11. Ashton
ASHTON
I flip the lock on the shelter’s door and pull the Closed sign, dreading the conversation I’m about to have.
All day I’ve managed to hold off Lynn’s persistent nosiness, conveying I didn’t want to discuss anything with such eager ears around. Meaning Marissa. She nagged me all day like a relentless Chihuahua for details about my exchange with Griffin yesterday.
“How did you meet him?”
“Why’d he act like he knew you?”
“What does he smell like?”
“What kind of car does he drive? I can’t believe I didn’t think to look.”
“Do you think he’s really dating Scarlet?”
That last one, in particular, stung because she shoved her phone in my face to flash pictures of Griffin and Scarlet together—at the exact park where I’d left him.
The two were captured entangled in some kind of intimate romp—laughing and smiling at one another like they were truly in love and oblivious to any cameras around.
It didn’t matter how much I didn’t want to be in photos with him, a part of me was jealous he was with her instead of me.
He treated me with nothing but kindness.
In fact, I smiled and laughed more than I have in a long time.
He gave no indication of anything but a possible friendship between us.
And yet…the way his eyes pierced into mine with such focus and intimacy made me tingle all over every time we made eye contact.
Maybe he gives that kind of direct attention to everyone he meets?
Or maybe I should stop acting like a pining fool—reading into our interactions too much—over a man I just met.
Who also happens to have a very famous, equally gorgeous girlfriend.
“Okay, young lady, it’s time we had our little chat.” Lynn pulls out both rolling chairs from the front desk and holds one out for me. “I’ve patiently waited all day to find out exactly what’s eating you from the inside out. It’s all over your face. Now sit.”
I do as commanded and sit across from her, our knees nearly touching.
She pulls out the bottom drawer behind the counter—our secret stash of candy bars. “I have a feeling this calls for some candy therapy. What’s your chosen poison?”
“Twix, please.” I hold out my hand, and she slaps it into my palm. Mine is ripped open and a bite is in my mouth before she closes the drawer with her selected PayDay.
“Let me guess. Griffin?”
“Yup.” I accentuate the p with a pop.
“What happened?”
“I took your advice and agreed to a session.”
“Good.” She squeezes my knee. “That’s great, honey. I’m proud of you.”
I yank off another bite of caramel into my mouth. “It was good. Until I saw people taking pictures of us. I panicked. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Lynn, what if I can’t do it? Being around him is like reliving my past. I refuse to have that kind of lifestyle again.”
She nods, quietly chewing her candy bar. “Can’t or won’t?”
We both chew in silence as her question marinates.
“Listen, you know I’d never tell you what to do.
You know what’s best for you, but—and this is a very big but—only you can make your dream come true.
Sometimes the greatest risks give us the greatest rewards.
Only you can decide if this particular risk is worth the possibility of catapulting you toward the next step in opening your rescue foundation.
You’ve done great applying for grants, but it might be time to do more. ”
Given that I’ve had zilch success with grants, I get it.
But, “More?” Really? No part of me wants to do more socializing, more putting myself out there, more rubbing elbows with anyone famous—even if they’re the most kind and handsome man I’ve ever met.
I arch a skeptical eyebrow, gently reminding her that she needs to consider who she’s talking to.
“Yes. You.” She points to me. “You need to put yourself out there and meet people.”
The very things I don’t want to do.
For some reason, this suggestion makes me think of my sister, whom I still haven’t called. My feelings about her are a jumbled mess. I’m not sure I’m ready to be quite so…vulnerable yet. Then again, Cecily “ put herself out there” as Lynn says. Couldn’t I do the same?
“At the very least, you need a handful of people for your board to start your nonprofit. You have me. Always. But you’ll need more support if you ever want to get this rescue off the ground.”
I wad up the candy bar wrapper and toss it in the trash. “I know. But couldn’t I start with someone else? Literally, anyone else?”
She smiles at me. “You could, but you’ve been given such a wonderful opportunity here.
Surely you see that? A man with connections and infinite possibilities.
With his clout, you could attract all kinds of sponsors, supporters, and attention.
Think of all the dogs you could help. Starting with Roxy. ”
My mind snags on the word attention .
“But that’s exactly what I’m afraid of.”
“Honey, I love you, but you’ve got to stop living in the dark.
If you want to follow your dreams, you’ve got to learn to shine.
” She stands and arches her back. “Okay missy, it’s time for me to get home to my new hubby and this tired back on a heating pad.
You go home and think it over. Make one of those pros and cons lists you like. Nothing has to be decided today.”
“I practically ran away at the park. He probably thinks I’m a flake, and he can’t take me seriously.”
She slides her purse on her shoulder. “Something tells me he doesn’t think that. Then again, you won’t know unless you give him a chance.”
