“I don’t really know,” I softly spoke as I picked at my fingernails. “I was in a bad relationship for six years and now I just ended one with a man who I truly loved because of something he did.”

We sat and talked for an hour and, before I knew it, my time was up. “I think it would be best if you saw me at least three times a week to start. You have some really deep issues that we need to try and fix.”

“Thank you, Dr. Roberts. That won’t be a problem, since I don’t have a job.”

“Meanwhile, I want you to start taking the baby steps necessary to build your life back up. I have an opening the day after tomorrow at nine o’clock.”

“Sounds good. Thank you, Dr. Roberts.”

When I arrived back to the apartment, Giana and Donovan were home from work and cooking dinner together in the kitchen.

“How did your appointment go?” G asked.

“It went well. I got a job.” I smiled.

“You did? Where?”

“At the coffee shop down the street. It’s only part-time because one of the girls is on maternity leave. But it’s a start.”

“Congratulations,” Donovan said.

“Can I ask you guys for a favor?”

“Sure, Gabs. Anything.”

“Can you follow me to Young International so I can drop off the car? Since I no longer work there, I can’t keep it.”

“Of course we can. We’ll go right after dinner.”

“There’s something we should tell you,” Donovan spoke. “Giana and I were having lunch down by the waterfront today and we saw Simon. He looked pretty bad.”

“Did you talk to him?”

“Yes. But it was just small talk. He asked how you were and he told us that he missed you.”

“He sent me a text message today, telling me again that he was sorry and that he loves me. I can’t...I just can’t.” I left the kitchen and walked to my room.

****

Six a.m. and I put on my running clothes and headed to the waterfront. It was lightly raining, so I pulled my hood up on my hoody as I ran along the path. I had to be at the coffee shop at ten for training, so I didn’t want to run too long. My mind was racing with things I didn’t want to think about, and since I had left my iPod at home, I couldn’t concentrate on anything else. I looked down to see that my damn shoe was untied. I either had to get new laces or buy new shoes. I stopped by a bench and bent down as I propped my foot on it so I could tie it. I froze when I heard his voice.

“Gabrielle.”