Tough Love

Chapter Eighty-Seven

Chapter Eighty-Seven

Dani

I tense up when the kitchen door swings open, not knowing who to expect. I let out a breath when I see the familiar color of Ash's hand on the door before he steps into the room. When I see the rest of him, I let out another breath, thankful that no one else is with him. I instinctively look for Eli and my heart picks up a little when I don't see him. Ash must realize what I'm doing because he speaks, breaking me from my daze.

“He's in the living room. He wasn't sure if you wanted him in here or not. He said to get him if you need him. You want me to go get him?”

I take a deep breath and whisper, “You can do this, Dani. It's just Ash. He's not going to hurt you...”

“I would never hurt you, darlin'. I know you're scared, but I promise you I will never hurt you.”

“I know.”

Those words shock both him and me. I didn't actually mean to admit that. I was more thinking to myself. Deep down, I know he won't intentionally hurt me, but trying to convince my subconscious is a far more difficult task than people know.

“Take deep breaths, Dani. It's ok... Eli said you wanted to talk to me. Everything ok?”

I'm so nervous that I just blurt out, “I'm sorry!”

I see the shock register on his face briefly, before he says, “You've got nothing to be sorry for...”.

I try to calm myself down a little bit, just so I can actually get my message across. Expressing my thoughts is not an easy task for me. Probably because of all the years of being confined and alone.

“I'm sorry for offending you and your mom. I should have been here for dinner. I told you to invite her and then I just disappeared. I'm sorry, sir.”

“Hey, you don't need to apologize, darlin'. It's cool. I know you find it difficult to meet new people. I'm not going to put any extra pressure on you to do that. I know you'll meet people when you're ready.”

I send Ash a small smile and he returns it with his usual dazzling grin.

I whisper, “You're a good man, sir.”

“I'm glad you think so highly of me. Not sure I warrant that, but thank you all the same. You're ok, right?”

I snort at that, “Not sure ok is the correct term here, sir. I've got more issues than the New York Post....”

He looks at me dumbfounded, and then asks, “Did you just make a joke?”

“I think so. Although, I'm not sure how funny it was.”

“You just made a joke! I love sarcasm. It's actually my language, you know?”

I can't stop the chuckle from bubbling out of me and it takes us both by surprise. His expression and excitement just about sarcasm is humorous. I don't know how someone can find such a simple thing exciting, but Ash does. This amuses me and I long to be able to do the same.

“I'm glad you think I'm funny. Eli doesn't always find my jokes funny. He's getting grumpy in his old age...”

“Er, you're the same age, sir?”

“Nope, he's a few months older, actually. It's very important in situations such as this, I'll have you know.”

“Ok.” I bite back another smile. Ash is actually quite amusing.