Chapter 31 #2
She nods, and I can’t help but feel a little surprised.
Surprised that she’s here with me, and even more so that she’s apologized.
I respect her for it, though. It feels like we can finally put this behind us and move forward.
Who knows, in a year or so, we might even be able to laugh about all of this.
“So, your dad said you’re into Wet and Wild?” I ask, changing the subject and gesturing toward the TV as a commercial for the show flashes on the screen.
Her face lights up. “I love that show! But I missed last night’s episode, so no spoilers.”
I laugh. “No worries. I’m behind too. Want to catch up now?”
“Definitely,” she says, already reaching for another slice.
I scroll through my recordings until I find the latest episode and hit play.
As soon as it starts, Laney leans forward. “Did you see what Emma said to Corey in the last episode? If I were him, I’d be livid.”
I groan. “Ugh, same. I really don’t like Emma. That was totally out of line.”
Laney nods in agreement. “I bet she’s going home tonight.”
I take a bite of pizza, then ask, “Who do you want Corey to end up with?”
“Elma,” she replies instantly.
I grin. “Me too!”
We watch the show, chatting easily and laughing at all the drama as it unfolds.
It feels more than a little surreal, sitting here with Laney and having a good time.
But somehow, we’ve just clicked. For a while, I wasn’t sure we’d ever get here, and even though it’s early days, I can’t help but hope this is the start of something good. Maybe even a real friendship.
As a commercial cuts in, I glance over at her. “I’ve been thinking about your date.”
Her eyebrows lift in surprise. “You have?”
I nod. “I think I’ve figured out a way for you to still go.”
“Seriously?” she asks, sitting up a little straighter.
“Hear me out first, okay?”
She tilts her head but smiles. “Alright.”
I hesitate, not wanting to push too hard, but I go on. “I don’t love the idea of you meeting up with some guy from an app in a bar… by yourself.”
She opens her mouth to argue, but I hold up a hand. “Let me finish.”
She gives a reluctant nod.
“I’m thinking… I could drive you to Eden. Ivy and I will hang out there too, just for a drink while you’re on your date. We won’t sit close. You won’t even have to see us, but we’ll be nearby. Just in case.”
Her expression tightens. “I don’t need a babysitter, Ashlyn.”
“I know,” I say gently. “I’m not trying to play the responsible adult here. I’d do this for any of my friends. There are just a lot of creeps out there, and you don’t know this guy yet.”
She blows out a slow breath then gives me a small nod. “Okay. You’re right. I don’t. If you’re sure you don’t mind playing chauffeur again.” Her cheeks flush as she says it.
I chuckle. “Not at all. And Ivy and I never pass up an excuse for a night out.”
“Ivy’s your best friend, right?” she asks.
“Yeah.” I smile. “We’ve been best friends since kindergarten. You’ll love her. She’s awesome.”
Laney gives another nod, then hesitates. “Would it be okay if I got ready here tomorrow night?”
Her voice wobbles ever so slightly, and my heart softens. “Of course,” I say.
“Thanks,” she says, releasing a breath. “I haven’t been on a date in a while. I’m kind of nervous.”
I grin. “That’s what a glass of wine is for. Helps with the pre-date jitters.” I pull a playful face. “Just don’t tell your dad I said that.”
She laughs. “Deal. You keep my secret, I’ll keep yours.”
After the show wraps up, I drive Laney home.
I wait in the driveway until I see her get inside safely before pulling away.
We’ve already made plans for me to pick her up after work tomorrow, and I even offered to let her stay over at my place if she wanted to.
She said she’d think about it, though now I’m wondering if I pushed things too fast. Hopefully not.
I’ve given her my mobile number, so she can always text me if she changes her mind about the whole thing.
I don’t make it all the way home before I’m reaching for the hands-free and dialing Ben’s number. He picks up almost right away.
“Hey, you,” he greets, a little breathless.
“Hey,” I reply, laughing softly. “You sound out of breath.”
“Yeah, just got in from a run. Had to drag myself out the door.”
I laugh again.
“Everything alright?”
“Everything’s great,” I reply, my tone bright. “I just dropped Laney off.”
“That’s great. Did you two have fun?”
I nod, even though he can’t see me. “We did. At least, I think so. We had pizza and binged that reality show she’s obsessed with.”
Ben chuckles. “I had a feeling you two would end up bonding over that trash.”
“Hey!” I protest, pretending to be offended. “It’s not trash.”
He laughs again. “If you say so.”
There’s a pause, and then he exhales. “Seriously, Ash. Thank you. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t been able to pick her up. I owe you… and Wyatt.”
“You don’t owe me anything,” I tell him. “Honestly, I think it was the best thing that could’ve happened.”
“What do you mean?”
“It forced us to hang out. Even if Wyatt was there, it gave us a chance to talk.”
“Yeah, maybe,” he agrees slowly. “Was she okay with you when you got there? I told her she had to be, or she’d be in even more trouble.”
I pause, my fingers tightening a little on the steering wheel. “Wait… you told her to be nice to me?”
“Of course I did,” he says without hesitation. “She’s been giving you a hard time every time you’ve crossed paths.”
I go quiet, turning that over in my head. For a second, I wonder if tonight was just an act. If she was only playing nice because she was afraid of getting into deeper trouble.
“Ash? You still there?” Ben asks after a moment.
I let out a slow sigh. “Yeah, I’m here.”
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing,” I answer too quickly.
“Ash,” he says gently. “Talk to me.”
I hesitate. “I just… I thought we were making progress tonight. But now I’m wondering if she was just putting on an act so she wouldn’t get into more trouble.”
Ben exhales quietly. “I don’t think that’s it, baby. She didn’t have to go to your place. She could’ve gone straight home. She chose to spend time with you.”
“Yeah, maybe,” I murmur. “And we did make plans for tomorrow night, too. Me, Laney, and Ivy. I know she’s technically grounded,” I add quickly, “but I was hoping you might be okay with it… since she’ll be with me.”
There’s a pause before Ben responds, a little surprised. “You’re seeing her again tomorrow?”
“Yep.”
“At your place again?”
“Uh… no.” I hesitate for a second, but in the end, I can’t bring myself to lie. “We’re going to Eden,” I admit, rushing to add. “But I promise I won’t let her have anything to drink. Is that okay?”
I leave out the part about Laney meeting her date. I gave her my word I wouldn’t say anything, and Wyatt was right; I keep my promises.
Ben chuckles softly on the other end of the line. “You two are going to be trouble together, aren’t you?”
I grin. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you don’t,” he teases. “Just keep an eye on her and make sure she sticks to soda.”
“I will.”
“Alright. I should shower and then get back to work. I still have a few things to finish up for tomorrow.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, then.”
“Definitely.”
“Night, Ben. I love you,” I say, my voice softening.
“I love you too, Ash. Night, baby.”
I drive home on cloud nine, still a little stunned by how the last few hours played out. I’m excited for tomorrow night now. I just hope Laney feels the same way when she wakes up.