Page 151 of Champagne Nights

“That wouldn’t have anything to do with Paisley, would it?”

I took a swig of my beer and nodded my head. “Actually, it does. I met her family, and she met mine. She helped me get through a tough day. It was the one-year anniversary of Amy’s death a couple of days ago.”

“Oh man, I’m sorry,” he said with sympathy. “I’m glad she was there for you.”

“Me too.” I arched my eyebrow.

“Sounds like the two of you are becoming close.”

Damian set the plate of fish and chips down in front of me. “She’s an amazing friend. She’s all I think about every second of the day. I feel guilty, David.”

He reached over and placed his hand on my shoulder. “There’s no need to feel guilty. Amy wouldn’t want you to feel that way. You’re young, Ben. You can’t spend the rest of your life alone or not taking chances because of guilt.”

“I know, and there’s something about Paisley that captivates me. I haven’t been able to get her out of my head since I saw her sitting in that chair at the meeting. I had a dream last week about Amy, and she told me to go, be happy, and live my life. She alsosaid Paisley’s name. It was weird, man. So weird, and it felt so real.”

“Maybe it was. Maybe Amy was coming to you in your dream and telling you it’s okay.”

“What? You mean like an angel?”

“Yeah. That’s exactly what I mean.” He smiled.

“Nah. I don’t really believe in that sort of thing.”

He shrugged his shoulders and took a bite of his fish and chips. “Where is she tonight?” David asked.

“I don’t know. I haven’t talked to her today.”

“Why not?”

“I sent her a text message yesterday. I don’t want to be pushy or overbearing.”

“Do you want to see her?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then call her.” He smiled.

I pulled out my phone and dialed her number.

“Hello.”

I smiled when I heard her sweet voice. A voice I had just realized I missed.

“Hi, Paisley.”

“Hi, Ben.”

“I was wondering if you’d like to come over to my house tomorrow night for dinner.”

“I would love to. What time should I be there?”

“How about six o’clock?”

“Six is great. Would you like me to bring something?”

“Just yourself would be great.”

She giggled. “Okay, but I’m bringing some wine.”

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