Free Light My Fire by Abby Reynolds Page A

move forward without him.”
    “Are you sure?”
    I nodded. “I’ll be fine.”
    “You’re a very intelligent woman. If anyone is trying to take advantage of you, you’ll know. And hopefully you’ll realize I’m looking out for your well-being, not my wallet.” His voice came out bitter.
    “Dean, it’s nothing personal…”
    He put his plate in the sink and didn’t look at me. “Practice tonight. You’ll perform a few songs tomorrow. Make sure you’re good on the piano and the guitar. And I have an outfit for you. Please wear it.” He walked passed me, still not looking at me. “I’ll be in my office. Don’t bother me.”
    I heard the door slam on the other side of the house.
    Shit.
    ♫
    Hours passed and Dean never appeared. I know he told me not to bother him, but I couldn’t help it. The guilt weighed inside me, making me feel worse and worse.
    During my reflection, I started to realize what my unsuccessful relationships had done to me. Now I was untrusting in all aspects. Any time it seemed like someone had a selfless motive, I questioned it. I always wondered if I was being lied to. And this bitterness didn’t look good on me. Dean had been nothing but supportive since the moment he met. There were no red flags. I was the one making them. And I realized I was wrong.
    I approached his door then knocked quietly. A part of me hoped he didn’t hear me.
    “It’s open.”
    I took a deep breath and stepped inside. The walls were painted black and his furniture was white, the exact opposite as the rest of the house. When I looked at the bookshelf to the right, I saw a picture frame of Dean, but he wasn’t alone. He stood in his tux with a woman beside him, wearing a wedding dress. And she was gorgeous. It was obviously his wedding day. The happiness from both of them was undeniable. And it made me sad.
    Dean watched me. “Can I help you with something?”
    I was pulled away from my observation. “Sorry…”
    He leaned back in his chair and waited for me to speak.
    “Your wife was beautiful.”
    “I know.” He was clearly not in the mood to talk.
    “I wanted to apologize for earlier…you’ve been nothing but nice to me. And…I’m sorry for my behavior.”
    “Well, I appreciate that, but it doesn’t mean anything.”
    Ouch. “I’ve had a tough road. My father left me when I was born, and I’ve never had a man in my life who loved me. They always wanted something from me. You’re the first guy who hasn’t fit into that category—besides my brother. I let the past get to me. And I’m sorry for that. Now I see the error of my ways. I do trust you, Dean. And I would love it if you’d be my agent and manager.”
    He moved his chair from side to side slightly. And h is fingers rested on his chin. I couldn’t read his façade at all. He could still be pissed. “Really?”
    “Yes, really.”
    He smiled. And I knew everything would be okay. “I look forward to working with you.” He extended his hand to shake mine.
    I took it. “Thanks for being patient with me.”
    “When we met, I knew you were a little messed up. I’ve never been rejected like that in a bar.” His eyes had a twinkle to them.
    “Sorry…”
    “Forget about it. I think we’ll be good from now on.”
    I sat on his desk then look around the room. “Why am I not allowed to come in here?”
    He shrugged. “It’s my space, you know?”
    “Why isn’t your bedroom?”
    “I don’t like being in my bedroom—alone.”
    My eyes softened. I suspected why.
    “She’s still there. I haven’t changed the bedding, the sheets, her clothes are still in the closet. It comforts me but makes me depressed at the same time.”
    I could understand that.
    “But here, it’s not so painful.”
    I wondered where he took his dates.
    He read my mind. “I always take my lady friends in the spare bedroom. I couldn’t take them in my bedroom…too disrespectful.”
    “I understand.”
    “It’s nice having someone to talk to.” He