Anderson

It felt like an explosion went off in my brain. The good type, that feeling you get when you finally did something right, accomplished something huge. It was the beginning of more possibilities and a path to redemption. My father had to see that I'm more than ready to take the reigns. I knew what was ahead would be a great challenge, but I was taking the right steps to prove my worth.

I just closed the deal with a huge textiles company. Our company will manage their accounts and investments. I was glad they went with us instead of MIG, one of our biggest competitors. Even my future father-in-law works for them. They were good and they had Hunter McLoughlin.

She's like the accounting goddess and honestly, I have a little crush on her. She's the most intelligent, innovative, and sexiest CFO I've ever seen. She kind of reminded me of my Paisley. Of course, she has nothing on my baby. It was rare that Mrs. McLoughlin didn't get what she wanted when it came to business. So, I had to celebrate tonight.

After leaving my office, I called my best friends, Noah and Brandon. I knew they would be down to get some drinks and hit a few clubs. I wished Paisley would come and party with me sometimes. She hates clubs and now she's a homebody. She's always in her books or working on a project. Lately, she's been working a lot. I don't know why when I do everything in my power to make sure she lives like a queen. She doesn't even have to work, but she insisted on taking these low-paying jobs.

As I was sitting in my car in the parking garage, I had so much on my mind. I thought about calling Paisley to tell her the good news, but I rather tell her in person. We can celebrate together and spend some time together. So, I decided to call Brandon because I knew he would get the word out faster than I could. After a few rings, Brandon answered.

"Did you close the deal, man?" he asked with a casual tone.

"You know it! Meet me at Redbury. Tell Noah, Kody, and Jayden to come too. Everything is on me tonight," I beamed.

"Sure, man. See you there in about an hour or two. You know how L.A. traffic is." He chuckled.

I hung up and headed to Hollywood. Brandon wasn't lying, the 110 freeway was bumper to bumper. I turned up the music to ease the frustrations of sitting in traffic. I wanted to call Paisley, but I knew the call wouldn't go through. She's been working in the basement at LACMA on a project and it's pretty much a dead zone in there.

I hoped she would call me. It seems that lately, we don't talk much. It's all my fault. I'm gone all night. When I get home she's usually sleeping or getting ready for work. I'm usually too drunk or on a rare occasion too high to even communicate properly. She hates when I'm drunk or high, so she ignores me. I hate when gets like that and I know I need to do better.

Tonight, I'm just going to get a few drinks and hang out with the boys for a little while. Then I'm going home early, so I can make love to my beautiful girlfriend. It's been too long. I need her to be close to me. I just need to smell and touch her. Hear her say my name when I'm inside her. I love her so much. I'm determined to get home at a decent hour.

After an hour, I finally made it to the Redbury, one of the hottest new clubs in Hollywood. It's the hardest club to get into but not a problem for me. I pulled up to the valet and dropped off my new Aston Martin Vanquish. I walked straight to the front of the line and the bouncers let me right through. It was packed tonight and it's barely nine. One of the waitresses guided me to my favorite VIP section before I could take it all in.

"What will you have tonight, Mr. Clarke?" the waitress flirted.

"The usual."

She smiled and nodded her head. She turned on her heels and went back toward the bar. The usual was 10 bottles of top-shelf spirits, tequila, vodka, and whiskey. My friends all had different tastes in alcohol and I wanted to make sure everyone was happy. Brandon and Kody arrived first. We all hugged and greeted each other.

Brandon is the typical blonde-haired blue-eyed American guy that all the girls drooled over. Brandon is cocky and the most arrogant person I ever met, but we've been friends since we were five. Despite his flaws, the man is loyal. Kody, on the other hand, is down to earth. He's easy to talk to, but he has this quietness to him. The ladies love his smooth dark brown skin and silky curls.

"Congrats, Andy," Kody said with a wide smile.

"Thanks, man. I still can't believe I closed the deal."

"You are good at what you do. So, is that cute girlfriend of yours coming tonight?"

"I really wish you would stop complimenting and gawking at my girlfriend so much. That's why I keep her away from you." I laughed. "Seriously, she had to work late on a project. You know the club isn't her thing. Actually, I'm not staying late tonight. I'm going home to her."

Kody laughed and so did Brandon. I don't what they thought was so funny. I'm leaving early. I have to spend time with my girl.

"You know damn well you are not leaving early. You say this every single time. I'm surprised she's put up with you for this long. You have a good woman and you neglect her. If she was mine I'd never leave at home alone. I'd be blowing her back out right about now," Kody said.

"I do not neglect her. We just have different hobbies. She understands me. I'm starting to think you have a thing for my girlfriend," I joked.

"Kody, give the man a break. Paisley isn't that great. She turned down Andy twice when he asked her to marry him. If it's so bad she'd leave him. But she won't because she's only there for the money. Andy is wasting his youth. You need to be single and getting laid. When was the last time she even gave you some? I bet your balls are black and blue by now," Brandon mocked.

"F*ck you, Brandon," I spat.

I was pissed. He had the nerve to talk about my Paisley Rose like that. She's perfect and I don't deserve her, but she's mine. I'm never letting her go. They were pissing me off. I needed a drink, a strong one. I was glad the waitresses had already bought our bottles and mixers. I didn't even bother getting a glass. I picked up a bottle of whiskey and drank straight from the bottle.

"Slow down, man," Noah said jovially.

I was so mad that I didn't even notice Noah and Jayden were there. Noah is biracial, Black, and White, with hazel eyes like my Paisley. Jayden is multiracial, Japanese, Black, White, and Mexican. Jayden's is really into the Hollywood lifestyle. He's related to a bunch of celebs and athletes. His cousins Blake is an NBA star, Bryce is a starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, and Blaire is a CEO of an entertainment company and is married to one of the most successful rappers, Profit. Jay's really cool, but he's a man-whore.

