring...Ring.*
Ugh. I can never get a chance to wake up on my own accord. "Hello?" I say trying to wake up. "Hey boss, it's Johnny. One of the ships just reported it's going to be late due to a storm in the pacific. What do you want me to do?" Things like this sometimes happen. Weather can be unpredictable. "Just call the product company and tell them the updated delivery date. Then, call the dock and update the arrival time. Let them know we'll compensate for any overtime." I hate business calls when i'm suppose to be on vacation. "Alright thanks boss, sorry for the calls. I'll try to manage everything from here. Enjoy your vacation." Johnny is honestly the best COO a boss could ask for. "No worries Johnny. You're doing great. Don't sweat the small stuff. Tell the husband I said hello. Email me if you need anything." *Finishes & ends call.* Well, I might as well get up now.

These past few weeks have really been great for my mind. After my dad's funeral I just really needed to get away. I'm just glad I had a few years with him to help me while in this CEO position. He always uplifted me and let me know he was proud he could hand the company over to his own. At least he got some retirement relaxation before passing. I hope I live life to his great age. Have a wife and a family. For right now the only thing on my mental is getting back to the basics. Just trying to get through the day without crying. I've been so emotional lately. The drinking wasn't helping either. So glad I dumped those bottles. I swear i'm never drinking again. Well, at least not while grieving. This little apartment is everything I need to get out of the house in Florida. I should rent out more spaces like this. Nice & cozy. Maybe one in every major city. *Ponders in wealthy delusion. Out of touch much.* Well for now, I'll just enjoy what ATL can offer. I need to get some more groceries. I wish my house assistant Irlene could be here right now. That's okay, my time off is her time off.

~Goes to Grocery Store~

I finally found the cereal I like. I didn't know how hard it was to grocery shop myself. Everything I eat is organic and healthy, I must of gave Irlene a headache surfing these isles for my needs. *Walks towards nut milks.* Where's that oat milk I like ? I should get someone to help me. Oh good, there's somebody right down there. "Excuse me, do you know where the oat milk is ? This is the milk aisle but all I see is almond." *Person turns around.* Oh...Fuck! "Yeah it's...what the hell ? What are you doing here? Did you follow me bro?" Shit. I thought I could avoid her like the plague but this is just karma for my ass huh. I get it universe, I fucked up. Just throw me in prison why don't ya. "No of course not. I didn't realize it was you. I'll leave right now, I'm so sorry." I quickly turn away and run to check out and leave. How embarrassing. Talking to the one person you need to stay away from to avoid jail time. What's wrong with you Ash.

~ Rushes Home. 4:00pm ~

Let me get my ass inside. I really hoped I could avoid her for my last month here. I guess that was wishful thinking. ATL is quite small and you're her neighbor for christ sakes. I should probably start going to places at least an hour out to skip past this whole area. Time for a nap. I got to shake this feeling off. *Cue flashback.* Her skin was so soft. Those wrists fit perfectly in my hands. She smelled so good. She tasted even better. Her neck was like sweet nectar in my mouth. Fuck Ash, what are you doing ? You want to be a jailbird so bad. I just hope the money was enough. I should probably write another check for today. It's bad enough the whole event was fragmented in my mind from how drunk I was. All I could remember was little moments until I checked the cameras outside my door for what happened. Blacked out Ash is a pervert. She was so pretty too. Now i'm officially the building creep. That night was a mess. *Falls asleep."

*Cue flashback.*

"That's your last drink bruh. You've got to go, We're closed." The bartender scorned. "Man fuck you & this establishment. I'll shut this whole place down. My father's dead and you're trying to talk to me about some stupid drinks. Shit was nasty anyways. Watered down ass shots." I huffed. "Look i'm sorry for your loss but this really isn't the place for how you feel right now, you need to go home. Let's call you an uber." he said worryingly. "Make it a black." I stuttered. I couldn't help the tears falling down my face while I waited on the curb for my car. The whole drive home all I could think about is the precious memories with my pop. The basketball practices, the football games, the golf tournaments. He taught me everything I know. Now he's not here anymore.