Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
Ashley
I strolled through the mall, my sneakers squeaking on the polished floor, a shopping bag dangling from my hand.
It was my day off after a string of flights, and I’d come to grab some new flats for work, something to save my feet from another week in the air.
The place was packed, kids darting around the food court, couples browsing storefronts.
I was aiming for the escalator when I froze, my heart slamming into my ribs.
Troy stood by a jewelry kiosk, his arm draped over some girl I’d never seen.
She was giggling, tossing her long blonde hair, and he was grinning, that same grin he used to flash at me.
My throat closed up, but I couldn’t peel my eyes away.
He turned, catching sight of me, and his grin sharpened, cutting. “Ashley,” he said, loud enough to slice through the noise. “Didn’t expect to run into you here.”
“Yeah,” I said, forcing my voice steady as I stepped closer. “Hey, Troy.”
“This is Lauren,” he said, yanking the girl against his side. “My fiancée. We’re picking out rings today. Got engaged last night.”
The word punched me hard, but I plastered on a smile, tucking my hair back. “Congrats,” I said, nodding at her. “That’s fast.”
“Faster than you,” he said, smirking. “Guess I didn’t need to waste time on someone who’d rather chase planes than build a life with me.”
Lauren snickered, covering her mouth like it was a joke. “Oh, you’re the flight attendant,” she said, eyeing me up and down. “Troy’s told me everything.”
“Great,” I said, my chest burning. “Hope it was a good story.”
“Oh, it was,” Troy said, his eyes glinting. “Said you couldn’t handle the real stuff. Too busy playing sky waitress. Looks like I traded up.”
I gripped my bag so tight my knuckles ached, but I kept my smile locked in place. “Happy for you,” I said, my tone light. “Have fun with the rings.”
I spun to leave, my legs wobbly, when I spotted a familiar face cutting through the crowd.
Darryl, that grumpy pilot from work, was heading my way, hands shoved in his pockets, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else.
He was out of uniform, just jeans and a dark jacket, but that scowl was unmistakable.
A wild, stupid idea hit me, and before he could slip past, I grabbed his arm, yanking him toward me.
“Hey, babe,” I said, loud and bright for Troy to hear, flashing a grin. “Finally found you.”
Darryl stopped short, his eyes narrowing. “What are you doing?” he said, his voice low and rough.
“Go with it,” I muttered, then threw my arms around his neck and kissed him.
Not a peck, but a real, desperate kiss, my lips pressing hard against his.
He tensed for a split second, then his hands landed on my waist, and he kissed me back, deep and fierce, his breath warm against my mouth.
My fingers curled into his jacket, and for a moment, the mall faded out.
I pulled back, my eyes watering, tears ready to fall.
“Please,” I whispered, my voice trembling.
He stared at me, then flicked a glance over my shoulder at Troy and the girl. His jaw clenched, and he slid an arm around my waist, pulling me tight against him. “Hey, sweetheart,” he said, raising his voice. “Thought I’d lost you in this mess.”
“Yeah,” I said, pressing into his side, my hands shaky on his chest. “Got distracted by shoes.”
“Who’s this?” Troy said, stepping closer, his smirk slipping a bit.
“This is Darryl,” I said, forcing a laugh. “My boyfriend. Darryl, meet Troy and Lauren.”
“Hey,” Darryl said, nodding at them, his grip steady on me. “Good to see you.”
“Boyfriend?” Troy said, his eyes darting between us. “That was quick. What, a week?”
“Two,” I said, shrugging. “He’s a pilot. Met him at work. Things just worked out.”
“Pilot?” Lauren said, tilting her head. “That’s cool.”
“Yeah,” Darryl said, his tone flat. “Keeps me busy. Keeps her smiling too.”
I laughed, a little too sharply, and leaned harder into him, my face hot. Troy’s smirk came back, but it was tighter now. “Well, good luck,” he said, looping an arm around Lauren. “Hope he’s good with you running off all the time.”
“He handles it,” I said, keeping my smile firm. “See you around.”
