233 The FD Studio 3 (1/2)

About ten minutes ago…

Ashton is in front of the FD Studio, taking deep breaths to calm down. He does not want Sabrina to see how nervous he is.

He didn't want to come here, but he has to see her or he will go crazy. The whole weekend he was in agony while Sabrina's scent followed him everywhere. He went for a run and every woman reminded him of Sabrina. A few blondes even got his hopes up how they might be Sabrina, only for him to be disappointed.

Ashton has no idea how he survived since that Fourth of July party, but he knows that he can't stay away from Sabrina. He said that he will not ask for anything and he will not bring up their kissing and he will not do any of that. But every time he closes his eyes Ashton remembers how Sabrina clung onto him when their lips connected, and her intoxicating flavor, and how she looked at him during the fireworks, and he needs to see her before he completely loses his mind.

Ashton's attention got drawn toward the man who exited the studio. For some reason, Ashton thought how that might be Jackson. From the back, the size, body frame, and hair look like Jackson's. Ashton exhaled, well, it might be Jackson, he is Sabrina's fiancé after all. But Sabrina said that it's complicated and he can see that she is not happy with Jackson. He still remembers that Sabrina said how no one called her beautiful in a long time, and she looked lonely.

Ashton shook his head and contemplated leaving. Why is he here? She is taken and she said that she can't give him more than that impossibly short kissing episode, but for some reason, Ashton believes that there must be more than that. There must be because his other option is to lose his sanity or maybe start drinking.

He took a deep breath and checked his reflection in the glass window before walking into the studio.

Ashton found himself between a row of lamps on the left and various figurines on the right. In front was a wall filled with paintings and many different chandeliers hung from the ceiling. There were numerous items, but everything was meticulously organized, and he liked it. For some reason, it reminded him of Sabrina.

A female on his left cleared her throat before asking in a sweet tone: ”May I help you?”

Ashton smiled at the petite slender girl with short brown hair. He saw her nametag 'Nicole' and addressed her: ”Yes, Nicole. I am here to see Sabrina.”

Nicole eyed him for a second before asking: ”Do you have an appointment?”

”No. Do I need one?”

Nicole smiled and bobbed her head. ”Not necessarily. Can you wait here, while I check if she is free?”

Ashton saw Nicole skip away and he immediately thought how he likes the energy in this place. Usually, salespeople are stiff with professional smiles, and this girl seemed friendly. He concluded that Sabrina is a good boss.

Ashton walked through the main area of the studio while glancing around and his sight fell on the board next to the cashier which had a flyer 'HELP WANTED'. He read that they need someone part-time who can lift things up to 50 lbs. Probably to move things around.

He took the flyer without thinking much. He has a part-time job at a coffee shop near the University which works great because it helps him pay his bills and at the same time he gets flexible work hours to attend classes and study. But now his classes are over, and he has more free time.

”Sabrina will see you…”, Nicole's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

Ashton nodded in acknowledgment and followed Nicole.

He was imagining himself coming to work and seeing Sabrina every day. Sounds heavenly.

”She is expecting you.”, Nicole gestured toward the half-open door.

Ashton took a deep breath and told himself to be cool. They spoke about his storage situation and Sabrina said that he can come anytime, and he also has this job posting in his hand, so he has more than one reason to come here (other than his crazed need to see her).

Ashton peeked in and saw that Sabrina's face is hidden in her palms.

”Is this the wrong time?”

He saw that Sabrina slightly jerked at his question and she slowly lifted her head.

She stared at him and wondered, is this her imagination playing tricks on her? Or is her need to see him creating hallucinations?

”Ashton?”, she asked in disbelief.

Ashton gestured in the direction Nicole left. ”I thought you are expecting me.”

Sabrina exhaled and shook her head and it took her some time to compose herself. There is no way she will say how she thought it's Jackson. She does not want to talk about Jackson because this is Ashton. And she will not tell Ashton how for a moment she thought that she is dreaming.

A big smile bloomed on her face. ”I'm sorry. Please, come in… Close the door behind you.”

Ashton was dazed at the sight of Sabrina's smile and he reminded himself to breathe.