“Yes. Nobody’s perfect and we all make mistakes. You did save me, Simon. You saved me from living in a non-existent relationship and living a life of misery. My mistake was that I jumped into things with you way too fast after Brendon. I didn’t get a chance to be on my own and explore my own life as an adult. I grew up way too fast. I depended on the first boy that looked my way to take care of me, but I ended up taking care of him. I want to be your friend, Simon, and that’s all I can be. It’s going to take a long time for me to be able to trust anyone again.”

He sat there, his beautiful sad blue eyes staring directly at me, soaking up every word I said.

“I understand, Gabrielle, and I’ll take your friendship because having you in my life as a friend is better than not having you at all.”

I reached across the table and placed my hand on his. “Thank you, Simon.”

We ordered some food and talked a bit about Young International and the coffee shop. As soon as we were finished, we walked outside the diner.

“Did you walk?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

“Would it be okay if I walked you home just so I know you arrived safely?”

“I think it would be okay if you drove me home.” I smiled.

“My car is this way.” He motioned with his hand and a smile.

As he pulled up to the curb, and before I got out, I turned and looked at him.

“Thank you for the ride, friend. And, for the record, you’re not a monster.”

“You’re welcome, friend. And thank you. I appreciate that.”

****

A month had passed and I would occasionally see Simon down by the waterfront when I went running. We would see each other from a distance and wave like any friend would do. He sometimes stopped by the coffee house to pick up a chai tea and we would send an occasional text message here and there. The trial was finally over and Sylvia was found guilty of attempted murder in the first degree. Needless to say, she would be spending the rest of her life in prison. Donovan proposed to Giana and she said yes. It was going to be time for me to find a new place to live. I still saw Dr. Roberts, but only one day a week.

It was a Wednesday, and Simon had stopped by the coffee house.

“Hi, Gabrielle.”

“Hi. I’m glad you stopped in. I’m just going on break. Do you have a few minutes?”

“Of course.”

“Great. Go sit down and I’ll bring us two chai teas.”

I made the drinks and took them over to the table. He politely thanked me as I sat down.