My phone rings as I tighten my bun.
Ashley.
Panic rushes through me when I see her name. Not because talking to her is odd, but because she’s calling.
Ever since we met, we’ve been texting nonstop, even sending voice messages, but actually calling? Never.
“What’s wrong?” I demand when I answer.
Ashley laughs. “Relax, nothing’s wrong.”
“But you called.”
She sighs. “I’m making lunch, so it was easier for me to call. Do you have a minute? I want to run something by you.”
“You’re sure that nothing is wrong?” I press.
“Yes, I’m fine, I promise!” She raises her voice a little.
“Okay. What’s up?”
She is quiet for a moment before she asks what she truly wants. “I was wondering, do you think it would be possible for me to come to the clubhouse?”
“You want to come here?” I ask, not bothering to hide the surprise in my voice.
“Yeah, I mean, unless outsiders aren’t allowed in or something,” she says hesitantly.
“No, you can totally come here. I just wasn’t expecting you to ask. Have you talked to your brother about it?” I chew my bottom lip.
I don’t know how he will feel about it.
Ashley sighs. “No, I was actually hoping maybe we could surprise him.”
I think about it for a minute. I hate the idea of keeping something from Asher, even for just a few hours.
“I don’t know, Ashley. Your brother doesn’t seem to be the type to really like surprises.”
“Please? I really want to surprise him. Look, it’s been years since I’ve had unlimited access to my brother. Now with everything that’s changed, I would really like to start spending more time with him. Meet the people he cares about,” she pleads.
It is pulling at my heartstrings. Another guilt that settles inside. He gave up his sister to go undercover and blew it all for me.
Leaning against the counter, I sigh.
I get it. I do. Hell, I used to feel the same way about Calloway. Our brothers are more alike than I would like to admit.
Calloway has no problem with my being here, so Asher shouldn’t care if she comes, right? I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? She would be safe with me.
“You know what? Fine. When do you want to come?” I ask her.
“Today,” she says immediately.
“Really?”
“Yes, really. I’m not giving you a chance to change your mind.” She laughs.
“Okay, sure. Do you want to drive here, or do you want me to come get you?”
“If you don’t mind coming to pick me up, I would appreciate it. I hate driving to strange places when I’ve never been there before,” she admits.
