***
Heather's POV:
Ace was someone really nice to hang out with. I found him quite funny and began to really appreciate him. And on top of that, he was hot. I couldn't lie to myself that he wasn't.
We were beginning to be good friends. Though he made me blush and nervous, I started getting fond of him.
"I was wondering why you left work early today." he said.
"Oh, I had something important to do."
"Can't it be told?" he teased with a smile. Oh, he was so handsome. He had a very attractive smile, yet familiar. Familiar like I'd known someone else with the same smile.
"Well to be honest, I went to buy myself a puppy."
"And you did?"
"No, I didn't succeed. I wanted a white one but they were none left."
"You like dogs?"
"Sort of."
"I like them too. But I prefer horses."
Me too!
"Me too! What a coincidence!" I exclaimed happily, "Do you ride??"
"Yup."
Wow. This was getting interesting.
"That makes two things in common." I giggled, "I used to have a horse."
"I wish I'd had one. I've never owned one." he said.
"Oh, sorry. But If you'd had one, what would you name it?" I asked.
He gave me an odd look.
"I'd give it the name I've given my dog."
"And what name is that?" I asked.
"Strike."
I felt a hard thud in my chest and the smile on my face faded.
Strike?
I was silent as thoughts of Sheridan returned.
"And I'd like it to be white." Ace added with a smile as he looked at his plate.
I felt a heavy lump in my throat. I felt like crying a little. It was crazy how everything or any person I met, always did something to remind me of Sheridan.
"Are you alright?" he asked me.
"Uh, yeah..." I muttered and forced a smile.
"Oh, okay. How was your horse?"
"She– she was a white mane. Beautiful."
"Wow. Can I guess her name?" he asked playfully, "I'm good at guessing."
I giggled.
"Oh, yeah? Hum. You'll never guess. You have the right to guess only one name." I laughed, folding my arms.
"Okay, then. Shall we bet?"
He would never find it!
"Yes. If you give the right name, I'll take your number."
"And you'll send me one of your most beautiful pics tonight? Nothing fishy in my request, I promise."
"Ha! That's if you win."
"Deal. If I lose, I will buy you lunch for a whole continuous week at work."
"And you'll send me one of your best pics too." I added with a smile.
"Deal."
I shook his hand.
"So, how was she called?"
He was already a loser.
"Your horse was called, Dove."
What?!
I felt my tummy go upside down. How did he know?? Who was this?? I'd never told anyone I had a horse, not to talk about its name! How did he know?
I felt the blood in my body run cold. I knew my face had become pale white.
"H– how do you know?" I stammered in disbelief.
"Oh! That was your horse's name?? Hahahaaa, I'm too good!" he laughed.
"Ace, how did you know?" I repeated seriously. He smiled, amused at me.
"I didn't guess. I just read. Look." He pointed at a guy, ordering. The guy wore a black T-shirt and behind it in bold letters was written 'Black Dove'.
I suddenly felt ridiculous and laughed.
"Wow, the coincidence! You just decide to read off some random dude's T-shirt and it turns out to be correct? You're so lucky!" I giggled.
"I know right. What if it'd turned out to be wrong? Damn. I was surprised you actually confirmed that it was your horse's name. Crazy right?"
"Yeah." I smiled at him. He gave a dazzling smile in return. I blushed.
Why the hell did I always blush around him?
Nervously, I took out my phone and gave him.
"Here. Type you number." I said. He smirked and I looked away shyly.
He took my phone and dialed his number.
"I'll be awaiting my pic." he stated.
I smiled.
"Uh, sure. A deal is a deal."
**
Ace's POV:
Later that night, I entered my apartment and landed on a couch. I'd confused Heather that night. I'd felt the sudden urge to tell her I was Sheridan but I couldn't. I just couldn't allow myself to give her clues. Though most of the time I found myself doing so.
Was it because I missed her so much and couldn't wait to take her in my arms? Yes.
I was frustrated and ran my fingers through my hair. Would I sleep? I kept on thinking about Heather.
I got undressed and went to bed. Just when I was about to sleep, I received a text from Heather. It read goodnight and it'd come with a pic. I loaded the picture to see.

She was so beautiful. I felt my heart ache and I somewhat felt like crying?
I blinked the tears away. She was just as good as an angel. I looked at her picture again.
"Without you, Heather," I started, with a heavy lump in my throat and prickling eyes, "...I would've probably died. Died of hunger and sadness. You fed me, you encouraged me, you tried to share my pain. You joined me in the stable. I had only one thing to do for you. I'd promised to come back. I'm here now. Though you don't know it yet." I put a hand over my eyes, trying my best not to let my tears out.
"Once I get my revenge, Heather, I swear, only death will separate us."
I kept my phone aside and thought some more. Maybe Heather had always been some guardian angel to me. I would try and be same for her now.
I would let no one hurt her. Not Kevin. Not Christina. Not Sawyer.