Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
Ashlyn
I’ve gone out of my way to avoid Ben these last few days, caught somewhere between wanting to hear whatever excuse he might have, and not wanting to hear anything at all.
Part of me is desperate for him to say something that explains everything, something that makes it okay.
But the other part? It’s terrified that the truth is exactly what I’ve been dreading, that he’s married, and I’m just the other woman.
After spending the weekend at Ivy’s, I took a couple of sick days. I knew there was no way I could avoid him at work; he’d be in my classroom within minutes of me arriving. And if we are going to talk, the last place I want that to happen is at school.
Now, it’s Wednesday night, and with Sophie and Paisley’s bachelorette party coming up this weekend, I’m meeting Ivy in Eden to finalize the plans. There’s not much left to organize, but I’m using it as an excuse to get out of my apartment for a while.
As usual, I’m running late. I rush along the sidewalk, my phone chiming in my purse. Without slowing down, I pull it out and check the message. It’s from Ivy. I’m guessing she’s asking where I am.
Ivy: Hey. I’m going to be late. Sorry. Work drama. Will be there as soon as I can.
I let out a relieved breath and slow up a little. At least she’s not waiting on me. Everyone knows timekeeping isn’t my strong suit. It’s a running joke with my friends and family that if we’re meeting up, I’m going to be late. For once, the roles are reversed, and I’ll be the one waiting on her.
When I push open the door to Eden, the buzz of conversation and music fills the air. It’s busier than I expected for a weeknight, and I weave my way through the crowd. Spotting Seb and Ryder behind the bar, I give Seb a quick wave before sliding onto a barstool.
“Hey, Ash,” Seb greets me, leaning over to brush a kiss on my cheek. “Are you here alone?”
“I’m meeting Ivy, but she’s running late.”
He nods. “What are you drinking?”
“Red wine, please.” As he reaches for a glass, I ask, “How’s Taylor?”
His grin widens. “She’s good.”
I smile back. “You two are made for each other.”
I knew from Taylor that they’d been in a friends with benefits relationship pretty much since she arrived in Hope Creek a few months ago.
For her, it had developed into more, but something held Seb back.
He’d finally confessed his feelings for her after Sophie and Cade’s baby shower, and I couldn’t be happier for them.
“Thanks, Ash. And thanks for being there for her while I was busy getting my head out of my ass.”
“Of course. Taylor’s great.”
“Yeah, she is.” He slides a glass of red wine across the bar and winks. “Stay put until Ivy gets here. I don’t want you sitting alone.”
I roll my eyes, but he just chuckles before moving down the bar to serve another customer.
I sip my wine, watching the people around me as I wait for Ivy. I’ve always loved people-watching. Nash calls it being nosy, and maybe he’s right. I’m lost in thought when a hand lands on my shoulder.
“Hey, Ash. What are you doing here by yourself?”
I turn to see Taylor standing behind me.
“Hey.” I stand and pull her into a hug. “I’m waiting for Ivy. Have a drink with me?”
She steps back, glancing down at her yoga pants and tank top. “I’m not really dressed for the bar. I just came to see Seb.”
I smile. “Missing him already?”
Her cheeks flush pink. “Maybe.”
I’m genuinely pleased for her and Seb, but a small pang of envy creeps in. I want what they have, and right now, it feels further away than ever.
Taylor studies me. “You okay?”
“I’m good.”
Her frown deepens. “Are you sure? Did something happen with Ben?”
She knows about the kiss before Christmas, but nothing more.
Ivy’s the only one who knew that things were starting to happen between us, and I’ve definitely not shared with anyone other than her that he’s married.
I’d been careful to keep it from my brothers; they didn’t even know there was anything going on.
I glance toward Seb to make sure he’s out of earshot.
Taylor touches my arm gently. “I won’t say anything, Ash. If you need to talk–”
“He’s married.” I whisper the words, cutting her off.
Her eyes widen. “What?”
I sigh. “Ben’s married.”
“Oh my God, Ash. How did you find out?”
“His daughter told me.”
Taylor’s brow furrows in confusion. “His daughter? I didn’t even know he had a daughter.”
I let out a dry laugh. “Neither did I.”
“Jesus.”
I lift my glass to my lips, taking a long sip of wine.
“I don’t even know what to say. What a jackass.”
“Who’s a jackass?” Seb’s voice cuts in as he appears in front of us, his eyes locked on Taylor.
