Chapter Nine Ashley #3
Which all sounds great until your life starts falling apart and you realize there is no one there to pick you up.
Your buddies have good intentions, but then their partners are friends with your ex, so of course they start calling less often and your invites for those nights out for pizza as a group get lost in the mail.
So, there is a small part of me that would be happy with the nosy nanas and opinionated old grumpy grandfathers involving themselves in my life.
“I think it’s time to call it a night before any more of my lovely fellow Abbey Falls clients feel the need to come over and chat.
” I can tell by the look in Ashley’s eyes that she’s struggling with the constant attention and whispers.
Even with Tiffany showing up, it hasn’t really changed the vibe.
“I can get Tiff to take me home so you can stay and enjoy another beer.” Ashley pushes back her chair and stands.
Not a chance.
“No need for that. I’m feeling a bit tired after a long day. Let’s head out.” I stand quickly and move the chair out of the way so she doesn’t catch it with her boot. “Tiff, can I give you a ride home?” I offer, without knowing whether she drove or even where she lives.
“No, thanks, I’m fine. I live just down the road at the back of the teahouse.
It makes the early mornings easier.” Tiff also stands and then hooks her arm into Ash’s, and they start walking toward the front door.
Following them, I watch as they lean in close together and start whispering between themselves.
I can only imagine the conversation but would guarantee it’s about me.
Ashley and I say our goodbyes to Tiffany, and as we drive back out to Windemere in a not completely uncomfortable silence, I can tell that Ash is feeling a little uptight about the whole dinner and I kick myself. Tonight was supposed to be a bit of fun and relaxation over a meal.
When we turn into her driveway, I try to say something, anything, to prolong the evening.
“I know it’s easy for me to say because I don’t live here, but you need to ignore them.” Reaching over and placing my hand on her arm, I give it a squeeze as her house comes into view.
“You’re right, it’s easier said than done. But thank you. I know you are just trying to help. It’s not just tonight. I’ve just got some things on my mind.”
“I knew the moment I picked you up that something wasn’t right.
Want to talk about it? Sometimes it helps.
I know we aren’t in the woods anymore, but the same thing applies.
Whatever you tell me stays with me. I might not be Tiff but I’m a pretty good listener.
” I place my hand on her thigh and start rubbing it up and down in a reassuring way.
I know I’m being a bit of a hypocrite because I am carrying my own problems that I haven’t shared with anyone either. But I want to help her, however I can.
She sighs and keeps looking out the window, not wanting to look at me, so I guess that’s the end of that.
“Jeremy contacted me tonight,” she blurts out suddenly, “and he told me he wants to come and see me, and it rattled me, a lot.” Her eyes are wide as she turns quickly to me and then throws her hand over her mouth.
“God, I’m an idiot, I wasn’t going to tell you, but you have this annoying habit of getting me to open up to you. ”
The rage inside me is building at the thought of her having to face the man who shattered her entire world and never even looked back or even cared about what he even did to her, until now.
My protective instincts for Ash are roaring to life, and I’ll be damned if I let him hurt her like that again.
“Ash . . .” is all I get out when she gasps and points to her house.
“Why is my front door open?”
I sit up a bit straighter, seeing the worry on her face. My body is now on high alert.
“Are you expecting anyone, besides him?” I put the truck in Park and stop her moving before she has the chance to undo her seat belt. I watch her shake her head from side to side, indicating this isn’t normal. “Okay, stay here until I go in and check who it is.”
“No way. It’s my house!” She glares back at me, and it’s as though the meek woman who was worried about the town gossips at the local bar and grill is long gone and the warrior is back.
“Fine, but you stay behind me. Understood?” I demand and wait for her agreement before I let go of her seat belt.
“Okay,” she grunts, and I’m out of the truck and around to her side before she manages to even take a step. Hearing her donkey braying loudly from the barn, it feels like something is not quite right here, and it has me on edge.
Stalking up the porch and toward the front door, I can hear Ashley shuffling quickly behind me as she struggles to keep up with me in her moon boot.
And now, standing at the open door to her house, I hear movement coming from inside; there’s definitely someone here.
“If it’s your ex in there, I’m warning you now, he won’t be walking out on his own two feet. He will be getting what he deserves.” I’m not usually much of a fighter, but for Ashley, I’ll make an exception.
“Let’s go,” I mutter as I take the first step through the door. Bring it on, asshole.