And Ashley found Owen, her very suitable date, another young lady with whom to dance. So all went well, and everyone seemed pleased. Ashley and I ended the evening sitting at our table, admiring the whole affair and toasting that we weren’t in the limelight.
“I ate my weight in appetizers tonight.”
Ashley threw me a glance. “Not hard to do.” She returned her gaze to the dance floor.
“I see that Will’s here,” I said.
Ashley followed my stare. I expected her to light up, but she only nodded.
“I saw him earlier. He called last week.”
“He called you?”
“He’s called a few times. That was the first one I answered. I wanted to be done, Sam—odd that he’s calling now. He looks nice tonight, doesn’t he?”
“He always does.” I paused and decided to ask. “Is he a good guy, Ash?” I didn’t want someone playing with her emotions. I envisioned Josh and Logan.
“He is. That’s why I adored him for so long. He’s one of the good guys.” I couldn’t tell if she sounded disappointed or resigned, but this wasn’t the place to dig, so I let it go.
We sipped our champagne and watched the world dip and twirl around us. Constance changed from her bridal gown into a lovely pale pink suit, and the happy couple left in a shower of rose petals and sparklers. They’re off now on a “European tour.” I couldn’t help but think of Amy March fromLittle Women. Constance isn’t so different from Amy: she loves beautiful things and is quite tenacious about acquiring them. But I think, like Amy, she truly loves her family and her new husband. She gave Ashley the sweetest hug as she fled to the limo. They both had tears in their eyes.
I left Ashley at brunch this morning and headed for the airport. She had a huge smile and super-bright eyes, and seemed happier than I’ve seen her in a long time. Maybe this moving forward is working for her. She’s doing what she loves, living in her own rented apartment, and generally stepping out on her own. I noticed her mother left her alone more this weekend too. She seemed to respect Ash more, and didn’t talk down to her or across her. She reserved that for me, but that was okay. Everyone needs an outlet.
So the summer progresses, and I have exactly one month left at theTribune. I already dread the last day, because I’m moving forward too. I hop off the Metra every morning with the biggest grin on my face, take a deep breath, and know I’m stepping into my best dream. I never imagined this. Even Josh seems a distant memory.
I also upped my running and think I’ll try the Chicago Marathon again. It’s been a couple years and I’d like to give it a go. Besides, with all the food Alex feeds me, I need the exercise. We get together most days now, and tomorrow we head to the café at the Art Institute. I’ve no idea what horror he plans for Cole inside those walls, but I want to peek around the galleries before lunch.
I laughed at Kyle this evening because he’s running more too, but not for sheer enjoyment. Coach Ridley told him about passing the foster parenting classes. They’re now awaiting judicial approval, and Kyle is beside himself with anticipation. The poor kid runs each day to calm his nerves. A ruling should have come weeks ago, but there was a hang-up, so Kyle waits—and runs.
I’m off for a run too,
Sam
JULY 26
Dear Mr. Knightley,
The text
Coffee? Lunch? Day? Start at Starbucks on Wells and North. 10 am?
awaited me when I came home from my run this morning.
Hmmm . . . Old Town on a Saturday and a whole day? This was new and intriguing . . . I texted back:
Just got this. See you at 10:15.
I showered, threw on a pair of khaki shorts, cute ballet slippers, and a white short-sleeved blouse. The Muirs left me their cars, so I got to Lincoln Park quickly and felt dressed for anything—except Alex’s plans.
“You’re not wearing running shoes.” Alex bounced around the Starbucks—too much espresso.
“You said nothing about running,” I laughed. “I’ve already run ten this morning.”
“You ran?” Sad, puppy-dog eyes.
“I can run more. What’s up?”
“I thought we’d start the day at the zoo and wander Lincoln Park, eat lunch, then go for a run later this afternoon and catch a movie.”
