Whiskey Lullaby

Chapter 3-Izzy

Chapter 3

Izzy

I feel lightheaded as I try to walk away when the room starts spinning but I don’t hit the ground. I feel someone carrying me. I hear someone speak but I can’t hear what they say. I feel myself being laid on something soft. It takes a minute to realize I’m on a couch. I move to sit up to get my bearings and there’s a man sitting on the coffee table in front of me. “What’s your name sweetheart?” he asks. The door opens and the bartender walks in with a cup of coffee. He hands it to me and says, “Drink up.” I do what he says and take a drink, and he asks again “What’s your name?” I don’t look up from my coffee cup and softly say “Izzy.”

He smiles softly before tipping my cup up for me to take another drink. “I’m Ashton.” He says. “Nice to meet you.” I say softly. “Do you have someone that can pick you up?” he asks, and I don’t answer for a second. “I can get home.” I tell him. “You’re not in any condition to drive.” He says but there’s no judgement in his voice. “I’ll be okay.” I tell him and he tilts my chin up and sees it. “Give me your keys. I’ll drive your car home and get one of my guys to follow to pick me up.” He tells me. I shake my head and say, “You don’t have to do that.” He smiles softly and says “I know. But I am.” I hand him my keys. At this point I don’t care what happens to me.

After one more cup of coffee, I’ve sobered up some and he helps me to stand. Putting his hand on the small of my back, he walks out, and Josie says “I called Nick. He’s outside.” Ashton nods and leads me outside. “Where’s your car?” he asks and I point to where I parked and he looks at, who I’m assuming is Nick, and says “I’m driving her car home. Follow me.” Nick nods before getting into the driver seat and waiting to pull out of the lot behind us.

He unlocks my car before opening the passenger side and helping me in. He leans in and buckles my seat belt before closing the door and walking around to the driver side. After adjusting the seat and mirrors, he pulls out onto the street and asks, “Where are we going?” I start telling him how to get to my house and as soon as we pull into the driveway, I unbuckle the seat belt and he’s at my door, opening it. Helping me out, he walks me to my door and unlocks the door for me before handing me my keys. “Drink another cup of coffee and get some rest. Aspirin and full glass of water as soon as you wake up.” He tells me. “Thank you Ashton.” I say and he says “You’re welcome. Lock the door sweetheart.” Before ushering me inside and closing the door. He waits until I click the lock before he heads to his car and leaves.

I make another cup of coffee and head towards my bedroom. I stop outside Jason’s room and put my hand against the door before taking a deep breath and heading to my bedroom. Sitting on the side of the bed, I finish the cup of coffee before moving to shower. I get the aspirin and water to put beside my bed like Ashton said and drift off to sleep.

I spend the rest of the weekend lying in bed. I don’t go to Jason’s room. I don’t turn on the television. I just lay there. Monday morning rolls around and I go into work at Montgomery Corp and walk to my boss’ office. “Mary, can I talk to you?” I ask. “Of course, Izzy. What can I do for you?” she asks. “I was wondering if I could get some extra hours.” I say. “Is everything okay?” she asks. “Um…just need to stay busy. Can’t handle too much down time right now.” I tell her and she understands. She’s been great working with my with the court hearing and losing Jason. “Sure. You’re working 9-5 right now. You can come in as early as 7am and leave as late as 7pm. But that’s it.” she tells me. “Thanks Mary.” I tell her and say, “I will start the new schedule today if that’s okay.” I tell her. “That’s fine. Let me know if you need anything, Izzy. I mean it.” she tells me and I nod my thanks before heading to my desk.

I work until 7pm before clocking out and heading down the elevator and out to my car. I walk in the door at home and head to the shower. I head to the kitchen and make a sandwich. I don’t feel like eating much but I know I have to eat. I turn on a movie before heading to bed for the night.

I get up for work and head in. I walk in the front doors at 6:45 and head to the elevator. I make it to my desk and start working. I take my lunch but just eat some crackers and juice before getting back to work. I finish most of the things I need to get done before I look and see it’s inching on 7pm. I close out and clock out before gathering my things and heading towards the elevator. I push the button and when the doors open, I step inside and as the doors start to close I hear “Hold the doors.” And hit the hold door button. The person runs into the elevator and says “Thanks.” Before looking at me and I see someone I never thought I would see again. “Ashton?” I ask shocked and see him smirking.