Page 13 of Give Me Strength

GILBERT

I watch Ashlynn storm out of Willard’s office, the door slamming shut behind her. The sound echoes in the small, cluttered room, making the papers on his desk tremble. My heart aches to see her so distraught, and it takes everything in me not to go after her. It won’t make a difference, so I stay seated. Besides, there’s more to discuss, and fleeing won’t solve anything.

Will clears his throat, looking uncomfortable. Still sitting on the couch across from me, Bonnie remains composed, her expression serene. She’s always been known for her calm demeanor, a trait she probably honed during her years as a prima ballerina.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. “This situation with Ashlynn… it’s not ideal. She hates me, and I can’t say I blame her. She’s already been through so much. We need to find a way to make this work for her sake.”

Bonnie nods, her eyes thoughtful. “I agree. She’s grieving, and this decision comes as a shock to her. But we need to approach this with care and understanding.”

“We also need to find a way to help her without making her feel like we’re controlling her.”

“Exactly,” she says softly. “Lynn needs to feel supported, not cornered. We have to show her that we have her best interests at heart. Gilbert, I know this isn’t what you signed up for, but...”

“Ashlynn does have a point, though. She turns eighteen in a week, so what’s the point in uprooting her life for a short time?”

“If I may,” Will interjects, “Perhaps we can arrange for Bonnie to take on a more active role in Ashlynn’s life, given her background and close relationship with her. Gilbert, you could focus on managing the estate while Bonnie provides the emotional support Ashlynn needs.”

“Shouldn’t that be the other way around?” Bonnie asks. “Gilbert is more equipped to handle Lynn’s mental and emotional health, seeing as he’s the psychiatrist, not me.”

“Yes, but you’d be doing the same things you already do, just… more of it.”

Bonnie lets out a dry, humorless laugh. “It is well-documented that my bedside manner sucks. Lynn knows that. As for the finances, that’s what our accountants are for. Then there are the accountants to look over their work, plus a forensic accounting audit is completed twice a year to ensure everything is in order. The way I see it, very little needs to change.”

Except where Ashlynn lives. For a week, maybe longer.

The unspoken words hang heavy in the air between us.

“As insightful as this conversation is,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady, “It doesn’t answer my question. Why does Ashlynn need a legal guardian past the age of eighteen?” I turn to Bonnie. “And why did she refer to herself as a burden, one you were ready to pawn off to the next person?”

Bonnie and Will exchange a look.

“You wanna tell him, or should I?” he asks her.

She smiles, a warm, reassuring smile. “I think it would be better if it came from me. Knowing you, you’d just drown him in all of the legal jargon, and he will be running for the hills by the time you’re done.”

I’m more confused than ever. “Tell me what?”

Will stands, gathering the documents on his desk. “I’ll draft the necessary adjustments and make sure everything is in order.”

“Thanks, Will. You’re the best.” Bonnie stands, then stares at me with the expectation that I follow suit. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a cup of coffee.”

Coffee?

Is there supposed to be some big secret that can’t be discussed here?

I lift a curious brow but don’t say anything.

Bonnie aims her thumb in the direction of the door. “Russ and Lynn are waiting downstairs.”

“Who’s Russ?”

“Her driver. You coming or what?”

As we walk out of the office, Will whispers ‘Good luck’ to me under his breath. Bonnie rolls her eyes at him before closing the door behind us.

“What do you know about the Blackwells?” she asks as we head for the elevator.

“Outside of the lawsuit, not much. Will handled all of that.” While I fled the country, I almost add.

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