“Just one of the dads from school,” I lie, waving a dismissive hand.
Seb nods, still focused on Taylor. “Hey, baby. What are you doing down here?” He rounds the bar and pulls her into his arms. I look away as he kisses her, taking another sip of wine.
“I just came to say hi,” she says, smiling up at him. “I’ll stay with Ash while she waits for Ivy.”
“Okay. I’ll get you a drink.”
She grabs a free chair and moves it next to mine. Once Seb is busy behind the bar, I lean in. “Please don’t tell him. None of my brothers would have liked the idea of us together, and now we’re not, they don’t need to know.
“Of course I won’t say anything.”
Once Seb hands her a drink and moves away, she reaches for my hand. “How’s work been? Have you two talked?”
I shake my head. “No. I haven’t actually been back to work since I found out. I’ve called in sick. I will talk to him. Just not yet.”
“I get that. It sucks. I know how much you liked him.”
I force a tight smile. “I don’t think I knew him at all.”
Her gaze goes past me, and her eyes widen. “Uh, Ash… Ben’s here.”
My heart slams against my ribs, and nausea churns in my stomach. “What? Has he seen me?”
She nods. “He’s coming over.”
“Shit.”
“Do you want me to get Seb to kick him out?”
I exhale sharply. “No. I’ll deal with him.”
I don’t move. I just wait. Let him come to me.
“Can I talk to you, Ash?” Ben’s voice comes from beside me.
I pick up my drink, forcing my hand to stay steady as I take a sip of wine.
My heart slams against my ribs and a swirl of anxiety churns in my stomach.
What is he doing here? He must know this isn’t the place for a conversation like this.
I glance up at him, taking in the dark circles under his eyes.
He looks like he hasn’t slept. I know the feeling.
“How did you know I’d be here?” I ask, trying to keep my voice even.
“I went by your place,” he says. “I wasn’t sure if you were out or just ignoring the intercom. I guessed you might be here.”
His eyes are fixed on me, almost as if he doesn’t realize he’s doing this in the middle of a crowded bar.
“Please, Ash,” he says again, his voice rough with urgency. “Can we talk?”
“There’s nothing left to say, Ben,” I tell him, my voice weary.
He reaches for my free hand, but I pull away before he can touch me. “There’s so much to say,” he insists. “Please, let me explain. It’s not what you think.”
I meet his gaze, my voice flat. “So, you’re not married?”
He exhales heavily. “I am, but–”
“Then we’re done here.” I cut him off before he can spin another excuse.
“No!” His voice rises, frustration laced in the single word.
I stand, turning to face him just as Seb steps in.
“What’s going on?” Seb’s sharp gaze moves between us. “Ash, you okay?” Confusion mars his features when he recognizes Ben. “Isn’t this your boss?”
“He was just leaving,” I say firmly.
“I’m not going anywhere. Not until you hear me out.”
“I’m not doing this here, Ben,” I tell him. “You should go home to your daughter.”
Seb moves around the bar, stepping between us. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s clear Ash doesn’t want to talk to you. You need to go.”
Ben’s eyes plead with mine. “Please, Ashlyn.”
I feel Taylor squeeze my hand gently as the bar falls quiet around us. People are starting to stare.
“Okay, time to go,” Seb says, grabbing Ben’s arm, but Ben shakes him off.
“No! Wait!” His voice is desperate now. “I haven’t spoken to my wife in six years.”
My brows shoot up. “What? Why?”
Seb hesitates, taking a step back while Ben lowers his head, his voice quieter now. “Can we talk? Just the two of us?”
I glance at Taylor, who gives me a soft, understanding smile. “Maybe you should hear him out,” she whispers. “You can use my apartment.”
I hesitate. I don’t trust him. I don’t want to be lied to again, but if I don’t hear him out, I know I’ll regret it later.
With a sigh, I turn back to face him. “Okay,” I say, exhaling. “Taylor said we can talk in her apartment. It’s just upstairs.”
Seb’s frown deepens. “Ash, are you sure about this?”
I nod, taking Taylor’s keys from her outstretched hand. He doesn’t look convinced, but thankfully, he doesn’t push it. Taylor gently tugs on his arm, leading him away.
As I turn back to Ben, nerves twist in my stomach. I’m still wary, still bracing myself, but deep down, a small, foolish part of me clings to the hope that whatever he says next will somehow make everything okay again.