Page 17 of Pretty Puppy

Ash chewed on his thumbnail. It might be time to abort. But how?

The thought of coming clean to Lee was anxiety inducing enough to wipe out a couple more years of living.

What have I done? Ash covered his face with both hands. And how was he going to get out of it?

Chapter Eight

“This is ridiculous, Ash. It’s gone far enough. You have to confess all.”

Ash sat at the edge of the bed, clutching his stomach. “Ican’t, Owen. I’ll die of shame.”

“I told you before you left this was all a huge mistake. When will you ever listen?”

Ash rolled his eyes. “Idon’tlisten, which is why I need aDaddy.”

Owen tsked. “After such monumentally bad behavior, I doubt that Daddy’s going to be Lee.”

Ash’s gut clenched. “Don’t say that. There’s still hope.” His lip was back to trembling. “You’re my best friend.Pleasetell me there’s hope.”

After his run in with Lee earlier, the day hadn’t gotten any better. He was also sure he’d caught Shane lurking in the doorway a few times, watching. He was also very sure that Shane was reporting whatever he’d seen back to Lee.

“Exactly. I’m your best friend, which means I’m not going to blow sunshine up your skirt. You fucked up—” Owen growled. “Sorry, Daddy! I know, I know. What?” Owen sighed. “If I say it’s Ash, will you be even more upset?”

Ash gasped. “Oh no! Does Rick know?”

“Hold on,” Owen whispered. “Okay, Daddy. Five more minutes, I promise.” Owen let out a groan. “You are going to be the death of me, dude. And yes, he knows. I refuse to lie, exaggerate, embellish or obfuscate the truth when it comes to my Daddy.”

Ash was feeling more and more rotten about himself all the time. Maybe heshouldput his big pooch pants on and confess after all.

“You’re right.” If nothing else, he could let his friend know how sorry he was. “I’m sorry I dragged you into all this. It all made much more sense in my mind. But now that I’m here, now that I’ve seen Lee, I wish I could go back in time and do everything differently.” He grunted. “Starting with not leaving in the first place.”

“Apology accepted, and this is progress. You can’t change what you’ve done, but you can change what you’re going todo. Grow a pair and tell him the whole story. That’s the only reasonable course of action you have left.”

Ash rubbed his forehead, a massive headache threatening. “Okay, I’ll take tonight to give everything some serious thought.”

“Please do. I don’t see any other way out.” Owen sighed. “I love you, goofball. But I gotta run. I need to find out what my potty mouth punishment is then try and salvage the rest of my night with Daddy.”

Ash winced. He was like the reverse Midas touch with everyone lately. “Sorry. Blame me for everything.”

Owen snorted. “Oh, trust me. I do.”

Ash supposed he deserved that. “Thanks, hon. I appreciate you putting up with my sorry ass.”

The said their goodbyes and Ash was left alone with his depressing thoughts. Fortunately, his roommate wasn’t back from his session yet. Perhaps he’d be gone all evening, which would leave Ash plenty of time to consider all angles of his predicament.

He nodded, more determined than ever to face his demons. But first, a Snickers bar and soda to help fortify him for the coming ordeal.

Right as he rose from the bed, a knock sounded at the door.

“Ash, are you in there?”

He froze.Shane. “Yes?”

“You didn’t pick up on your cell and Mr. Petrovsky would like to see you in his office right away.”

That was it. He was dead.

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