I took the note and went up to my apartment. I threw my purse down and called for G. No one was home. I grabbed my phone and sent a text message to Simon.

“I’m not keeping the car.”

“Then sell it. I told you it’s yours.”

Just as I was about to slam down my phone, the door opened, and G and Donovan walked in.

“What’s wrong? You have that look. And by the way, how did your old car get back here?”

“Simon left this note on it,” I said as I practically threw it at her.

“Oh. Well then, it’s yours. Accept it and move on. Now you won’t have to go and buy one.”

“That’s not the point.” I scowled.

“He’s trying to make up, Gabby,” Donovan spoke.

“He can try all he wants. Me, him, and us, will never happen again.”

****

It was eight thirty the next morning and I needed to get to Dr. Roberts’ office. I was running late because I overslept. I grabbed the keys to the car and drove to my appointment. If I decided to keep the car, then Simon would think I was softening up towards him and that wasn’t the case. I would just be borrowing it until I found another.

“Good morning, Gabrielle.” Dr. Roberts smiled as he called me into his office. “How are you doing?”

“I’m okay,” I said as I took a seat in the same comfy chair as last time. “I got a job.”

“Fantastic. Step one in making a change for the better. That was quick.”

I smiled. “It’s only at a coffee shop by my apartment. It isn’t my dream job, but it’ll do for now.”

“Have you heard from Simon?”

I looked down. “Yes. I saw him when I was running. He tried to talk to me. He’d sent me text messages apologizing again and telling me that he loves me. He also gave me back the car I returned.”

“Why do you suppose he did that?”

“To try and weaken me so he can walk back into my life as if nothing happened.”

Dr. Roberts crossed his legs and narrowed his eyes at me. “I’m familiar with Simon Young, by what I’ve read about him in the newspapers. He’s never with the same woman for more than a week. His telling you that he loves you isn’t a game to him. I believe he does, but that’s not the point here. The point is that you don’t because he’s hurt you so deeply.”

“I was nothing but a business deal to him and Brendon.”