Persistent Tree

7. Counting in Seconds

"Girl...what is all of this about? Please don't tell me that Mason or Jade said something to you."

"They didn't," I said, "I'm just thinking. I don't understand why Mason would do that to me. We were so happy, and then all that had to happen...maybe I am responsible? Did Mason feel like I didn't love him enough? Did I not love him? Was I not sincere? Because I never saw signs in Mason...so something was wrong wiht me, wasn't it?"

"Amethyst," Brody said, his voice stern. "If you didn't love Mason well enough, you wouldn't be hurting even after all this time. And to answer your question, I don't think you weren't sincere - I think you put in too much. No bias here. Because you are the only one hurt in this."

"Well, then I'm paying for something, aren't I?"

"No! No, you aren't. Mason is a phenomenal douche. Your only fault was that you were so much in love with him that you still feel as if he is perfect - that he cannot do any wrong."

"I'm over him!"

"Nobody said you aren't, Thyst. Why are you asking us this?"

"Well, you see, Onyx and I, we...we're not having sex! Stop smiling at me like that! We just...I like him, but I'm afraid that I'll mess up, and he'll leave me."

Will chuckled. "The only way you will screw up, Thyst, is by being afraid and hesitant. Don't overthink too much - I did that, very nearly destroyed my relationship with Amelia. I don't mean that you go wild and start being all impulsive - do be careful. Just not so careful that he begins to think that you're not entirely sure of the relationship."

"I'm not sure," I whimpered.

"Then there's no rush," Fletcher said. "If he likes you enough, he'll wait."

"How will I know when I'm ready?"

"That differs from person to person, Thyst. All I can say without losing my balls is that you'll know when he's the one you want to go to at the end of the day instead of your home."

I nodded, then smiled. "Thanks, Fletcher. By the way, too late - your balls are gone."

"Shut up," Fletcher mumbled. "Imma go wrestle somebody. This is what I get for helping out, what's the world come to..."

*****************************

The next time I walked into Onyx's office, I was nervous. Champagne was with me again, on her best behavior this time. The receptionist thought my huge dog was incredibly cute, but she still couldn't allow her in, but apparently Onyx had anticipated that because he called the desk and asked them to make an exception. I was about to head towards the elevators when the receptionist, whom I got to know was named Faith, told me that Onyx was coming down to greet me. My eyes widened almost as much as hers did, but at least it gave Faith a canine playmate for a few minutes.

I was watching Champagne and making sure that she didn't chew anything up as she nosed her way around Faith's desk. I had quit turning back to look at the elevators every time they dinged for fear that I was being too obvious. So I was a little startled when I heard Onyx's voice echoing across the lobby.

"Amethyst!" he called.

Champagne immediately lost all interest in Faith's shoes. She rocketed out of her spot and bounded towards the man approaching us in his impeccable suit, drooling as much as I was.

"Hey there, gorgeous!" he boomed, leaning backwards as Champagne reared up and placed her forelegs on his shoulders and barked into his ears. "Look what I got you! Look! Do you want a treat?"

Champagne barked again as he pulled out a bag of dog treats from his pocket, opened it and offered a few dog treats to the overexcited dog. They were gone within seconds, and before anyone knew what was happening, Champagne was smothering Onyx with doggie kisses.