For the first time in a long time a cause for celebration didn’t take me to a strip club. It took me to the arms of one woman.

After ordering a fantastic dinner in, Veronica was curled up next to me on the large bearskin rug on the floor in front of the fireplace in my study.

Sipping the last of our champagne, I kissed Veronica with passionate abandon.

“I’m so happy you’re here, Ronnie.” I whispered burying my face in her hair. She smelled so sweet.

Veronica sat down her empty glass. She rested her head on my chest.

“Me too, Ash. I think this is a new beginning for your business and for us. I’m so glad I came back.”

“Is this real? Are you ready to make a commitment to me, to us?”

Sitting up, I took her face into my hands. A surge of warmth filled me as I gazed deeply into her blue eyes. This was the time.

“Veronica Lynn James, I love you. I want to be with you.”

Tears welled up her eyes. Her face broke out into a giant grin.

“Oh Ash, I’ve waited so long to hear you say that! Pinch me to prove I’m not dreaming!”

I laughed pressing my lips to hers. We embraced and I felt her warm flesh next to mine.

“I think you should move here.”

Veronica stared at me.

“Do you mean live with you?”

I shook my head.

“Not yet, but move here to the city.”

Veronica sat up next to me. Her face fell slightly. Was she upset because I didn’t ask her to move in with me?

“Ash, I didn’t expect this so soon.”

“I thought you’d be thrilled. Ronnie, I want you close to me. I want to see you often. Not only on weekends.”

She smiled, but there was something off about the way her eyes looked. They looked sad, forlorn.

“Isn’t this what you wanted, Ronnie?”

“Of course, Ash! It’s just…I’m going to have to go home and tell Bryce.”

“Who the fuck is Bryce?”

Veronica looked down with tears in her eyes.

“My fiancé.”

I bolted up from the floor.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

Veronica stood up wrapping the blanket around her nude body.

“Ash, I didn’t think it mattered. You and I were finished. I had to move on with my life. I met Bryce…”

“I don’t care who the fuck he is. You’re still engaged? Now?”

She nodded slowly tears spilling down her face.

“Does he know anything about me, Ronnie?”

“Just that you were my ex-boyfriend.”

I felt sick. There was a deep gnawing inside my stomach. I stepped back from her and went to the window. The snow was falling outside covering the ground in a thick white blanket.

Veronica slowly walked over to me the blanket brushing the floor as she huddled beneath it.

“Ash, I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. Since you’re ready to be serious now, I will end it with him.”

“Not that big of a deal! What the FUCK are you thinking? After what I told you about my mother?”

Veronica was crying openly now.

She reached out to touch my arm. I jerked away.

“Don’t touch me! You were cheating on him with me! You are a lying bitch just like she was!”

“No, no, no, Ash! I’m nothing like she was! I’m not married to him.”

“Oh, so that makes it okay? You’re in a committed relationship with him. That’s all I needed to know. You should’ve broke up with him after we slept together the first time!”

Fury was building inside me like a dam threatening to burst. There was a stabbing pain in my chest. I had never felt so betrayed.

Not since my mother.

The glass that encased my fragile world where I had finally felt safe enough to love and trust was shattered. The fragments pierced my heart as I sagged to the floor.

“Ash! Are you okay?”

Her long honey colored hair spilled down into my face. Her soft blue eyes were shining with tears.

“Go away, Veronica.” I whispered brokenly.

“Ash, please! I’m sorry. I didn’t know we were going to get serious!”

“YOU CHEATED, VERONICA! That’s it. I have nothing more to say to you. Now please leave!”

Veronica sobbed as she searched for her clothes.

After she pulled on her sweater and jeans, she knelt beside me.

“Ash, please talk to me. I’m so sorry. I never meant…”

“GET OUT before I throw you out!” I screamed at her.

Stunned by my outburst, Veronica scrambled to her feet and ran out slamming the door.

I sat there, naked on the floor watching the snow fall. Veronica, just like my mother, had left me broken and alone.

How would I ever trust anyone again?