They turned away, Lauren whispering something to him, and I held my breath until they vanished into the crowd.
Then the tears broke loose, hot and fast, sliding down my cheeks.
Darryl shifted, turning me so my back faced the bustle, his arm still around me, shielding my face.
“You alright?” he said, his voice softer.
“No,” I said, sniffing hard, trying to blink the tears back. “Sorry. I just needed him to stop talking.”
“Figured,” he said, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a plain white handkerchief and dabbed it at my cheek. “Hold still. Looks like you’re sweating.”
“Thanks,” I said, my voice wobbly as he wiped my face, hiding the tears. I looked up at him, his eyes steady, no trace of the grump I knew from work.
“Ex?” he said, tucking the handkerchief away.
“Yeah,” I said, nodding. “Troy. We split a couple of weeks ago. Didn’t think he’d be here, engaged already.”
“He’s a dick,” Darryl said, letting his arm drop but staying close. “That whole fiancée bit was a cheap shot.”
“I know,” I said, wiping my eyes with my sleeve. “Still stings.”
He nodded, hands back in his pockets. “You didn’t have to kiss me like that. Could’ve just waved.”
“I freaked out,” I said, managing a small laugh. “You were right there. Sorry, it got intense.”
“It’s fine,” he said, shrugging. “Threw me off, but I’m not complaining.”
“Thanks for rolling with it,” I said, my chest still tight. “I couldn’t let him think he got the last word.”
“He didn’t,” Darryl said, glancing toward where Troy had disappeared. “Looked like an idiot to me.”
“Good,” I said, sniffing again. “He deserves it.”
“You want to ditch this place?” he said, nodding at the exit. “It’s a circus in here.”
“Yeah,” I said, grabbing my bag. “I’m done.”
We walked out together, the cool air hitting my face as we crossed the lot. I took a deep breath, trying to shake the ache, and glanced at him. “Hey,” I said, stopping by my car. “Let me buy you a drink. As a thank-you. You saved me back there.”
He paused, looking at me. “You don’t owe me anything.”
“I want to,” I said, meeting his eyes. “Come on. One drink. I could use the company.”
“Alright,” he said, nodding. “But I pick the spot. No mall crap.”
“Deal,” I said, unlocking my car. “Lead the way.”
He pointed to a bar down the street, a little dive with a neon sign flickering in the window.
We walked over, the gravel crunching under my shoes, and stepped inside.
It was quiet, just a few guys at the counter, the jukebox humming low.
I ordered a beer, and he got a whiskey, neat.
We slid into a booth, my hands still shaky as I sipped.
“So,” he said, swirling his glass. “That guy is always a tool, or is this new?”
“Lately,” I said, setting my bottle down. “He was sweet before. Then he started drinking too much, fighting about my job. That’s why we broke up.”
“Rough,” he said, taking a sip. “His loss.”
“Yeah,” I said, forcing a smile. “Guess it is.”
“You’re tougher than I thought,” he said, leaning back. “Grabbing me like that? Bold move.”
“Stupid move,” I said, laughing. “Didn’t think you’d play along.”
“Didn’t think I would either,” he said, a faint grin tugging at his lips. “But it worked.”
“It did,” I said, sipping my beer. “Worth it.”
We sat there, the bar’s hum settling around us, and the hurt dulled a bit. He didn’t push, just drank his whiskey, steady as ever. “You’re not so bad,” I said, looking at him. “Outside the plane, I mean.”
“Don’t spread it around,” he said, his tone dry. “I’ve got a rep to keep.”
“Secret’s safe,” I said, grinning. “Finish that, and I’ll owe you another sometime.”
“Deal,” he said, downing the last of his drink. “Let’s get you to your car. No crying in the lot.”
“I’m good now,” I said, finishing my beer. We walked out, the night air cool, and he stayed close, hands in his pockets. I unlocked my car, turning to him. “Thanks, Darryl. Seriously.”
“Yeah,” he said, stepping back. “See you on the next flight.”
“See you,” I said, climbing in. He headed off, and I sat there, the sting still there but softer. Troy could rot. I’d be alright.