No Strings Attached

Chapter 5~

“You’re a sex addict.” 

His mouth hit the floor at my statement, his eyes widening. “I-I am not a sex addict! I am a man at the ripe age of eighteen! There is absolutely nothing wrong in enjoy life’s simple pleasures!” He sputtered, shaking his head vehemently. 

“Ashton, there is a simple solution to your addiction.” 

Slitting his eyes, he pouted up at me. “And what would that be, Skylar?” 

Dropping my hand on his shoulder, I shot him a sincere grin. 

~ 

        “You have got to be fucking kidding me,” 

I was helping him. I was going to be Ashton’s guardian angel and lead him to the path of righteousness. However, he planned on making my divine mission a living hell as he clung on to the edge of the wall, his nails digging into the wallpaper. As I tugged on his waist, he simply began to shout. “You’re not dragging me in there! Fuck no! Fuck no!” 

“Ashton, you’re making a scene!” 

“Good! I’ll keep screaming my head off so they fucking throw us out!” He roared, as I unlatched his fingers from the indented wall. 

When the receptionist peered over at us, I frowned as she rose and came marching over. “Can I help you two with anything?” She asked with a small smile. 

“I’m here to see Dr. Philip. My--- uh--- friend here isn’t cooperating, however.” 

“I don’t have to be here,” Ashton snarled, glowering down at the both of us. “I do not have a fucking addiction!” 

With a sympathetic smile, she stroked his shoulder gently. “Honey, the first step to recovery is acceptance.” When Ashton cast her a leer and charged towards the door, she seized the walkie-talkie at her waist. “We’ve got an escapee heading for exit one!” 

Before Ashton could even step foot out the door, two colossal security guards caught his flailing arms, lifting him off the ground and dragging him towards me. Tiptoeing into the elevator (and dodging Ashton’s thrashing legs), I avoided his loathsome glower on the back of my head as I stared at the floor levels light up as we ascended. 

As I stepped into the hallway, a familiar face was joining us as well, and I ran into his arms before he could even look up. 

Frank had been my father’s best friend since they started kindergarten and had been (and still are) friends for life. I couldn’t recount how many times Frank had driven my brother and I to school before Ashton got his license when dad was out of the country. 

“Skylar, love, hey,” He chuckled as he kissed the top of my head. “You seemed pretty persistent on coming in today.” 

“I have a --- um --- friend that needs your help, Frank.” 

His brow shot up as he peered over my shoulder to see Ashton (still) writhing in the guards’ arms. “Is this your ‘um’ friend?” His eyes scanned the seething teenager. “Drug addiction?” 

This was rewarded with a scoff. “Athletes like me don’t get drug addictions.” 

Frank chuckled, a knowing smile playing across his face. “That’s what you think, kid,” Unlocking his door, he pushed it open and gestured for the guards to come in. When they dropped Ashton in the armchair in front of the desk, he didn’t move, his strength dissipated and his breathing heavy. “Thanks, boys. I don’t think he’ll be trying to run away any time soon.” As they exited the room--- casting Ashton a watchful leer then biding me a warm farewell, Frank rested his chin atop his hands. “So, tell me, son, why are you here today?”