Then I noticed Brandon wasn't there anymore. He probably was on the dance floor. Kody was chatting up with some girl from the next VIP section.

"Hey, man. How are you?" I asked Noah.

"I'm good. You seem upset. What did Brandon do this time?"

"Being an ass as usual. He was bad-mouthing Paisley," I confessed.

"What? She's practically perfect and she puts up with you. That's enough to get her into sainthood. Does she even know how to yell? Like she's the calmest and nicest person I've ever meet. Anyway, Brandon is stupid. Don't let him get to you. I think he's jealous of what you have."

"Thanks, man. Well, drink up because I'm leaving early tonight."

He nodded his head and then sat down to pour himself a drink. I texted Paisley to let her know I love her and I'll be coming home soon. I could not wait for her response. I know she will be happy that we can spend some time together. After 5 minutes, I got nothing. I decided to put my whiskey in a glass instead of drinking straight from the bottle and threw it back.

I was still waiting for her response but decided to enjoy myself a little bit. I made sure my phone was on vibrate and put it in my back pocket so, I could feel it when she texted me back. Brandon came back to our section.

"I'm sorry, man. I didn't mean it. Paisley is a good girl. Anyway, I scored some blow. Let's just have a good night," he said, placing the small bag in my hand.

I held on to it, but I wasn't going to get high tonight. Besides, I promised Paisley I would stop. So far, it's been 6 months that I stayed clean. Sometimes it didn't seem that she cared if I used it or not. I checked my phone again and still got nothing. I was getting pissed at her. I was making an effort and she was ignoring me. Sometimes she acts like she hates me for no reason and it was pissing me off.

F*ck it! I'm going to get drunk and get high tonight.

I made two lines on the glass mirror on the table and snorted it. The euphoria and lightness took over my body. It was the best feeling in the world. With the vibrating beat of the music and strobing lights, I felt alive. I didn't need anything or anyone to pull me out this high. So, I texted Paisley and told her not to wait up for me. She can be immature and ignore me all she wants, but I was going to enjoy my Friday night.

I headed to the dance floor to find some chick to grind on. I found this shapely chick with a naturally big booty just how I like them. She reminded me of Paisley. Her body was like hers and with her mocha brown skin, hazel eyes, and naturally curly hair; she was a good substitute.

I grabbed her and danced with her. She had good moves, but I wished she was Paisley. After a few songs, we headed to the bar. I got a real good look at her. She was pretty but not like Paisley. I bought her a drink.

"Has anyone told you that you look like Liam Hemsworth? But you're definitely hotter than him," she inquired.

"I get that a lot. I don't see it through." I shrugged.

"You got a wife or girlfriend?" she asked as she took a sip of her drink.

"Yes, a girlfriend. I want to make her my wife."

"Oh, cool. She's lucky." She smiled.

"Yeah... You know what? Let's go to VIP so we can talk some more."

She smiled again and I grabbed her hand guiding her to my VIP section. We sat next to each other on one of the white leather couches. I made myself another drink and offered her one. She gladly accepted. I looked around wondering where did everyone go. I noticed Kody giving me a judgmental glare.

"So, does your girlfriend know you buy random girls drinks? And what's your name? I'm Ashton by the way. You a rich boy huh?" She bombarded me with questions.

"I'm Anderson. Nice to meet you, Ashton. Yes, I'm doing okay financially. My girlfriend trusts me. I'm just a nice guy."

I was wondering why she was so interested in my girlfriend.

"Do you cheat on her?" Ashton asked.

"No, and I never will," I said, shaking my head.

"Too bad. Thanks for the drinks. I need to find my girls. Nice meeting you, Anderson. Find me when you're willing to cheat or if you become single," she said, standing up.

This is what I get for entertaining her. And she's exactly why I didn't fool with these club hoes. They are nothing but trouble. I didn't even acknowledge her. I watched her leave without saying a word. I poured myself another drink. My night was not going like I planned. I needed something stronger. I remember the coke in my pocket and took another hit. As I inhaled, it felt so good. I missed that feeling.

"I thought you were done with that stuff," Kody said.

I looked up at him and frowned. Kody was too interested in what I did with my life. It was pissing me off.

"It's just tonight. It's not like I use it every day," I defended.

"Paisley is going to kill you when she finds out."

"Say her name again and I'll slit your throat! She's not going to know if you shut the hell up! I know what I'm doing," I hissed.

"Fine. I'm out of here. You don't deserve her."

He walked off, but he needed to shut the hell up. Always in my business. I bet he's plotting to take her away from me. He's nothing but a snake! I grabbed the bottle and took it straight up. I was taking down drink after drink. The rest of the night was a blur.

I just remember being in my kitchen and starving. I tried to make a sandwich as quietly as I could. I didn't want to wake Paisley. Somehow, I managed to knock everything off the kitchen counter. I remembered her walking in pissed.

The next thing I know, I'm locked out of my own room and sleeping on the couch again. When I got up later from a much-needed nap, I hung out by the door, waiting for her to come out. I think I was banging on the door, but I'm not sure. She finally came out looking cute in all black. I asked her where she was going. When she said she was going to her mom's place, I thought she was leaving me.

I had to do something. I just held her hoping she'd never leave. She finally told me that she was just going to help her mom. I felt relieved. I felt a disconnection on her part. It's like being with a remnant of her. She just seemed so sad and like she didn't care if I was there or not. I knew I had to get my sh!t together sooner than later or I'm going to lose her.

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