After I’ve taken care of the dogs and eaten some dinner, I slip out of my apartment and cross the short walkway to check on Judith. I knock and wait. Nothing. I knock again. Nothing.
Rosita, the neighbor above Judith, leans over the upstairs railing. “You looking for Judith?”
I step back to get a better angle. “Yes. Is she home? Her car’s here.”
Rosita shakes her head. “An ambulance came earlier this afternoon and took her.”
My pulse accelerates. “Is she okay?”
She shrugs. “Not sure. They put an oxygen mask on her and loaded her on a gurney. That’s all I know.”
I swallow hard. “Was she…is she…alive?”
“She was when she left.”
“Okay, thank you so much, Rosita. I’ll call her son and see if I can find out anything.”
She waves and disappears from the landing.
I rush into my apartment and search my contacts for Judith’s son, Robert.
I dial the number. It rings and rings before going to voicemail.
“Hi, Robert, it’s Ashton, Judith’s neighbor.
I’m told she was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
I assume you’ve been contacted. I’d really like to know how she is.
If you could call me back, I’d appreciate it.
” I leave my cell number and fall onto my couch.
Surely, she’s okay. She had that cough, basic allergy symptoms. Nothing more. Right?
Before my mind can spiral into too much worry, a notification chimes on my phone. I rush to glance at it. Not Robert. Griffin. I swipe it open.
Griffin
Are you okay?
I clutch the phone to my chest and stretch out across my couch cushions.
Why does he have to be so nice? Couldn’t he just forget about me?
That’d certainly be easier. Though, the thought makes me infinitely sad.
Despite my fears, something in me wants to be given another chance.
To prove to myself I can do it. Spending more time with him would just be a bonus.
Ashton
I am. I’m sorry I had to leave so quickly.
Please excuse my complicated weirdness.
Hopefully he can read between the lines.
Griffin
Roxy did great walking to the car on the leash. Zero resistance.
My lungs release their air and a smile stretches my cheeks.
Ashton
See! I told you! Every bit of progress counts.
Griffin
She’s also taken a liking to her new dog bed next to mine. Though, she still won’t come to me when I call her.
Ashton
She’ll get there. Just give her time.
Griffin
It’s thanks to you, you know. Speaking of… Are you ready to schedule our next lesson?
I gnaw on my lower lip. It’s time I stop sitting on the sidelines, waiting for my chance to leap into my dream, and start making things happen.
Ashton
Yes, but…
Griffin
Waiting on pins and needles here.
As I’m typing, a picture of Roxy comes across the text thread.
Griffin
She said she misses you.
I delete my request and respond to his picture instead.
Ashton
Is that so?
Griffin
Yup. She told me.
Bubbles pop up on the screen. My thumbs hover over my phone, waiting.
Griffin
I enjoyed our time together today. Roxy did too. I’d hate for it to come to an end.
My palms start to sweat. My pulse thrums in my throat. Is he simply being nice or flirting? The confusing flutter in my heart hardens my resolve to say the conditions I have in mind.
Ashton
I have conditions. For the training.
Griffin
I’m all ears.
Ashton
No more public meetings. If we’re to continue training, it’ll need to be at your home.
Griffin
Sure. That’s easy. Is that all?
He has a girlfriend. The last thing I want is to look like a fool for assuming there’s anything more between us.
The lines need to be clear, for my own heart’s sake.
He’s famous. He could be used to dating multiple women for all I know.
But I’m not that kind of girl. I refuse to play someone else’s games.
Ashton
I know you’re in a relationship with Scarlet Rhodes, but I want to make it clear, this will remain a strictly professional relationship between us.
I want to vomit. I’m an idiot, making too big of assumptions. I nearly fling my phone across the couch when his text bubbles appear.
Griffin
Not a problem.
Not a problem? Not a problem? He says exactly what I want to hear. And yet, my heart droops slightly. I guess all those flutters and tingles I’ve been feeling have been one-sided. Good to know.
He’s not attracted to you, Ashton.
Glad we got that cleared up.
More dots.
Griffin
I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable today. I will follow your lead from here on out. You’re the boss, Teach.
Follow my lead? Why didn’t he say he has nothing but professional feelings toward me? Or what I would have preferred: don’t believe everything you read in tabloids! Even I know not everything they publish is true. But I also recognize some serious reaching—and hoping—on my part.
Griffin
You’re great at what you do. I’d love to continue working with you. And you’re more than welcome to bring Teddy with you anytime. He and Roxy seemed to really hit it off. Plus, I think he might have a thing for me.
That last part. Why does he have to be so adorable? Not to mention accommodating?
Griffin
Is there anything else?
Nope. He granted me everything I’d laid out to continue this insane venture. I had no more reasons to withhold pursuing this massive step. With numb thumbs, I type…
Ashton
How does next Saturday morning work for you?